With close–up Platinum seats at this fantastic event and accommodation at Wellington’s boutique 5 star Bolton Hotel, soak up the WOW atmosphere then travel through the Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay countryside for two nights on the Napier waterfront. Meeting our hosts at private homestead lunches is a special highlight and we stay at the Chateau Tongariro too.
What Tracy loves about this tour:
With Platinum seats at WOW and four private lunches with wonderful hosts along the way, I can't think of a better way to celebrate spring. It's an irresistible combination and our clients agree - many return to travel on this tour a second and third time.
6 Day / 5 Night tour departing Auckland with stays in Napier, Tongariro National Park and of course, the World of WearableArt Awards show in Wellington
Day 1: Auckland - Carmel Farm - The Chateau Tongariro
We depart Auckland and drive into the rural heart of the North Island before stopping for lunch at Carmel Farm in Pio Pio with Rachel and Denzil Anselmi.
The farming landscape becomes more rugged as we drive through the King Country to the country town of Taumarunui and on to National Park. We arrive at the Chateau Tongariro Hotel at Whakapapa village at the foot of Mt Ruapehu. There's time to relax and enjoy the alpine outlook before dining in this classic, landmark hotel.
What you'll love today
- Private lunch with Rachel and Denzil Anselmi. at their Pio Pio Farm
- At the Chateau Tongariro enjoy the stunning views and ambience of this classic hotel
Accommodation
Day 2: The Chateau Tongariro - Wellington
We drive up the mountain road to the Top of the Bruce to enjoy the snowy panorama, if the weather permits. We continue around the slopes of Mt Ruapehu to Ohakune, an attractive village popular with skiers, nestled on the edge of a beech forest.
Further south we stop at our favourite cafe for lunch. We continue down the coast with views out to Kapiti Island bird sanctuary. Arriving in Wellington we check into your five star downtown hotel. We dine in the Bolton Hotel restaurant.
What you'll love today
- We drive up to the Top of the Bruce for views of Mount Ruapehu and the Central Plateau
- Enjoy the luxury of the Bolton 5 Star Hotel close to the action in the heart of Wellington City
Accommodation
Day 3: Wellington sightseeing - Pepped Warbeck Garden - World of WearableArt Awards Show
In Wellington we visit Te Papa Museum and lunch with Fee and David Weaver at Pepped Warbeck garden. We tour to Oriental Bay and drive up Mt Victoria.
We dine at Dockside restaurant on the waterfront adjacent to the TSB Arena before attending the 7.30pm performance of the World of WearableArt Awards Show. Pick up your complimentary programme in the foyer and enjoy a close-up view from your Platinum seat.
What you'll love today
- Private lunch at Pepped Warbeck garden with Fee and David Weaver
- Platinum seats offer close up views of the spectacular World of WearableArt Awards Show
Accommodation
Day 4: Wellington - Greytown - Gwavas Homestead - Napier
We drive over the Rimutaka Ranges to Greytown where boutique shops line the main street. Travel north up the Wairarapa passing the small towns of Norsewood and Waipukurau.
Lunch at Gwavas in Tikokino, Hawkes Bay with Phyllida and Stuart Gibson. Tour this historic homestead and hear their stories of 150 years of family history and wander the nine hectare woodland garden at its springtime best. We continue to Napier and dine in your hotel tonight.
What you'll love today
- In the Wairarapa, we stop to check out the boutique shops of Greytown
- Lunch at historic Gwavas Garden, the beautiful gardens and grounds are yours to roam
Accommodation
Day 5: Hawkes Bay Sightseeing
This morning a specialist Art Deco guide boards our coach to tell the stories of the 1931 earthquake and Napier's rebuild as we drive leisurely through the Art Deco suburbs and stop at the classic National Tobacco Company building.
We drive through the landscape of orchards and vineyards, touring to Hastings and Havelock North to lunch at Te Awa Winery and Restaurant. Returning along the picturesque TukiTuki Road to Clive and Te Awanga. We dine in our hotel.
What you'll love today
- Explore the sights with a private guide on an Art Deco tour of Napier
- Tour the idyllic Hawke's Bay countryside
Accommodation
Day 6: Napier - Taupo - Moondance Manor - Auckland
We leave Napier after breakfast driving over the ranges and stopping at a lookout to view the spectacular Waipunga Falls before continuing to Taupo.
Our farewell lunch is hosted by Stephen and Jeanette Williams at Moondance Manor sitting amidst beautiful gardens in Tamahere. We arrive home in Auckland in the early evening.
What you'll love today
- Take in the wonderful view of the Waipunga Falls
- Our final celebratory lunch at Moondance Manor is a memorable highlight
