Food and Drink 

Take the day to visit charming Hahndorf, a historic settlement that remains rich in German heritage. Here you spend some time browsing through the main street, Australia's oldest German settlement, and browse amongst the many craft shops and galleries. Alternatively you may take a non-guided tour of Hahndorf Academy, with time to view the original Hans Heysen artworks (entrance to the gallery is by coin donation). Meet your fellow tour mates for a scrumptious two course lunch at Hahndorf Inn Hotel, and appreciate the unsurpassed views from the summit of Mount Lofty; one of the best vantage points in the Adelaide Hills with wonderful views to the city, suburbs, the surrounding valleys and towns, as well as the coastline.. The quaint village of Hahndorf and the spectacular views of the city suburbs and coastline from the summit of Mount Lofty are not to be missed.

Perhaps one of South Australia’s best kept secrets is the picturesque McLaren Vale where vineyards, almond orchards and olive groves all grow within sight of the sea. The region is known for its wonderful Shiraz and Grenache which are grown in many family owned boutique wineries. On this tour you will have the chance to taste wines and produce at exceptional estates; Parri Estate - a family wine company producing wines that are a unique reflection of the region in which they are grown. Leconfield McLaren Vale – the Cellar Door is also company headquarters, and the home of Richard Hamilton Wines, the building is nestled amongst the vineyards with magnificent views to the Willunga escarpment. McLaren Vale Olive Grove – to sample Olive Oil products including oil, fruit, pastes, and wine beauty products and fine local almonds at the Almond Train A tasting and lunch will be hosted amongst beautiful scenery at a local winery, the perfect way to encapsulate your day in McLaren Vale.

South Australia’s best-known wine region, the Barossa Valley is home to many of Australia’s major producers. This tour takes you into the heart of Australia’s single most important wine producing region for a day of structured wine appreciation tastings, gourmet food and delightful surrounds. Explore the valley on a scenic drive and visit famed Jacob’s Creek Winery, Australia’s largest wine brand. Your tour includes a formal tasting and morning tea. Next, explore all your senses with a visit to Yaldara Estate for a tour and tasting, one of the most picturesque and attractive wine tourist destinations in Australia. Nestled in a private valley, surrounded by picture postcard vineyards, the Chateau sits proudly, perched on a hill overlooking the North Para River. Last but not least enjoy a tour and wine tasting at Chateau Tanunda based in an amazing village of leafy streets and heritage with sausage shops, German bread shops and German-style restaurants – as well as boutiques, galleries and wine shops. A must do event in Adelaide.

After a short drive board your purpose-built river launch for a cruise along the lower reaches of the Murray River, the fifth largest river system in the world, to the river mouth and Coorong National Park. From the Mundoo Channel in the pristine salt water estuary and cruise to the Murray Mouth and Coorong National Park. Join guided walks when the vessel stops at Godfrey’s Landing and keep your eyes peeled for some of the 200 species of birds which have made this special environment their home. Lunch and afternoon tea will be served en route. Cruise through this large wetland area of international significance which is separated from the Southern Ocean by a narrow sand dune peninsula

Take in the best of Canterbury with this scenic drive and train ride. Enjoy a two hour stunning scenic drive up to Arthur’s Pass, stopping at Homebush for morning tea. The homestead is surrounded by eight acres of woodland gardens and offers a fascinating glimpse of colonial farming. Travel then to Arthur’s Pass where you will board the world famous Tranzalpine Train. A spectacle of unrivalled scenery unfolds as you journey across viaducts and through tunnels in the heart of the Southern Alps. Snow-capped mountains, native rainforest, and river gorges adorn this remote region of New Zealand. Leave Arthur’s Pass National Park, encompassing 24,000 acres of rainforest, pass the town of Springfield and then enter the Canterbury Plains on your journey to Rolleston. Disembark the train in Rolleston and re-join your coach for another scenic drive back to your ship. This is a full day tour. This tour may operate in reverse order.

