Day 1 Christchurch – Twizel

We depart Christchurch for the drive south through the Mackenzie Country, stopping off to explore the small towns of Fairlie and Burkes Pass along the way. At Lake Tekapo absorb the brilliant turquoise coloured glacial lake and snow covered Southern Alps while soaking in the hot pools, or perhaps on a walk to Mt John. Or you may wish to have a go at ice skating! Learn about the significance of the southern night sky to Maori on the Dark Sky Experience. We then head across the Mackenzie Basin to the town of Twizel and our accommodation for the next two evenings.
Meals (D)

Day 2 Twizel (Aoraki/Mt Cook)

Today we head to the Mt Cook village at the base of the magnificent Aoraki Mt Cook. Explore the history of the region at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Take in the grandeur of the majestic peaks of the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park on a walk, or perhaps on an optional scenic flight. We then return to our Twizel accommodation. In the evening there is the opportunity to take a night time star tour to fully appreciate the clarity of the amazing southern night sky.
Meals (B/D)

Day 3 Twizel – Wedderburn

We travel over the Lindis Pass and into Central Otago. Explore the small towns of our pioneering forebears, who came to this area in the 1860’s in search for gold, and later to farm. We visit a number sites of historical interest including Ophir Post Office and Hayes Engineering Works. Stay in cosy cottages nestled beneath the Ida Range at the wee settlement of Wedderburn in the Maniototo. Meet our accommodation hosts Stu & Lorraine Duncan over afternoon tea, and enjoy a tour around their 4th generation high country cattle, sheep and venison station. Get an insight into modern day farming and the rural lifestyle.
Meals (B/D)

Day 4 Wedderburn – Clyde

This morning we visit the historic gold-mining town of Naseby where you can have a go at curling, the ancient Scottish sport. Walk around the amazing white clay sluicings and Blue Lake at St Bathan’s. We head to Alexandra where there is the opportunity to visit the Central Stories Museum and walk up the famed ‘Alexandra Clock’ on the hillside overlooking the town. In Clyde browse the many art galleries and boutiques before settling into our accommodation in the Historic Precinct of Clyde.
Meals (B/L/D)

Day 5 Clyde – Arrowtown

We head to Cromwell where you have the opportunity to visit Highlands Motorsport Park and partake in a range of adrenalin charged motoring experiences! Alternatively you may wish spend some time exploring the gold mining sluicings on a scenic walk and the Cromwell Historic Precinct. We then head through the Kawarau Gorge, visiting a few vineyards and cellar doors on our way to Arrowtown. Settle into our accommodation for the next two evenings.
Meals (B/D)

Day 6 Arrowtown (Dart River/Skippers)

We have a relaxing morning exploring the Arrowtown precinct and Chinese Village before embarking on an awesome Queenstown adventure. You have the choice of either heading to Glenorchy for the Dart River Safari, a wilderness jet boat ride up the braided, glacier-fed Dart River and a guided walk through magical beech forest, or alternatively a Gold Heritage 4WD tour to Skippers Canyon, voted by British Automobile as one of the 25 most scenic roads in the world, high above the Shotover River. We regroup in the evening to share our adventures and enjoy a final dinner together.
Meals (B/D)

Day 7 Arrowtown – Christchurch

After breakfast your guide will head back to Christchurch. You are welcome to return to Christchurch with our vehicle or alternatively finish your trip with us in Arrowtown for onward travel or flights out of Queenstown Airport.
Meals (B)

What’s included in the tour package?

• 6 nights double/twin share ensuite accommodation
• 6 evening meals; 1 lunch; 6 continental breakfasts (indicated by B/L/D in the itinerary)
• Tekapo Dark Sky Experience astro tour
• Sir Edmund Hillary Museum entry
• Wedderburn farm tour
• Curling have a go session
• Dart River Safari OR Gold Heritage 4WD tour
• the services of a tour leader
• all transport from/to Christchurch
• Goods & Services Tax of 15%

Not included in the tour package:

• lunches unless otherwise stated
• wine; beer; espresso coffees
• single accommodation supplement ($500)
• Tekapo Hot Pools entry (from $22) or ice skating (from $17)
• Mt Cook scenic flights (from $250 – $500)
• Twizel Star Gazing tour (from $90)
• Highlands Motorsport ride (from $180)
• optional wine tasting