New Zealand, between Art Deco and vineyards

WELLINGTON
Arrival in Wellington, the country’s capital, a colourful city full of charm set between hills and bay.
Pick up your rental car and check in at your hotel.

In the afternoon, we recommend exploring the city. Don’t miss St Paul’s Cathedral, one of the capital’s landmark buildings. It stands next to the European Parliament building. It is used both for daily worship and for services of national and international importance. The building has strong royal connections. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth laid the cathedral’s first stone herself in 1954, and a further commemorative stone in 1995 when it was completed.

Then discover the many facets of New Zealand at the interactive Te Papa museum (free entry). You’ll immerse yourself in the breadth of the country’s history, its unique natural history, the diversity of its population, its distinctive art, and the various forms taken by its contemporary artists to express Maori culture.

NAPIER
In the morning, drive to Napier, a small seaside resort with a French Riviera feel.
Napier is one of New Zealand’s most appealing towns. Located south of Hawkes Bay, it is often referred to as the Nice of the Pacific, with its many palm trees and sea breeze. It is also known for its Art Deco character. On 3 February 1931, Napier and its neighbour Hastings were devastated by a fire and an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale. Following this natural disaster, the Spanish Mission present at the time rebuilt the town in this new early 20th-century style.

Napier therefore holds the most complete collection of Art Deco buildings. You’ll have the chance to discover it through a 2-hour guided walk with an English-speaking specialist guide.

You’ll be fascinated by this timeless architecture, and your English-speaking guide will take you through Napier’s unique story, from its destruction to its rebirth.
At the end of this walk, a half-hour film screening on the earthquake that destroyed the town is available as an option.
We recommend dining at the Old Church Restaurant. This restaurant will surprise you with its unusual setting.
You’ll have the opportunity to dine in a historic local church, set amid a lavish decor surrounded by vineyards.

NAPIER – HASTINGS – CAPE KIDNAPPERS – NAPIER
This morning, explore the region.
On the agenda: wine tasting, a visit to Hastings, and a coastal walk at Cape Kidnappers.
From north of Napier to Bay View, vineyards thrive (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah), sheltered by the surrounding hills and sea winds. This is New Zealand’s second-largest wine-producing region, home to the country’s oldest estates, such as Mission Estate and Church Road vineyards.

You’ll take the Church Road route to visit one of the region’s estates. There, your host will show you around the cellars and tell you the story of the vineyard. You’ll then have the chance to taste the local wines.

In the afternoon, we recommend strolling through the Art Deco town of Hastings and/or continuing on to Cape Kidnappers. This promontory, located at the southeastern tip of Hawkes Bay, is a remarkable spot. The panorama is stunning and a real treat for the eyes. It is also home to the country’s largest gannet colony.

Drive back to Napier at the end of the day.

NAPIER – WELLINGTON
Drive back to Wellington; depending on your departure schedule, you can return at your own pace. Drop off your vehicle at the airport (or at the depot in town).

Summary:
– 1 night in Wellington at a 4* Art Deco hotel
– 2 nights in Napier at a 4* Art Deco hotel