February is an extraordinary time to experience New Zealand. The summer sun bathes the islands in golden light, the air invigoratingly crisp and clear. This journey encompasses both the North and South Islands—from Auckland's bustling harbors to Queenstown's majestic alpine vistas. It is a route less traveled, yet profoundly rich in authentic experiences: breathtaking landscapes, wholesome food, fine wines, and compelling stories from the heart of this remarkable land.
On the North Island, you'll stroll along Auckland’s scenic coastline, then sail leisurely to Waiheke Island for a splendid day savoring exceptional food and wine beneath clear skies. In Rotorua, stand beneath towering, ancient redwoods—serene guardians of time—and witness the geothermal wonders of Waimangu, alive with steam and fire. Under a canopy of stars, partake in an unforgettable Māori feast, then wander the enchanting green hills of Hobbiton, where timeless stories linger.
Then southward, to Blenheim in the Marlborough region, famed for its crisp white wines and seafood fresh from the surrounding Sounds. In Queenstown, majestic mountains rise around you like trusted companions. You’ll embark upon a tranquil lake cruise, savor fireside dining at historic Walter Peak Station, and raise a toast in Central Otago, renowned for its deeply expressive Pinot Noir.
Comfortable accommodations. Effortless travel. Memorable dining. This is New Zealand—off the usual path and splendidly timed.
On arrival meet Sam and your local, knowledgeable guide for a private tour of Auckland city. Welcome Dinner at Ahi, a renowned restaurant located in Auckland's Commercial Bay
Accommodation QT Auckland hotel Included Meals DinnerWaiheke Island boasts 92km2 of pristine beaches, stunning coastal headlands, wineries, olive groves and seaside villages and is approximately a 40-minute cruise from Downtown Auckland. One of our most popular destinations, Waiheke Island has been rated as one of the top island escapes in the world. Enjoy a two-course lunch with one glass of wine., After lunch visit an award-winning olive oil estate, where you’ll tour the olive groves, taste olive oil plus learn about harvesting techniques, and watch a short video on the production of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Accommodation QT Auckland hotel Included Meals Breakfast, LunchYour tour starts with a drive through the picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Your guide will escort you through the ten acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created. Hobbit holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and other structures can be viewed and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth Lunch is included today at Hobbiton before continuing on to Rotorua.
Accommodation Pullman Rotorua hotel Included Meals Breakfast, LunchExperience the amazing geothermal activity and stunning volcanic landscapes of the “world’s youngest geothermal area“ Waimangu Volcanic Valley on a guided walk. See NZ’s largest boiling mud lake, Lady Knox Geyser erupting daily to heights of 20 metres, colourful volcanic craters of every tint and hue, hot streams, boiling hot springs, hissing fumeroles, vividly coloured silica terraces, steaming cliffs, hot crater lakes, unique thermally adapted plants, native rainforest and birdlife. Afternoon at Leisure Te Pā Tū - Cultural Evening and Dinner
Accommodation Pullman Rotorua hotel Included Meals Breakfast, DinnerAfter breakfast, take an ecological walk which provides a unique birds eye perspective of the forest and captures its picturesque beauty and ambience. At half a kilometre long, this one of a kind New Zealand treewalk consists of a series of 23 suspension bridges, which traverse between 22 majestic 110-year-old Redwood Trees. Air New Zealand flights (included) Rotorua - Wellington 12.45pm / 2pm Wellington - Blenheim 3.15pm / 3.45pm (1hr 15min layover in Wellington. No direct flight between Rotorua and Blenheim) Check in at the 5-star star Chateau Marlborough hotel in Blenheim * Dinner on your own. We will have restaurant recommendations
Accommodation Chateau Marlborough Hotel, Blenheim Included Meals BreakfastMorning At Leisure and Lunch on your own. Afternoon: Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds with the exclusive afternoon Seafood Odyssea Cruise, departing Picton. Sample local seafood such as salmon, and Greenshell mussels, with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc for the definitive wine/food match. Keeping an eye out for local wildlife including seals, dolphins and birds. 12.30pm - Hotel pick-up and transfer to Picton (30-45 minute drive) 1.30pm - Seafood Odyssea Cruise 4.30pm - Return to Picton and transfer to Blenheim 5.15pm - Hotel drop-off Dinner at Frank's Oyster Bar
Accommodation Chateau Marlborough hotel in Blenheim Included Meals Breakfast, DinnerA full day discovering Marlborough’s wineries, vineyards and distilleries. 9am - Hotel pick-up and winery visit for guided tasting 12pm - Second winery for tasting and two-course lunch 2pm - Free time at The Vines Village 4pm - Transfer to hotel Dinner on your own.
