New Zealand Ultimate City Tours
3-5 day tours which may be combined.
These modules presented are simply suggestions – should you wish to customize to your own requirements, we are happy to do this for you, perhaps with a wine tour module or two. Other city tours on request.
Private Car Auckland International Airport to City Hotel – Luxury Sedan
Accommodation: Auckland 3 nights including breakfasts
Day 2: Sightseeing – City and Coast – small group tour
Includes: City hotel pick up and drop off, afternoon tea.
Experience the best sights of Auckland City on your 8.5 hour guided tour. Auckland is set on 52 dormant volcanic cones and between two harbors, the sparkling Waitemata and the brooding Manukau. Known as the City of Sails, it’s New Zealand’s largest and busiest city. Travel up Queen Street, through Auckland’s central business district, past the Auckland University and through the inner city park, known as the Domain. Continue through the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby, with its historic buildings before heading over the Harbour Bridge to Auckland’s North Shore. Stroll on one of our beautiful white sand beaches where there is time for a coffee before continuing up to the summit of Mt Victoria with its stunning panoramic views of Auckland City and historic Devonport. This afternoon, after a short break, embark on a guided tour to West Auckland. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Absorb the local history and admire the magnificent views. Head further west and experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast. Feel the soft, black sand beneath your feet as you stroll along some of the most awe inspiring beaches the world has to offer. With your knowledgeable and experienced guide, your eco-tour continues with an easy walk in the lush rainforest where you hear native birdsong as you walk amongst New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and giant tree ferns. Because New Zealand has existed for millions of years separate from the rest of the world, it has evolved its own unique flora and fauna and seventy percent its native plants are found nowhere else in the world.
Daily except Christmas Day. Starts: 9.00 am | Ends: 5.30 pm
Day 3: Private Wine & Art Tour
Make your own way to the Ferry Wharf.
Ferry Service Auckland to Waiheke Island – Return
Board your ferry and enjoy the scenic 40-minute cruise to Waiheke Island through the beautiful Hauraki Gulf. This stunning island just off the Auckland coast boasts 92 square kilometres of beautiful beaches, vineyards, olive groves, native bush and laid back seaside villages. Duration: 40 minutes (each way) Daily.
Tour pick up from Matiatia wharf Waiheke Island. Includes 4 wine tastings and drop off at wharf.
This morning you will be met by your private guide for your 7.75 hour exclusive wine and art tour. During your scenic tour of the Island you can visit artists and their studios. Choose from painters, ceramicists, sculptors and mixed media artists. You can also visit several vineyards, which may include Cable Bay, Goldie, Kennedy Point, Mudbrick, Obsidian, Stonyridge, Te Whau, Jurassic Ridge, Passage Rock, Peacock Sky, Wild on Waiheke or choose to include an Olive oil mill. Today’s tour includes a two-hour lunch stop at a village or beachside café or for a memorable gourmet experience, at a top local vineyard restaurant (lunch is at own expense). It is advisable to reserve a table for lunch prior to your tour date so please advise us of your preference.
Duration: 7 hours and 40 minutes (6 hours on island). Daily except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Anzac Day (25 Apr). Starts: 9.00am (ex Auckland), Ends: 4.40 pm (arrives Auckland).
Note: tasting and lunch venues subject to change according to availability; dietaries / allergies can be catered for however, the tour is not suitable for vegans.
Day 4: Auckland Departure
Private Car City Hotel to Auckland Airport – Luxury Sedan
Day 1: Rotorua Arrival
Private Car Rotorua Airport to City Hotel
Tu Te Ra – Maori Cultural Dining Experience (Shared Tour)
Includes: Return transfers from central Rotorua, cultural performance, aperitif and canapes, three-course Māori-fusion feast. Drinks for your own account.
