Here’s a bit of trans-Tasman rivalry worth a closer look.
Billed as “The Great Shiraz Challenge” it will be decided in a taste-off with New Zealand Syrah from Hawkes Bay going head to head against wines from Australia's Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula. The verdict of Australian wine authority James Halliday and his Kiwi counterpart Bob Campbell, winemaker, will be final.
You can bet there will some on hand who will want to take it to the golden goal or a penalty sip-out.
Behind it all are the luxury Relais et Chateaux golf and spa lodges in New Zealand, hosting a season of “Winter Food and Wine” weekends.
One event will be a wine dinner with celebrity TV chef Rick Stein.
The award-winning retreats in Hawke's Bay are listed among the most prestigious in the Relais et Châteaux global collection of luxury and independent small properties and gourmet restaurants.
The special seasonal offer, available from now until the end of October, includes a day of unlimited golf or alternatively a 50-minute massage of your choice for every night's stay.
Guests will be accommodated in luxurious suites with the package including a cocktail hour, a gourmet dinner, full breakfast and use of all the facilities at either Cape Kidnappers or Kauri Cliffs.
Australian residents will pay NZ$700pp a night Sunday-Thursday or $50 more pp for Friday and Saturday.
Gourmet activities include a wine dinner at Kauri Cliffs on May 30 with one of chef Guillaume Brahimi (Guillaume at Bennelong, Sydney Opera House and Bistro Guillaume at Crown Casino Melbourne). The dinner includes a tutored wine tasting of the Craggy Ranges new release Prestige Collection with winemaker/viticulturist Steve Smith. The wines will be matched to the five courses prepared by Chef Brahimi.
Another highlight of the gourmet weekends will be the June 6 wine dinner at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers with Chef Stein, famed for his worldwide, seafood-focus cooking programs.
The weekend of September 11-13, Cape Kidnappers hosts renowned chef Neil Perry and winemaker Neil McCallum of Dry River Wines.
The grand final event of NZ v Australia shirazathon will be on October 24.
DYNZ on the cheap
Aussies heading over the ditch between now and July 5 and “doing” New Zealand the best way, i.e. self-drive, can take advantage of Hertz New Zealand's offer of four days car rental for the price of three.
It applies only to rentals of four consecutive days or more.
The over-there Hertz has a wide selection of late-model vehicles, from compact manuals to full size sedans, SUVs and 4WDs.
One-way rentals are also available between some locations and bookings are subject to availability.
For more information, or to make a booking, visit www.hertz.com.au, call toll free on 13 30 39 or contact an AFTA or licensed travel agent.
Book a hotty and cool down
Sea World Resort and Water Park has a hot deal rate from $105 per room, per night for stays before June 22.
With most rooms sleeping up to two adults and two children, this is good family value, especially for those - like most these days - on a budget.
All bookings will receive a bonus free adult ticket to the Australian Outback Spectacular dinner and show and a free ticket for a Sea World Cruise - all in all $144 worth of freebies.
Kids will enjoy meeting Sesame Street characters in the lobby each morning and will be well-occupied for the rest of the day in the $1million WaterPlay aqua playground by the pool.
To book call 1800 074 448 or visit www.MyFun.com.au | 
