Tastes of New Zealand take center stage on Crystal Sailing

For foodies, New Zealand is a veritable playground, renowned for its award-winning wines and farm-fresh cuisine.

On March 30, from New Zealand to Australia, luxury specialist Crystal Cruises is showcasing the epicurean appeal of the region on a 12-day Wine & Food Experiences of Discovery cruise. Master Sommeliers Robert Bath and Cameron Douglas - the first and only Master Sommelier from New Zealand - will guide guests through the nuances and pairings of New Zealand’s finest vintages, while optional Crystal Adventures take guests to celebrated Cloudy Bay Vineyards, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough. Sailing to Sydney, leading Australian chef and innovator Serge Dansereau will share regional specialties via cooking demonstrations, tastings and special menus, while top Australian food purveyor Simon Johnson will host tastings of artisanal cheeses and gourmet chocolate.

“With Crystal, in great style and comfort, epicureans can enjoy an authentic, informed wine and food experience,” says Toni Neumeister, Crystal Cruises’ vice president, food and beverage. “The guest experts - icons in their fields - along with Crystal Symphony’s own culinary professionals share a breadth of knowledge that will no doubt enhance the flavors of this magical itinerary.”

Ashore, Crystal Adventures offer intimate looks at the farms and vineyards dotting the coast:

  * Cloudy Bay Vineyards, which first put New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on the map, provides guests with a tutored tasting session in the privately hosted barrel room.
  * At Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s leading wine-producing region, guests will visit three of 600 celebrated wineries, Brookfield’s Vineyards, Church Road and Mission Estate.
  * From the rich farmlands of the Wairau Valley to the vineyards of Marlborough, the largest grape-growing region in New Zealand, then Havelock, the mussel shellfish hub, guests will see varied sides of New Zealand food and drink.

From Auckland, Crystal Symphony visits Picton, Wellington, Christchurch, Napier and Dunedin, New Zealand; the breathtaking fjords of Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and its longest fjord, Dusky Sound; concluding with an overnight in Sydney.