Tū Te Rā is a 3.5 hour seasonal culture and kai experience aligned with the maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar. Explore concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and of peace. Tū Te Rā is a time of year when the sun expresses its optimal energy. It is when our days are longest and where the energy of the light nourishes the natural world. It is a time for harvesting and a time for celebrating. It is also a time for warfare, for settling old scores and for forging peace. Enjoy drama, performance and divine seasonal kai (food) shared against a backdrop of blazing bonfires, towering Tawa trees, and a natural forest amphitheater. Forest shared delicacies like crispy pork, caramelized apple wrapped in kawakawa, pāua, pikopiko fronds, smoked eel and charred hāngi kumara are followed by a four course hākari (feast). Designed by award winning Māori chefs, staple favorite like hāngi share the table with fusion kai like Wagyu Pincanha, watercress chimichurri and pickled Pikopiko, barbecue Split Koura rangi (scampi) and puha kimchi. Served al fresco on warmer nights and in our wharekai when chilly, the space is eclectic designed to make you wonder if you have stumbled into the profits of a trade or of warfare and to feel the depth and generosity of hākari.
Duration: 4 hours, Daily except Christmas Day. Show times: 6.15pm. Hotel pickups from 5.30 pm, departure from venue at 9.30 pm.
Note: Special dietary preferences can be catered for if advised in advance. Please note, however, that dinner is served on shared plates. Te Pa Tu operate a cashless site, accepting all major credit and debit cards for bar purchases.
Accommodation- 2 nights including breakfast
Day 2: Rotorua Sights & Polynesian Spa
Morning Eco Thermal Park Tour – Waiotapu & Waimangu (Small Group Tour)
Pick up from hotel for your 4.5 hour tour. Visit Rotorua’s most natural and popular geothermal parks, Wai O Tapu and Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Your local naturalist guide will explain the volcanic processes of Rotorua and New Zealand. See volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool and hot springs on a scenic drive around volcanic landscapes, native and exotic forests. The two heritage parks offer a variety of thermal activity; at Wai-o-tapu the amazingly colorful hot springs and moon like landscapes are the key features along with the famous Lady Knox geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic valley, learn about the Mt Tarawera eruption, native flora and fauna and the geothermal features which were blown open in 1886.
Duration: 4.5 hours, Daily except Christmas day. Starts: 8.00 am, Ends: 12.30 pm
Afternoon – visit the Deluxe Lake Spa – Polynesian Spa at a time to suite you.
Relax and unwind on the tranquil shores of Lake Rotorua at Polynesian Spa. Channeling geothermal marvels in its backyard, the 27 mineral pools at Polynesian Spa are fed from two natural springs for a combination that both nourishes the skin and relieves tired muscles, aches and pains. The two types of mineral waters that feed the pools are called alkaline pool Whangapipiro (later re-named Rachel Spring) and acidic pool Te Pupunitanga (later called the Priest Spring) and have been used by Maori for generations.
Enjoy tranquil bathing and lake views in four shallow alkaline rock pools, each with different temperatures (36˚C to 42˚C) and an acidic pool which allows you to enjoy the benefits of the two types of hot mineral water. You will be surrounded by revitalizing native New Zealand flora, natural rocks, the sound of two waterfalls and a grotto. The pools are filled with soothing alkaline mineral water leaving your skin soft and supple.
Opens: 9.00 am, Closes: 10.00 pm (last entry 9.15 pm), daily. Spa therapies are available 10.00 am to 7.00 pm
Day 3: Rotorua Departure
Private Car Hotel to Rotorua Airport
Day 1: Wellington Arrival & Zealandia
Private Car Airport to City Hotel
Half Day Wellington City Tour (Shared Tour – may operate privately ex-airport.)
This 3.25 hour half day tour gives a taste of why New Zealand’s capital has been voted the most livable city multiple times internationally and takes in breathtaking scenic views and photo opportunities around picturesque Wellington. Your tour begins with a visit of Mount Victoria with its spectacular views across the city and harbor before it continues to Lyall Bay Beach and along some of the city’s rugged coast line – on a clear day you may be able to catch a glimpse of the South Island in the distance. Your tour will then take you past the famous Wellington sign to Miramar Peninsula for a quick Lord or the Rings experience with a short visit to Weta Cave where you will have to chance to purchase Lord or the Rings memorabilia (this is not a tour of Weta Workshop). Continuing around the coastline, passing popular Oriental Bay, you will venture through the different parts of the inner city ending up at the bottom of the iconic Wellington cable car. After you have travelled to the top and had a chance to visit the quaint museum at the end, your tour ends with a drive through the Botanic Gardens.
Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes, Daily except Christmas Day. Starts 9.30 am | Ends: 1.00 pm
Afternoon at leisure to visit the Te Papa National Museum, with a 1 hour guided tour for orientation. Hours: 10 am – 6 pm, except Christmas Day
Zealandia by Night Tour (Public) (Shared Activity – 12 persons per group)
Departure Point: ZEALANDIA Visitor Centre ticket desk, 53 Waiapu Road.
Walk through the gates of our predator-proof fence and hear the evening birdsong that has been absent on mainland New Zealand for more than a century. ZEALANDIA By Night offers a full experience of the sanctuary valley and all the magical sights, sounds and senses that only New Zealand can offer. Explore the valley by torchlight as your guide leads you in search of some of the more distinctive sights and sounds of New Zealand’s native forest. Experience many of the rare and endangered species and see those which only come out at night. Your group may even see some of the 130 little spotted kiwi who call ZEALANDIA home. Gain insights into New Zealand’s natural history and the significance of the unique species within the Māori culture. The tour will end with a replenishing cup of hot kawakawa tea (bushman’s tea) in the Visitor Centre.
See a range of birds returning to the sanctuary to settle into their nests, the sight of the evening and night sky, the changing sounds of birds from day to night, unique species such as weta, glow worms, tuatara and more. Guest are highly likely to hear the sounds of nocturnal birds, such as kiwi and ruru (morepork). Sightings of kiwi are common on these tours (circa 90%), but are not guaranteed.
The tour takes place on a range of tracks and trails, please wear comfortable walking shoes. Tours go ahead rain or shine, so do wear suitable clothing for an outdoor experience. We recommend that you bring a waterproof layer with you. Hats and gloves in the winter season.
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes, Daily except Christmas Day. Starts: 30 minutes prior to sunset.
Accommodation: 3 nights including breakfast
Day 2: Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour (Small group)
City Hotel pick up and drop off, guided Weta Workshop tour.
This 6.5 hour tour is more than visiting filming sites. Your guide will share fascinating little-known gems relating to the filming at each site, and you will want to watch the films all over again once you have done this informative tour. Your tour will begin with a drive up the Hutt Valley, where you will visit filming locations including Helm’s Deep, Minas Tirith, and River Anduin, where the Fellowship travelled to Amon Hen and where Aragon’s horse Brego saved him from drowning. Then it is on to the site of Gardens of Isengard, where Gandalf met Saruman the White. Back in Wellington, your tour continues to the Weta Workshop in Miramar. Here you have an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour (entry included in your tour price) where you see how props plus weaponry are made and probably meet artists at work making props (subject to Weta Workshop’s format. Weta Workshop may change details without notice, but will be approximately the same as described here). At the Weta Cave you will be given the opportunity to purchase souvenirs and have photos with Gollum, Lurtz the Uruk-hai, Bilbo’s three Trolls, and characters from other movies that Weta has been involved in. The tour concludes with a drive up Mount Victoria Lookout with spectacular views across the city and harbor and a drive around the bays where you will enjoy the delights of a ‘Rivendell Ripple’ to cap off your memorable tour.
Lunch at your own expense – your guide will discuss lunch preference, café, pub etc., depending on time.
Duration: 7 hours; Daily except Christmas Day. Starts: 9.30 am, Ends: 4.30 pm.
Day 3: Wellington Departure
Private Car City Hotel to Airport
Day 1: Nelson Arrival
Private Car Airport to City Hotel
Sunny Nelson lives up to its name with one of the highest sunshine hours in the country. The province has interesting topographical contrasts, from rugged mountains to extensive alluvial flats, from rough grazing land to intensive close backed farming, from desolation to virgin forest. Nelson is the commercial centre and seaport for a fertile, highly productive and extremely beautiful district noted for fruit and hops growing as well as general agricultural and vineyards. With three National Parks on its outer fringes Nelson is a great base for those who enjoy the outdoors. The region is also home to around 350 artists so enjoys an enviable reputation for a vibrant arts scene.
Afternoon free to explore the town and maybe visit the WOW Museum – Wotld of Wearable Arts.