Meet farmers Murray, Sue, and William Johns as they welcome you to Paua Bay Farm. The farm is 367 hectares and farms up to 4500 sheep, 100 cattle, and 200 deer. Upon arrival, visitors will be greeted and given an overview of the family history and the development of the farm. The sheepdogs will then give a comprehensive show of working sheep on the steep hills of Paua Bay. During this time, visitors will take an active part in separating sheep. A sheep shearing demonstration is followed by an explanation of wool handling and different types of wool are shown. Visitors can stroll through the beautiful garden with its native trees and bushes. Enjoy a morning or afternoon tea before returning to your ship.

This tour, via three different modes of transport (coach, tussock buggy, and jet boat), offers an in-depth look at the rugged Canterbury High country at the base of the majestic Southern Alps, into areas that even New Zealanders seldom see. Journey by coach from Akaroa and watch the landscape change as you travel across the Canterbury Plains, the Waimakariri River, to enter the foothills of the majestic Southern Alps. Continue on through a 10,000 acre station to a secluded lodge right next to the Waimakariri Gorge. Here board a large all-weather Hamilton jet boat for a six mile scenic river cruise through the spectacular Waimakariri Gorge. Experience the thrill of skimming over the water- a time only inches deep while feeling safe and secure. Next, join a specially designed 4WD tussock buggy and set off on an 12 mile adventure safari through the vast 35,000 acre Flock Hill Station. Learn about the colourful history of this remote and isolated area as your journey takes you along the original stagecoach road, hand-built by the early pioneers to gain access to the gold fields on the west coast. Enjoy a buffet lunch at Flock Hill Lodge before returning on a chartered coach to your ship. The tour may operate in reverse order.

Join Ant and Lou Bentley from the well renowned Akaroa Cooking School for a morning of cooking demonstrations, wine, tastings and learning about all of the wonderful produce available from around the stunning Banks Peninsula. The cooking school is located at the end of the main wharf with fabulous views of the harbour and surrounding hills. The day will begin with tea / coffee and freshly baked pastries. Then it is time to get comfortable and learn about the abundant local produce, whilst Lou cooks up four tasty dishes that might include: Hot Smoked Akaroa Salmon on Pickled Cucumber Salad with Microgreens and Lemon and Mandarin Oil, Rare fillet of Grain Finished Beef with Horseradish Pannacotta and Parmesan Crisp with Balsamic Glaze, Grilled Gurnard Fillets on Lemon and Green Pea Risotto or Pan Seared Lamb Rump with Chorizo, Fresh Tomato and Basil Sauce. Then its time to taste the results washed down with a glass of local award winning wine. Come and see for yourself why Lonely Planet have named The Akaroa Cooking School No. 4 in its top 10 places to learn to cook local cuisine in the world.’

Board your coach in Akaroa and then sit back and relax as you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Banks Peninsula on your drive to Christchurch. In Christchurch, board your punt, a flat bottomed boat, and enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Avon River. Sink back into the velvet cushions of your boat as the Edwardian punter gently glides you down the river. Then board your coach for a drive through the University of Canterbury and view of number of suburban gardens from the vantage of your coach. Continue to Melton Estate Winery where you will enjoy a tasting platter and sample some local wine. Melton Estate is a boutique winery that produces aware winning wines, which you will sample, and is a beautiful venue to enjoy your lunch.

Travel the Auckland wine trail to visit some of the country’s premier wine estates for guided tours and tastings. Few wineries in New Zealand can claim to have a prouder winemaking heritage than in this region of New Zealand. Visit Soljans Estate Wines, a company that thrives through the appreciation and loyalty of wine lovers in both New Zealand and overseas. Enjoy a tour and tastings. Next, pay a visit to the proud owner of some of New Zealand’s most respected wine brands: Nobilo Winery. The Nobilo family were drivers in taking the New Zealand wine industry away from hybrid grape varieties and fortified wines, to classic varieties and a higher level of wine. Last but not least be treated to one more award-winning winery during your tour for tasting. Please note that the order of wineries visited may vary.