Live Lot #16 – Wine and Adventure in New Zealand

Absolute Travel is proud to contribute an extraordinary adventure for tonight’s Wine Auction Gala—an unforgettable trip to the pristine landscapes and winelands of New Zealand. This private luxury journey offers an opportunity to explore New Zealand’s sophistication and beauty while tasting some of the best wines and cuisine in the world.

This trip for two starts off with two nights in Auckland and a visit to the unique and emerging niche wine region on Waiheke Island, a short ferry trip from Auckland, where you will enjoy an afternoon of complimentary tours and wine tasting. Your lodging, in a suite at Mollie’s Boutique Hotel, is a true indulgence. Overlooking the sparkling waterfront on one side and elegant heritage homes on the other, the boutique hotel offers the best scenery in Auckland.

Continue to the southwest coastline for two nights at a working sheep station and cattle farm stunningly set on a sweeping shoreline a short distance from Martinborough, where New Zealand’s top Pinots are emerging and you can tour and taste some of the region’s finest. You will stay at Wharekauhau, which has the added bonus of being part of the renowned Foley Family Wines and offers exclusive access to their top vintages, including wines from the local Te Kairanga vineyard. You will be guided on an exclusive farm tour and dine on stunningly fresh fare largely sourced directly from the farm, masterfully prepared by Executive Chef Marc Soper, a self-professed food forager with experience honed at renowned restaurants including French Laundry in Napa.

From the North Island you will hop down to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown, set at the foot of New Zealand’s Southern Alps on Lake Wakatipu. There you will delight in two nights at the Millbrook Resort, in the heart of the Central Otago wine region. Surrounded by the lush green landscape of the Southern Alps and the Remarkables Mountain Range, Millbrook Resort is a destination in and of itself. Offering private championship golf courses and luxurious spa treatments, Millbrook is a tranquil heaven. From here you will continue with another afternoon of touring and tastings in nearby Gibbston, also known as the “Valley of the Vines,” and one of the most scenic wine growing areas you’ll ever encounter. Millbook’s five iconic restaurants, each offering different cuisine composed of locally-sourced fresh ingredients, are lauded as some of New Zealand’s best. Are you ready for some adventure?

Offer valid through July 24, 2016. Based on double occupancy. All services subject to availability at the time of booking, which must be made at least 90 days prior to departure. Blackout period applies from December 10, 2015 – January 15, 2016*. This item is non-transferable but you can add additional passengers or extra days and services for an additional cost. *See hotel restrictions for added date exclusions

OPENING BID
$12,000

INCLUDES
Three Two-Night Stays for Two
Two Tours for Two
Three Tastings for Two
Private Concierge Service
Private Ground Transportation

DONOR
Absolute Travel