Accommodation: 3 nights including breakfasts
Day 2: Full Day Abel Tasman Water & Walk (Small group)
Abel Tasman Water & Walk is for those visitors who have more of a focus on walking through the park so that they can spend more time exploring the many features on offer and discovering there is much more here than anticipated. Access is by water taxi to Medlands Beach in Bark Bay and walking through an ever changing forest of silver fern, strangely twisted Manuka or kanuka and beech trees and under large podocarp trees alongside Falls River over a swing bridge on to Torrent Bay, Cleopatras Pools or Pitt Head. This added value, fully guided journey interprets the less obvious features such as the early settler activity as well as Maori history and the endless stories that abound here, especially from the rich variety of vegetation, birds and aquatic life. Lunch included.
Average fitness level required as there is uphill walking
Duration: 10 hours, daily except Christmas day. Starts: 8.00 am, Ends: 6.00 pm
Day 3: Full Day Wine Exposed Nelson (Small group)
The vineyards of Nelson are set amongst exceptional scenic countryside often with a foreground of either rich horticultural land, or ever changing tidal estuaries, and a background of mountains from Mount Richmond Forest Park or Kahurangi National Park. Each vineyard or winery you will visit today has been chosen for its stunning locality and unique romantic story. All are top boutique and family owned, driven by passion and enthusiasm that allows their cultural influence to show through in the consistently high quality wines. A different theme is presented at each visit and may include Wine Appreciation, interacting with the wine maker, walking among the vines or perhaps enjoying tank and barrel samples. Food and wine matching is always a highlight along with tasting other local gourmet foods.
Duration: 7 hours, daily except Christmas day. Starts: 10.30 am, 5.30 pm
Day 4: Nelson Departure
Private Car City Hotel to Airport
Day 1: Christchurch Arrival – Tram Tour
Private Car Airport to Hotel
City Tram – All Day Tram Ticket (Shared Activity)
Departure Point: Cathedral Square Tram Stop.
Board the Christchurch Tram and step back in time to a grand era of transport. Enjoy a 50 minute journey in style through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre on board a beautifully restored heritage Tram. Friendly and knowledgeable drivers will inform you about the city, i’s landmarks and local sights. Your day long ticket allows you to get on and off the Tram as often as you please. The journey takes you to the appropriate stops for Punting on the Avon, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tour and the Gondola Shuttle bus. Cathedral Junction, the Avon River, gothic-style Arts Centre, the Canterbury Museum and New Regent Street are just some of the sights to be seen from the comfort of your Tram.
Get on and off with your ticket throughout the day at any of the 18 stops.
The Trams run approx every 15-25 minutes. Duration: 50 minutes (full circuit). Daily 9.00 am and 6.00 pm (last tram departs stop 1 at 5.00 pm.
Accommodation: 3 nights including breakfast
Day 2: Full Day Arthurs Pass – TranzAlpine to Arthurs Pass (Shared)
Includes: Hotel pick up and drop off, TranzAlpine Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass Scenic Plus seating, morning tea and lunch.
Travel across the Canterbury Plains into high country and spectacular Arthur’s Pass National Park with its rugged mountain ranges. You will be transferred to Arthur’s Pass by TranzAlpine train. Your 8 hour journey will take you west across the rich agricultural belt of the Canterbury Plains to Springfield where you will have the opportunity to take photos of the mountains rising above you. The train journey through the gorge is spectacular before you make your way to the high mountains of the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass. View the Waimakariri River and enter Arthur’s Pass National Park where short walks can be taken to experience forests, rivers and mountain vistas. Enjoy lunch at an historic high country hotel. Follow the old stage coach route and view the spectacular Otira Gorge, testament to the road builders of the 1860’s and the route taken by the Maori in their quest for greenstone. Visit Cave Stream where it burrows underground in an area of limestone cliffs, gorges and craggy outcrops (this area was used for the filming of CS Lewis’s “The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe”) or visit the incredible Castle Hill rocks, unique weatherworn outcrops of limestone and regarded sacred by the Maori. Return to Christchurch via sub-alpine Porter’s Pass and the Canterbury Plains.
What to bring: Warm/waterproof jacket for alpine conditions, camera, sunscreen, water bottle. Duration: 8 hours Daily except Christmas day. Starts: 7.30 am, Ends: 3.00 pm
Day 3: Full Day Akaroa & Harbour Cruise (small group)
Includes: Hotel pick up and drop off, cruise, morning or afternoon tea, lunch and cheese factory visit.
