- Pricing From TBC
- Single Supplement TBC
- From Queenstown
- Duration 6 Days
- Max Group Size 15
- Activity Level Easy Going
- Departs 2025
- Returns 2025
Allow Bill Peach Journeys to take you to a land of stunning scenery, majestic mountains, vast plains, dramatic rivers and remote beaches. Located in the southeastern region of New Zealand’s South Island, Otago entices from inland to the coast. Central Otago, famed for some of New Zealand’s most spectacular vistas, is ‘Lord of the Rings Country’. We begin in picturesque Queenstown which sits on the shore of beautiful Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges. We tour the world famous Otago Wine Region and step back in time in Old Cromwell and Clyde. Gold rush history comes alive in Macraes Flat while the dramatic mountain backdrops of Middlemarch strike awe. Heading to the coast, we arrive in the elegant city of Dunedin renowned for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture and distinctly Scottish influence. We learn why the wind-swept Otago Peninsula is considered the most precious wildlife habitat in New Zealand visiting the Royal Albatross Centre and Natures Wonders reserve. Stylish accommodation, fascinating touring, superb regional food and wine make this Sojourn a must!
Highlights
- Explore the dramatic Central Otago and Coastal Otago regions
- Stay 5 nights in luxurious accommodation
- Discover one of the finest examples of eco-tourism in the world while visiting the Royal Albatross Centre and Natures Wonders reserve on the magnificent Otago Peninsula
- Ride the Seasider Train which offers spectacular views over Otago Harbour and the wild Otago coastline
- Touring of Cromwell, Middlemarch, Macraes Flat, Clyde and Dunedin including Larnach Castle
- Jet boat ride in ‘Lord of the Rings country’
- All touring, transfers and meals included
- Your own room with no single supplement charge
- Escorted throughout by a dedicated Journey Director
Tour Departures
Our journey begins in breathtaking Queenstown as we transfer to the award-winning sophisticated five-star Rees Hotel, which is situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu showcasing impressive views of the Remarkable Mountain range. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax or explore this picturesque town. Tonight there will be a welcome dinner for the group hosted by your Journey Director.
Overnight: The Rees Hotel
This morning we drive to the town of Cromwell and tour its historic precinct. Located on the clear waters of Lake Dunstan, the charming Old Cromwell Town harks back to the 1860’s as it reflects the town’s gold mining and pioneering past. Next we transfer to Bannockburn set under the auspices of Mount Difficulty offering dramatic views of rugged rock and thyme landscapes. Here we will enjoy wonderful Mount Difficulty wines and stylish cuisine. We drive to Dunedin via the towns of Lake Roxburgh Village, Roxburgh and Millers Flat.
Overnight: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Today we explore Dunedin, a city with a distinctly Scottish feel. The history of Dunedin commenced in the 1860’s as a result of the gold rushes of this time. Many of today’s buildings date back to this period, resulting in a very Victorian and Edwardian influence throughout Dunedin. We visit the famous Larnach Castle built in 1871 by William Larnach, merchant baron and politician, for his beloved first wife Eliza. After enjoying a delightful high tea lunch in the castle gardens, we drive to the Royal Albatross Centre. Witness the fascinating social and family life of the breeding colony; devoted parents guarding their chicks, adolescents posturing and displaying as only juveniles can, courtship proceedings, nest building and interplay.
Overnight: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
We start the day with another incredible wildlife experience as we enjoy a private tour of ‘Nature’s Wonders’ located on the Otago Peninsula headland, which is considered to be the most precious wildlife habitat in New Zealand. Here we will see the world’s rarest penguins, Hoiho or Yellow-Eyed Penguin along with New Zealand Fur Seals of all ages on their breeding ground. Today we enjoy lunch at the spectacularly located Glenfalloch, set in a beautiful historic woodland garden on Dunedin’s breathtaking Otago Peninsula. This afternoon, the Seasider Rail Journey offers stunning views over Otago Harbour as we enjoy a roundtrip from Dunedin to Waitati.
Overnight: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Return today to Queenstown via the scenic route. See Middlemarch set in the stark beauty of the Central Otago back country where scenes from the Lord of the Rings were filmed. We will also see Macraes Flat, a historic gold mining town before lunch in Clyde, which is located at the foot of the Clutha river gorge. Take a wander through Clyde before we drive to Queenstown then board a breathtaking jet boat ride. This evening we enjoy our farewell dinner.
Overnight: The Rees Hotel
After breakfast transfer to the airport for our flight home. Say farewell to new friends and take home memories of another memorable Bill Peach Journeys Sojourn.
About Sojourns
Our Sojourn programmes are short break journeys put together in conjunction with themes, events or experiences. These programmes range from cruising New Zealand’s North Islands to world-class sporting events and unique experiences throughout Australia and New Zealand.
About Single Traveller Journeys
We recognise the specific requirements of single travellers and that’s why a number of our journeys are single supplement free, affording you the benefit of your own single room, without any, or with significantly reduced extra cost. In fact, over 40% of our guests travel alone and return to Bill Peach Journeys again and again. In this way, you can enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow travellers during the day, along with the safety and security of travelling with an escorted group, but still retire to your own personal room in the evening. Note: The single supplement free offer cannot be taken in conjunction with any other offer.
Fully inclusive
This journey includes accommodation, all meals as specified, touring throughout, transfers, services of a dedicated Journey Director.
Coaches
The coaches that we use for the ground component of this journey are fully air-conditioned.
Pre Tour
Flights from your home port to Queenstown are not included in the journey price. Should you require flights to / from Queenstown, we can provide a competitive quote on airfares and pre and post tour accommodation.
Level of Fitness Required – Easy Going
These journeys are not physically demanding unless you want them to be. They include easy guided walks, which are mainly on flat ground. There will be times when you are required to board a launch for shore excursions. You must be able to walk up to 1 kilometre unaided and will not need any foreseen assistance throughout the journey. For all clients to fully enjoy this travel experience, excellent health and mobility is required by all.
We strongly urge you to consider the fitness rating before selecting your preferred journey, in respect for your fellow travellers. Bill Peach Journeys reserves the right to refuse travel to any client whose fitness level is below the recommended rating.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover you against such things as personal illness or accident, cancellation, loss of baggage etc. Please make sure you carry a copy of your Travel Insurance policy with you at all times.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to the T&C’s for more information. Terms & Conditions (PDF)
* Conditions apply: Free Single Supplement Offer is limited and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.