Accommodation Chateau Marlborough hotel in Blenheim Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch8.45 AM - Hotel pick-up 9 AM - Airport check-in Air New Zealand flights Blenheim - Auckland 9.45am / 11.15am Auckland - Queenstown 12.25pm / 2.20pm 1 hour 10 minute layover in Auckland. Arrive Queenstown and check in at Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Queenstown Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Accommodation Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Queenstown Included Meals Breakfast, DinnerDay at leisure: A few suggestions of optional tours and activities below. (Optional, additional cost) 1. Milford Sound - Coach-Cruise-Fly 2. Dart River Jetboat Safari 3. Quad Bike/ 4WD Queenstown 4. Bungy Jump Queenstown 5. Queenstown Zipline
Accommodation Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Queenstown Included Meals BreakfastA full day discovering some fabulous Central Otago wineries, a local distillery, and endless breathtaking landscapes. 9.30am - Hotel pick-up 10.15am - Distillery visit and tasting 12pm - Lunch at Cardrona Hotel 2.30pm - Visit two wineries for tastings 5pm - Transfer to hotel Farewell Dinner at SODA Restaurant
Accommodation Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Queenstown Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerEnjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to the airport - approx 30 minute drive Times to be confirmed, subject to international flight departures Hotel pick-up Airport check-in Air New Zealand flights Queenstown - Auckland
Included Meals Breakfast
We create curated experiences around 4 things: wine, food, entertainment, and culture. We are steeped in the world of winemakers, distillers, and artisan food creators in each destination. We are a family-owned & family-run enterprise–hospitality is at the heart of everything we do.
Views of Auckland’s volcanoes, Westhaven Marina, and the lush Auckland Domain.
Tamaki with harbor views toward Bastion Point, Mission Bay, and iconic Rangitoto Island.
Lunch at a local café and a four-course welcome dinner at Ahi, a celebrated NZ restaurant.
Just 40 minutes from Auckland with world-renowned beaches, wine, and coastal beauty.
Private luxury tour with a local guide.
Premium wine tastings at 2 top wineries and a two-course lunch with a glass of wine.
Tour of an award-winning olive estate with tasting and learning about harvesting and production techniques.
Guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set with detailed storytelling and film production insights
Iconic film set landmarks including hobbit holes, The Green Dragon Inn, and The Mill
Scenic farmland vistas and lunch at Hobbiton overlooking the Kaimai Ranges
Seafood Odyssea Cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound aboard a luxury catamaran, viewing dolphins, seals, and native birds in stunning coastal scenery.
Wine and Seafood Tasting featuring salmon, Greenshell mussels, and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Wildlife Viewing of dolphins, seals, and native birds in stunning coastal scenery.
Full Day Wine Tour with stops and tastings at two of Marlborough’s most iconic wineries.
Lake Wakatipu Cruise from Queenstown Bay to Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Gourmet BBQ Dinner at a stunning lakeside setting with mountain views.
Central Otago Wine Tour showcasing the region’s dramatic landscapes and top vineyards.
Gibbston Valley Exploration in the renowned ‘Valley of the Vines’ wine region.
Pinot Noir Tastings at award-winning wineries and cellar doors.
Artisan Distillery Visit featuring handcrafted spirits from a local family-owned producer.
Sam Kimball is a WSET-trained sommelier and co-founder of Crush Wine Experiences, the NY area’s #1 food & wine experience company. He travels frequently on cultural and wine excursions. As a wine professional who owns a wine retail store in the U.S., he knows the sake, spirits, and culture of Japan. Before each trip, Sam performs a careful inspection of each stop, not stopping until he finds the most unique places with a true wow factor for moments that surprise and delight. Over the years, Sam has established himself as an insider at each destination to give his guests exclusive access and VIP treatment. From boat captains in Capri to winery owners in Portugal, Sam is known as travelers’ go-to ticket to the best of the best. Each authentic experience leaves no stone unturned–curating every last detail — so you don’t have to! It’s not just about the places themselves, it’s about immersing yourself in the culture. With Crush Wine Experiences, Sam will take you behind the scenes to see each place in a never-before-seen light.
Talk with SamDon’t take our word for it – read what others say about their time traveling with us!
Byron H This trip through Lake Como and Piedmont with Sam was incredible. Everything was so well organized and we didn’t have to lift a finger. The accommodations were great, the pace was just right, and the group was a lot of fun. We spent two days biking through the Piedmont region and it was spectacular.
Laurene M This was my 5th trip with Sam and Crush Wine Experiences. The small group size, knowledgeable tour and local guides; as well as itineraries that immerse you in the food, wine and culture of each destination makes every trip unique. Looking forward to the next adventure!
Corinda C Naples & The Amalfi Coast: Extraordinary would be an understatement. Add exceptional, informative, delightful, and spectacular, and it would not be enough to describe my experience. The food, the accommodations, the guides, and Sam's attention to detail made this a wonderous journey. Do not hesitate to put one of their trips on your "To-Do List."