Embark on this 9 hour tour, travel to Akaroa over the beautiful Banks Peninsula, formed following violent eruptions of two ancient volcanoes. The high summit route gives glorious views of Lyttleton and Akaroa Harbour, the Canterbury Plains and the distant Southern Alps and the remote bays and farmlands. Here you can cruise around an extinct volcanic crater and experience majestic scenery and stunning wildlife on daily nature cruises. You will have the chance to view the rare, NZ native dolphin – the Hector’s Dolphin, as well as penguins and other sea birds. Enjoy lunch at the award winning Bully Hayes on the waterfront and soak up the quaint colonial style architecture. Wander around the charming 175 year old French harborside village of Akaroa with its museum of settlers’ history, art and craft shops, studios, cafes and wine bars.
What to bring: Camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle. Duration: 9 hours, Daily except Christmas Day. Starts: 8.00 am, Ends: 5.00 pm
Day 4: Christchurch Departure
Private Car Hotel to Airport
CHRISTCHURCH TO QUEENSTOWN
VIA TRANZALPINE TRAIN & WEST COAST
Day 1: Christchurch Arrival & Tram Tour
Private Car Airport to Hotel
City Tram – All Day Tram Ticket (Shared Activity)
Departure Point: Cathedral Square Tram Stop.
Board the Christchurch Tram and step back in time to a grand era of transport. Enjoy a 50 minute journey in style through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre on board a beautifully restored heritage Tram. Friendly and knowledgeable drivers will inform you about the city, i’s landmarks and local sights. Your day long ticket allows you to get on and off the Tram as often as you please. The journey takes you to the appropriate stops for Punting on the Avon, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tour and the Gondola Shuttle bus. Cathedral Junction, the Avon River, gothic-style Arts Centre, the Canterbury Museum and New Regent Street are just some of the sights to be seen from the comfort of your Tram.
Get on and off with your ticket throughout the day at any of the 18 stops.
The Trams run approx every 15-25 minutes. Duration: 50 minutes (full circuit). Daily 9.00am and 6.00pm (last tram departs stop 1 at 5.00pm.
Accommodation: 1 night with breakfast
Day 2: Christchurch to Franz Josef by Rail and coach
Private Car Hotel to Railway Station
TranzAlpine Train – Christchurch to Greymouth Rail Service (scenic plus seating)
7.45 am Check-in at the KiwiRail/The Great Journeys of New Zealand ticket counter.
8.15 am TranzAlpine departs Christchurch
Travel from one coast of New Zealand to the other on the Tranz Alpine today, one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth. This rail trip is 223.8 kilometres long and takes just four and a half hours. There are 19 tunnels and 4 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres.
All train carriages include both one way seating and tabled seating allowing you to experience the amazing views while enjoying the company of other passengers on-board.
1.05 pm Arrive Greymouth
Duration: 4 hours and 50 minutes. October to May, daily except Christmas Day. June to September: Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon and some dates for track maintenance.
On arrival, either collect your rental vehicle (SUV, 3 day rental) or meet your driver guide. Self-drive SUV: 3 day hire -additional details to be advised on booking.
Or by private driver/guide.
Greymouth to Franz Josef (172 kms – 2 hours non-stop driving)
Depart Greymouth and head south on State Highway 6 to arrive in Hokitika. From here, the road dips in and out of dense bush for many miles, crossing beautiful stretches of countryside scattered with farming settlements to Franz Josef, the first of the West Coast’s two well-known Glacier settlements.
Accommodation: 1 night with breakfast
Day 3: Glacier Heli Flight (Shared) ~ Franz Josef-Queenstown
Departure Point: The Helicopter Line office, Main South Road, SH6, Fox Glacier.
Includes: Scenic helicopter flight, snow landing and informative pilot commentary.
**Weather dependent.
From Franz Josef Village fly over both the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, soaring first over the townships and then following the ice flow high up into the upper reaches. Land in the snow at the head of one of the glaciers and survey the path the glacier has carved below you.
