Tuesday 13 October. Today we fly to Queenstown. On arrival, we board our vehicle and travel to the charming historic town of Arrowtown. Stretch your legs and enjoy time to explore this picturesque alpine village. Lunch is at leisure – perhaps a visit to Nadia Lim’s popular Royalburn Farm Shop?

This afternoon we continue to Cromwell, a town with a fascinating past. The original Cromwell township was submerged during the creation of the Clyde Dam as part of Muldoon’s “Think Big” project. Cromwell is also home to the renowned Highlands Motorsport Park, featuring a world-class circuit and an impressive collection of rare, classic and high-performance vehicles. After exploring the museum, enjoy an exhilarating lap of the track alongside a professional racing driver – a thrilling experience far removed from your tour coach!

Later, we check in to our accommodation and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Dinner.

Wednesday 14 October. This morning, we meet our local guide, who will accompany us for the next few days, offering a personalised experience in this unique region. Central Otago is a land of history, heart, and beauty, set against a stunning backdrop of rocky landscapes and golden tussock plains.

We begin with a visit to Alexandra, famously known as New Zealand’s hottest, driest, and coldest town – a fascinating claim to fame! From there, we continue to Naseby, where we enjoy lunch and visit the Naseby Curling Rink for a demonstration of this intriguing sport. Try your hand at curling – you might just uncover a hidden talent and become the next national champion!

After some fun on the ice, we journey along the Dansey’s Pass Road and make our way to the Dansey’s Pass Hotel for our three-night stay. Nestled deep within the Kyeburn Diggings, the hotel has a colourful history dating back to the 1860s, when it served a bustling gold prospecting community of 2,000 people.

The hotel, originally built in 1862, has its foundations in stonework crafted by a mason known as “Happy Bill.” His unique payment? One pint of beer for every schist boulder he shaped and laid. According to legend, after an especially busy day, Happy Bill fell into an open grave at the nearby cemetery and slept soundly through the night!

We arrive at the beautifully refurbished Dansey’s Pass Hotel in time for dinner and look forward to a peaceful night’s rest amidst its historic charm.

Breakfast, Dinner.

Thursday 15 October. Today, two things can happen; if the weather plays ball we will be picked up by a local 4WD tour operator and taken on a breathtaking trip up into the mountains. And if the changeable conditions of these mountains cast any doubt on this experience we will head out to the original Dunstan Trail and visit the Poolburn Reservoir. Both these trips offer exceptional vistas over the rugged landscapes of the Central Otago.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Friday 16 October. We begin the day with a visit to Wedderburn, where we meet the Duncan family, fourth-generation farmers who take us on a guided tour of their working farm.

Next, we visit Clachanburn Garden, where Jane Falconer warmly welcomes us to her enchanting country garden. Nestled in the stark beauty of the Maniototo, this lush oasis features rolling lawns and vibrant borders that flow gracefully to two large ponds. With rugged hills on one side and distant mountains beyond, the garden creates a striking contrast to the dry Central Otago landscape. Jane has also prepared a delicious shared lunch for us to enjoy.

After a day of touring and uncovering the area’s rich history, we return to the hotel for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. In the evening, we gather for dinner at the Royal Hotel in Naseby, wrapping up another memorable day.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Saturday 17 October. This morning we pack our bags and farewell this beautiful region. Our first stop is the historic town of Clyde, where there is time to stroll among heritage buildings, visit local museums, or browse charming boutiques featuring merino wool products, art, homewares, jewellery, wine, and artisan goods.

Later, enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the Clyde Dam. Please note: this tour requires a moderate level of fitness, with stairs involved. If you prefer, you may spend this time continuing to explore Clyde at your leisure.

Afterward, we make our way to Queenstown Airport, reflecting on the wonderful memories and experiences shared during our unforgettable journey through Central Otago. 

Breakfast.