Central Otago (Cromwell/Bannockburn/Alexandra)is known for it's wonderful pinot noir and some fantas

Hello Fodor Friends, I am new to the New Zealand forum but have used the European threads to great advantage over the last 10 years. I am in the beginning stages of planning a trip to New Zealand at the end of February las vegas hotels guide travel 2012. I am a very active 50 year old woman travelling alone. I have to do business on North Island for several days then will have 10 -12 days for touring. las vegas hotels guide travel I want to enjoy some individual las vegas hotels guide travel area. My ideal vacation would be 3-4 days in each of maybe three locations. I have looked at a couple of tour companies but none had the itineraries I would choose. I would like to do a 3-4 day kayaking excursion. I would also like to do some wine tasting. Have done a lot of wine touring but usually with a group where we could take turns being driver. I prefer wine tours where it is a lot about tasting the wine, not spending a lot of time touring the winery. i love to visit small and unique boutique wineries. Besides kayaking and wine drinking I like to hike in the mountains. Any suggestions of locations and/or tour companies would be appreciated. I am very comfortable driving on the left and can rent a car if that is most efficient. Kinloch
What is the 'shire'? I guess you are staying las vegas hotels guide travel in Auckland las vegas hotels guide travel a few days, if so a day trip to Waiheke Island and a minibus tour to some of the wineries is a great way to sample some of our best wines. The island has a big reputation for wine and a lot of the wineries las vegas hotels guide travel have restaurants where a stop is made for lunch. las vegas hotels guide travel The tour picks up at the ferry wharf and drops you off there for the 35 minute boat trip back to Auckland. For the kayaking part Abel Tasman National Park seems to be the favoured area and there will be companies listed on the internet you can contact for this. To cut down on driving time you might find it more convenient to fly to your chosen destinations and pick up a car then if necessary. Our cost of flights is very reasonable now with Air New Zealand or Jetstar.
You'll be spoiled for choice las vegas hotels guide travel when it comes to wineries. Marlborough (Blenheim area) is well known for it's Sauv Blanc and the region is chock-a-block with wineries and cellar doors. Very easy to get a tour there, some operators cater to small groups and encourage guests to choose the wineries they'd prefer to visit.
las vegas hotels guide travel Marlborough and Abel Tasman are relatively close to one another, so easy to combine your major interests of wine and kayaking. Nearby Queen Charlotte Sounds las vegas hotels guide travel offer kayaking too and of course the Queen Charlotte Track for tramping.
Central Otago (Cromwell/Bannockburn/Alexandra)is known for it's wonderful las vegas hotels guide travel pinot noir and some fantastic las vegas hotels guide travel dry riesling. It's within relatively las vegas hotels guide travel easy reach of Queenstown and Wanaka, and is a good stopover las vegas hotels guide travel in it's own right.
Depending on where you'll be on the North Island, it shouldn't be too hard to get to Matamata. If it doesn't work in your schedule, pick up a copy of Ian Brodie's The Lord of the Rings Location Guide. We found it to be really helpful.
For something a little different, visit Nelson Lakes National park, Kayak to the head of Lake Rotoiti then do a few hikes before kayaking back. Although I read that the hire company there does not do solo hires.... Still plenty of short and not so short hikes to take. The Parachute rocks is a nice day walk.