Note: **Scenic flights by plane or helicopter are weather dependent, so we may be required to move your flight to another day, or your touring arrangements on the day may differ from those originally planned. If any scenic flights are cancelled, please contact your agent about any refunds due. Duration: 30 minutes, Daily except Christmas day.
Drive or be driven Franz Josef to Queenstown (404 kms – 5.5 hours non-stop driving)
Depart Franz Josef and travel through a former sawmilling area to Fox Glacier. On through the forests of red and white pine to Bruce Bay, an old goldmining settlement. Pass through attractive bush scenery and see tranquil Lakes Paringa and Moeraki, the haunt of the fabulous white heron, to the township of Haast. Drive through the Haast Pass Highway viewing en route Mt Brewster Glacier. There is a long descent of 82 km to Wanaka, passing Lake Hawea Dam, water storage for the Roxburgh Hydro-Electric Station. From Wanaka, continue over the undulating countryside and skirt Lake Hayes to descend via the Lower Shotover Bridge to Queenstown.
Accommodation: 1 night with breakfast
Day 4: Queenstown Sightseeing / Departure Day
Today is at leisure in Queenstown.
If you have a rental car you may like to head out on your own and explore the surrounding areas of Queenstown. Located a 20 minute drive from Queenstown is Arrowtown. This is a historic former gold miner town which has maintained its rich heritage, the buildings in this area house shops, galleries, bars and restaurants. In the opposite direction from Arrowtown is Glenorchy which can be reached in 45 minutes by car along the stunning shores of Lake Wakatipu. Glenorchy is the gateway to hiking trails and middle earth magic. A 60 minute drive from Queenstown, through the Gibbston Valley, is Cromwell and the neighboring Bannockburn Region, home to a host of award-winning wineries. Located by Lake Dunstan and surrounded by mountain ranges, this is a picturesque town with a rich history. Lastly, approximately a 60 minute drive over the Crown Range from Queenstown is Wanaka, a beautiful year-round destination. Wanaka is a vibrant town, yet less busy than Queenstown. It offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes, wineries, an array of hiking and biking trails as well as water-based activities on Lake Wanaka.
This afternoon, drop your rental car off at the airport.
If you are without a car, we can arrange your choice of touring and a private transfer to the airport.
Day 1: Queenstown Arrival & Dart River Safari & TSS Earnslaw Cruise to Walter Peak
Private Car Airport to City Hotel
If you are already in Queenstown:
Half Day Wilderness Safari – Jetboat (Shared Tour)
Operated by Dart River Safaris
Departure Point: Station Building 25 Shotover Street Queenstown.
Includes: Return transfer ex The Station Building Queenstown.
Discover and explore every aspect of this magnificent area with an exciting 4 hour wilderness jet boating experience. Surrounded by breathtaking snow-covered peaks, hidden valleys, waterfalls and glacial valleys frozen in time, you’ll be thrilled by an exciting jet boat journey navigating the ever-changing shallow channels of the Dart Rivers braided river system. Your jet boat driver will stop along the way to highlight points of interest and discuss the natural and cultural significance of this exceptional area. We’ll also take the chance to tie up the boat and let you walk amongst the ancient beech tree forests – an atmosphere you may recognize from The Lord of the Rings films.
What to bring: Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, warm outer layer, supportive footwear, small bag, carried at own risk, camera, carried at own risk.
Please note: Life / spray jackets are provided.
Duration: 4 hours, Oct to Apr. Daily. Starts: 8.30 am, 1.00 pm, Ends: 12.30 pm, 5.00 pm approx.
Duration: 4 hours., May to Sep. Daily, Starts: 12.00 pm | Ends: 4.00 pm approx
Does not operate: Christmas Day.
Earnslaw Walter Peak Evening Gourmet Barbecue Dinner (Shared Tour)
Departure Point: RealNZ Visitor Centre 88 Beach Rd Queenstown.
