Enjoy the rare opportunity to explore one of the world’s most fascinating destinations in a small private group with knowledgeable guides that will enhance your understanding of the attractions off the beaten path.
On this overland program, you will follow the roads less traveled to one-of-a-kind destinations that include an organic tea estate, two art galleries, a winery and the extraordinary Art Deco district in downtown Napier.
DAY 1 - February 5, 2022
After departing from the ship with just an overnight bag, you will settle in for an immensely scenic drive through the Waikato, a region best known for its rich dairy production and lush green pastures. In time, you will arrive at the Zealong Tea Estate, New Zealand’s only commercial tea estate that produce 100% organic teas.
During the enlightening tour of the estate, which encompasses more than a million tea plants, you will see how the tea is grown, picked and processed and how its organic certification is strictly maintained. It is a fascinating story, well worth discussing further over lunch and a tea tasting in the serene Tea House.
Continuing on to the rural community of Tamahere, you will soon stop at Inspirit, an art gallery and studio that showcases original New Zealand art. While browsing, you will see works in every imaginable medium, including paintings, ceramics, sculptures and jewellery.
Another artistic experience will await you at the Lava Glass and Sculpture Garden, the domain of glass artist Lynden. The native New Zealander creates extraordinary glassware that includes landscape designs, teardrop bowls and Hangi stones shaped like the river rocks used in traditional Maori cooking pits. While meandering through the Sculpture Garden, you will see hundreds of large glass sculptures, many of them in delightfully whimsical colours and shapes.
Following this visit, you will drive to the Hilton Lake Taupo Hotel, where you will spend the evening. Dinner will be on your own.
Day 2 - February 6, 2022
After a leisurely breakfast, you will begin the drive to Napier, first stopping at Church Road, a winery in Hawkes Bay. One of the oldest wineries in the country, Church Road traces its history back to 1897 when Bartholomew Steinmetz planted a vineyard next to its namesake Church Road. The winery produces internationally recognized reds and a range of notable whites and rosés, which you will sample along with a platter lunch.
Driving on to the city of Napier, you will learn about the catastrophic earthquake that struck here in 1931, devastating the region and destroying much of the town. Rebuilding began almost immediately with architects embracing the Art Deco style, to which they added a distinctive New Zealand flavor. Today, those buildings lend Napier a wonderful architectural flair, which you will discover by watching a film about the city’s recovery and by touring the downtown.
Afterwards, you will rejoin the ship.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details and the timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please carefully review your final itinerary for amendments.
DAY 1
8:30am Depart Mount Maunganui for Morrinsville
9:45am Restroom stop
10:20am Drive from Morrinsville to Zealong Tea Estate
10:50am Tea tour and tastings at Zealong Tea Estate
12:00pm Lunch at Zealong Tea Estate
1:10pm Drive to Inspirit Art Gallery in Tamahere
1:45pm Visit Inspirit Art Gallery
2:35pm Drive to Lava Glass
4:00pm Arrive at Lava Glass
5:05pm Drive to the hotel
Overnight at the Hilton Lake Taupo or similar hotel
DAY 2
8:00am Breakfast and hotel check out
9:00am Drive to Church Road winery
10:50am Tour the winery and museum
12:10pm Enjoy a light platter lunch with wine
1:15pm Drive to Napier
1:25pm Arrive at the Art Deco Centre
1:35pm Watch "The day that changed the bay" movie
2:00pm Tour downtown Napier
3:30pm Re-join the ship
Expected Weather
New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. The warmest months are December, January and February, while the coldest are in June, July and August. The mean daily temperature during January and February is 23 degrees Celsius (74 degrees Fahrenheit).
What to Bring
As it will be summer, light casual clothing is suggested as well as comfortable walking shoes. However, as the weather can be changeable, carry a rainproof jacket. Sunscreen is essential.
Local Currency
New Zealand dollars. U.S. dollars are generally accepted only in establishments such as souvenir stores. However, credit cards are widely accepted. For small purchases, it is strongly suggested that local currency be used. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, and some hotels. All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travelers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Banks are typically open from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Electricity
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels and motels provide 110-volt ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. Power outlets only accept angled two- or three-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. Bring your own travel adaptor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements
Citizens of the United States do not generally require a visa to visit New Zealand. Please refer to the New Zealand Immigration web site for further visa information.
Hotel
Hilton Lake Taupo
100/80 Napier-Taupo Rd, Hilltop, Taupo 3330, New Zealand
Phone: +64 7-378 7080
We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.
Program Includes
1 night at the Hilton Lake Taupo or similar hotel including breakfast – standard double room
Touring and lunches on Days 1 and 2
New Zealand Goods and Services Tax of 15.0 percent on the above items
Program Excludes for guests
Personal expenses and hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Any meals or beverages not listed above
Additional sightseeing and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Gratuities to drivers and guides
Please Note
Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion.
The sights visited on this program are not suitable for mobility-impaired guests. Therefore, we do not recommend this tour to those guests with limited mobility or who rely on a wheelchair. Also, persons under the age of 18 years are not permitted to take part in wine tastings.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
