Wine and Food One-Day Itinerary

Morning

You're on holiday - unwind! Start your morning with a freshly-roasted coffee from one of the many cafes in downtown Wellington and relax over a leisurely breakfast.

Or

Explore the city by foot with a Zest Walking Gourmet tour, a great introduction to Wellington's lively food scene. Let Zest show you their favourite foodie haunts - from boutique coffee roasters and fresh organic food markets, to city-chic delis and award-winning restaurants.

Lunch

Wellington is known for its café culture. Stroll along Cuba Street and take your pick from one of its stylish and quirky eateries.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon exploring Wellington's specialty food stores. Here's just a slice:

Get fresh at Moore Wilson's for an enormous range of fresh and exotic produce - fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, breads, deli food (including organic varieties), and flowers…Check out Meat on Tory, Wellington's urban butchery and deli...Stop in at The Dutch Shop in Petone - it stocks every Dutch food item imaginable…The barn sized Mediterranean Food Warehouse is jam-packed with European delicacies from aanchovies to zabaglione…Commonsense Organics offers the largest selection of organic foods in Wellington, so you can be certain your groceries are as fresh as can be.

Or

Head to Vivo for a spot of wine-tasting. Vivo is an Enoteca Cucina, an Italian-style wine bar and restaurant. As well as offering wine-tastings, Vivo also have over 50 wines available by the glass. If wine's not your thing, the Brewery Bar and Restaurant is close by - sample a Wicked Blonde or a Sultry Dark while learning more about the brewing process.

Dinner

Indulge in a degustation (numerous small courses) meal with matched wines at Citron or Logan Brown, two of Wellington's finest dining establishments.

Or

Be the first to taste the creations of the next big chef - book a table at Bistro 107, the Polytechnic's School of Hospitality café in Petone. The menu is always changing, and reflects current study topics.

Evening

After sampling some of Wellington's best wine and food, why not put your own culinary skills to the test? The Asiana Cooking School has nightly cooking classes available.

Or

Put your dancing shoes on and hit the town. The Downtown Quarters of Courtenay and Cuba are lined with nightclubs and pubs to suit every taste and budget. Whether you're after a pint of Guinness or live jazz, Wellington - New Zealand's entertainment capital - has something to offer everyone.

Spend a few more days in Wellington and taste the delights of Regional Wellington and Wairarapa. Some suggestions are outlined below:

Option 1 - Kapiti Coast

Test your culinary skills at the Ruth Pretty Cooking School. Ruth Pretty is one of New Zealand's best-loved chefs. Running a purpose built cooking school from home, she shares recipes, cooking ideas and entertaining secrets in the rural tranquillity of Te Horo. Enjoy a long lunch on the veranda, under sun-umbrellas, or even at the chefs' benches, savouring every dish from the class (with matching wines) to finish off the day.

Option 2 - Kapiti Coast

Morning

Visit the Lindale Tourist Centre. Home of award winning Aorangi, Gouda and Hipi Iti Kapiti cheeses, the Lindale Tourist Centre also features gourmet Kikorangi Gold ice-cream with flavours like Apple Crumble, Gingernut, and Fig and Ginger.

Lunch

Enjoy lunch by the Waikanae seaside at the delightful Marty's café and restaurant.

Afternoon

Try a tasting at Te Horo Vineyards or pick your own fresh fruit and vegetables from one of the many orchards and gardens. End the day by indulging your sweet tooth at Nyco Chocolate Factory.

Option 3 - Wairarapa

Wellington's wine region, Wairarapa, is just an hour's drive over the Rimutaka Ranges. Join one of Wellington's top tour companies for a day's tasting.

Option 4 - Wairarapa

Wairarapa is known for more than its Pinot Noir. Enjoy a perfect rural escape - hire a car for the day and discover untamed coastline, boutique wineries and country village charm.

While you're in the region:

• Pop into the Martinborough Brewing Company for a freshly brewed beverage
• Sample olive oil at Olivo and take a tour of Martinborough's first olive groves
• Enjoy lunch in a vineyard cafe or at the Martinborough Wine Centre
• Taste local cheeses at The Martinborough Cheese Shop
• Stop for some magnificent coastal scenery enroute to a seafood meal and a glass of Wairarapa's finest wine at the Lake Ferry Hotel
• Try some unusual (and delicious!) chocolate at Shoc Chocolate Shop
• Learn more about organic growing and sustainable living at the Wairarapa Eco Farm