Embark on this 4 hour tour. Step aboard the TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a 40 minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Onboard, the Captain provides an interesting commentary as you take in the spectacular views of Cecil and Walter Peaks and the western shores of Lake Wakatipu. The original steam engines can be seen in operation from the open viewing area and you are welcome to visit the Fo’c’sle Gallery to view the historic displays. Disembark the TSS Earnslaw at Walter Peak where they are escorted through the lakeside gardens to the recently refurbished Colonel’s Homestead and seated for dinner. Relax in the unique ambience in front of a roaring open fire and soak in the views from this stunning lakeside setting while the chefs prepare a gourmet barbecue. There’s a selection of succulent New Zealand meat and seafood accompanied by delectable seasonal salads, tasty dessert treats and local cheeses. All meat and seafood is cooked on the BBQ and rotisserie in front of guests. A locally influenced wine list and other beverages are available to purchase at the bar. After the meal join an entertaining farm experience which gives an insight into life in the New Zealand high country including a sheep shearing demonstration. The night-time cruise home is magical. Join in the camaraderie of a sing-along with the ship’s pianist.
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket, warm clothing and a camera.
Duration: 4 hours. Dec to May, Daily, Start: 5.00 pm, Ends: 9.00 pm
Duration: 4 hours. June to 30 Nov, Daily, Start: 6.00 pm, Ends: 10.00 pm
No farm show on Christmas day.
*During TSS Earnslaw survey period in May and June, a substitute vessel will operate.
Day 2: Doubtful Sound OR Milford Sound
7.40 am Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise ex Queenstown (Shared Tour)
Includes: Hotel pick up and drop off, return coach transfers ex Queenstown, cruise.
Embark on this 12.5 hour tour. Board a coach in Queenstown and travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Manapouri township. From Manapouri, cruise across the crystal waters of Lake Manapouri to West Arm before boarding a coach and crossing the alpine route of Wilmot Pass through some of Fiordland’s most dense rainforest. On reaching Deep Cove, board a modern catamaran vessel for a cruise exploring the waterways of this serene and isolated fiord. There is plenty of time to explore points of interest and view the spectacular alpine scenery including waterfalls, rainforest and mountains all the way out to the Tasman Sea. A Nature Guide with specialist knowledge of the region’s history, flora and fauna provides a detailed commentary. On the return cruise, the vessel’s engines are turned off to enjoy the ‘sound of silence’ before returning to Queenstown. A packed lunch is included.
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket, warm clothing and insect repellent.
Duration: 12 hours and 20 minutes, Oct to Apr, Daily, Starts: 7.40 am, 8.00 pm
OR
7.15 am Milford Sound Coach/Scenic Cruise/Coach (Shared Tour)
Includes: Hotel pick up and drop off, cruise.
Embark on this 12.75 hour tour. Board a luxury coach in Queenstown, and travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. After a morning tea break (own expense),the coach continues along the spectacular alpine route of the Milford Road through impressive, awe-inspiring scenery. Considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world, experience this journey in comfort on a glass roofed coach, with glass above every seat. Upon arriving in Milford, board a spectacular cruise to the mouth of the fiord. The vessel stops at various points and offers excellent viewing of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. Keep a look out for seals basking on the rocks, dolphins and penguins. Enjoy scenic highlights such as Mitre Peak and Pembroke Glacier. The cruise is accompanied by comprehensive commentaries. Following the cruise, return to Queenstown by coach. A packed lunch is included.
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket, warm clothing and insect repellent. Duration: 12 hours and 45 minutes, Oct to Apr Daily, Starts: 7.15 am, Ends: 8.00 pm
Day 3: Full Day Gourmet Food and Wine Tour (Shared)
Includes: Hotel pickup and drop off, wine tasting at 3 vineyards, a tasting of local cheese, a gourmet lunch with matched wine.
Experience an indulgent and diverse 6.5 hour tour showcasing the very best sights and tastes from the Central Otago region. Your guide will lead you on a tasting journey through three contrasting Central Otago wine sub-regions; Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell. Enjoy a guided tour of New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave, a gourmet wine barrel-cooked lunch with matching wines and a cheeseboard. Retrace history with a visit to the historical settlements of Old Cromwell (time and weather permitting) and picturesque Arrowtown. Learn about the early pioneering history and how the wine region was formed through an array of stories and fun facts before returning to your accommodation.
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes, Year Round, Daily, Starts: 9.30 am, Ends: 4.00 pm except Christmas Day, Good Friday, ANZAC Day (25 Apr).
Day 4: Queenstown Departure
Private Car Hotel to International Airport