Your fly, stay and cruise package includes:

• Economy class flight to Auckland
• Private transfer from airport to hotel
• 4 nights accommodation including breakfast
• Taste of Waiheke
• Auckland Wine Country with Lunch
• Rangitoto Return Ferry
• 14 night New Zealand & Australia Christmas Cruise onboard Westerdam, Auckland to Sydney
• All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues & selected non-alcoholic beverages
• A wide range of activities & entertainment onboard
• Port charges & prepaid gratuities onboard your cruise

***Rate is based on twin share for travel 16 December 2022 to 3 January 2023***

Taste of Waiheke
Visit four iconic vineyards and artisanal producers! Stonyridge Vineyard - Nestled in a valley of olive trees and vines, this romantic venue is known for their Cabernet blends. We enjoy relaxed light lunch outdoor and wine tasting. Casita Miro - A sprawling Spanish-style vineyard is renowned for its delightful tapas-inspired food and fine wines. Rangihoua Estate - Sample internationally-awarded Extra Virgin Olive Oil surrounded by olive groves and native New Zealand Forest. Mudbrick Vineyard - Learn about Mudbrick’s varietals during a special cellar door tasting. Relax on the terrace or wander the garden, enjoying sweeping sea views all the way to Auckland City. This tour includes return ferry to Waiheke Island from downtown Auckland, and scenic coach transfers and also Complimentary All Day Bus Pass to further explore.

Auckland Wine Country with Lunch
Leave behind the bustle of Auckland city and head northwest to join our afternoon wine tour and taste the flavours of Kumeu Wine Country, Auckland’s Heritage Wine Region. We take care of the driving while you sample world renowned wines, enjoy lunch at a contemporary vineyard restaurant and check out the stunning coast. Even if you have never done a wine tour or been wine tasting before our guides make it a relaxed and enjoyable experience for a great day out. Your first stop is at Soljans Vineyard. Soljans has won many awards for their wines and they are also widely acknowledged in New Zealand as being an expert producer of methode traditionelle (bottle-fermented) sparkling wines. Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at Soljans Winery restaurant. The winery is built with sunshine in mind and serves Mediterranean-style food with a New Zealand twist, showcasing fresh seasonal produce from around the region. Next to tempt the taste buds is a wine tasting at Coopers Creek vineyard which offers outstanding wines from New Zealand’s best regions. Coopers Creek produces a wide variety of wines and are adventurous in their choice of grapes and blends. Next, you visit Muriwai beach which is one of the region’s special places. We make a stop to get amazing views along the coast and talk about what makes the west coast Auckland beaches unique. From August to April you will also have the chance to see one of the world’s largest seabirds in their natural environment. At that time of year, Muriwai is home to one of the few mainland gannet nesting sites in the world situated on the cliff-tops overlooking the Tasman Sea. Here you get a close-up of the gannet colony without disturbing their environment. Your final wine tasting is at West Brook Winery. The West Brook cellar door looks across an idyllic duck pond and terraced picnic area to row after row of vines. The wines reflect true varietal character and their unique regional origins. Without exception, they are premium quality and have won numerous awards. This half day ‘wineries out west’ wine tour is a great introduction to the region.

Rangitoto Return Ferry
The volcanic Rangitoto Island is one of the most iconic landmarks in Auckland’s city skyline. Sitting majestically off the coast, Rangitoto’s distinctive symmetrical cone rises 260 metres over the Hauraki Gulf. Rangitoto is situated about 8 km northeast of Auckland, and is connected to Motutapu Island by a causeway, so it’s possible to walk between the two. What do I need? Plenty of water, snacks and lunch, as there are no food outlets on the island. Good walking shoes, sun block and a sun hat. A light rain jacket, and warm layers. Temperatures can change quickly regardless of the season. This is a pest-free island. You must take all your rubbish, including leftover food, off the island with you. Return Ferry Timetables Winter: Monday to Friday - 12:45pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays - 12:45pm, 2:30pm and 4:00pm Summer: Monday to Friday - 12:45pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays - 12:45pm, 2:30pm, 4:00pm and 5:00pm.

New Zealand & Australia Christmas Cruise Itinerary