So many amazing places

FROM THE ROAD: East Cape to the Lakes

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 05:27:55 GMT

When was the last time you visited the East Cape?

With our February departure of the East Cape to the Lakes tour approaching, I realised that although we’ve run tours through this region before, I hadn’t personally experienced it in some time. So over Labour Weekend I whisked the family away on a little recce trip. What a weekend it turned out to be. Labour Weekend delivered clear blue skies and warm weather, and I finally understood how Gisborne stole (and holds) the title of New Zealand’s sunniest city from Nelson.

Day 1 – Rotorua

We kicked off with a night in Princes Gate Hotel in Rotorua — the same hotel we’ll use on our February tour. It’s a lovely, historic property, full of character. From the outside you’ll spot classic heirlooms of days gone by, and inside the rooms are beautifully presented. The restaurant served us a memorable dinner. I’m very proud to be supporting Princes Gate on our tour.

Day 2 – Eastwards to the Coast

After Rotorua, we travelled through the gorge to the East Coast, stopping at Rere Falls and then moving on to Eastwoodhill Arboretum. That place really blew me away – a park-like setting of international trees, spread across 300 acres (though we only scratched the surface). Our horticulturist guide told us there are 72 different pine species here alone, out of only 101 worldwide (or thereabouts). It speaks volumes about how fertile and special our part of the world is.

Arrival to Gisborne

Next stop was Gisborne, where we stayed for two nights at Ahikaa Motel. Owner Katie was absolutely delightful and offered to host a BBQ dinner for our group when we arrive on tour. Perfect end to a day! The motel itself is beautifully presented and right across the road from the beach. Gisborne has done a great job creating a relaxing boardwalk that stretches from the beach into the harbour. With our tour staying three nights here, we slow the pace and settle into real holiday mode.

Exploring More of Gisborne

We took a walk up Mount Titirangi (the hill at the harbour’s edge) for panoramic views of flats and water. We visited the Tairāwhiti Museum and were impressed with how effectively they tell the story of East Cape and Gisborne.

One highlight: we treated the family (well, partly the family treats me!) to the stingray encounter at Tatapouri. Grandma Jill observed from the shore, 11-yr-old Zoe was initially a bit nervous, but soon we were all enthralled as the stingrays glided around us. These guides clearly have an amazing connection with the creatures. We include this experience on the tour, but if you have balance issues, we can refund this optional part of the cost.

Lunch at Matawhero Vineyard was a treat — lunch in the vines, sunshine, blue skies… doesn’t get much better. Dinner in the Sports Club overlooking the boats and, in particular, the M.V. Takatimu, which we venture out on on the tour.

The Iconic East Cape Drive

Sunday, we set off for a drive around the East Cape. I assessed it: one of the prettiest drives in New Zealand. The rugged coastline, hidden bays, and (oh!) the paua pie at the Café 35 in Tokomaru Bay were a highlight. I grew up with horses and was delighted to see so many beautiful ponies scattered around this region – more than I’ve ever seen in one place in NZ, especially palominos and skewbalds.
We stopped by the charming St Mary’s Church, Tikitiki (where Māori influences in the design are astounding) and walked the length of our country’s longest wharf at Tolaga Bay (660 metres). We then drove out to Te Kaha for an overnight stay.

Te Kaha & Homeward Bound

Our accommodation at Te Kaha offered stunning ocean views — a perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine and reflect on an incredible day. On Labour Monday, we started heading back toward Auckland, stopping at the Awakeri Railcart Experience. Owner, Paul, took us on a ride along old tracks, we fed friendly farm animals, patted a red deer called “Lucky”, admired astounding kāhikatea trees and enjoyed tea in his outback shed.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the family had a lovely weekend exploring and appreciating many of the wonderful inclusions in our East Cape to the Lakes tour. We’ll of course also visit Lake Waikaremoana on the tour in February (I had the pleasure of visiting it earlier) — arguably one of the most special places in our country.

If you’ve never been to this region (or visited long ago) you should give yourself a new talking point and join us. It truly is a spectacular piece of New Zealand. Our tour departs 5 – 11 February 2026, and we still have availability. Click on the link below to view the itinerary or get in touch to book your space — before it’s too late.

PARIS IN CENTRAL OTAGO

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 04:20:11 GMT

Dansey's Pass

Discovering the Magic of the South Island with Seemore Tours.

I’d always wondered what made the South Island so special. Joining the Seemore Tours Danseys Pass trip finally revealed why — and it was every bit as magical as I’d imagined. From the moment we touched down in Queenstown, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and that crisp southern air, I knew I was in for something unforgettable.

Our first stop was Ayrburn Station, a picture-perfect blend of lush gardens, waterfalls, and charming eateries. I couldn’t resist a visit to The Dairy, once the old station’s milk room and now an ice-cream shop delivered the perfect treat, even at six degrees.

Arrowtown whisked us back to the gold rush era with its heritage buildings and Wild West charm. On the way to Clyde, we passed New Zealand’s oldest power station before checking in at the historic Dunstan House – grand, elegant, and wonderfully nostalgic.

The next day, our local guide George Lindsay brought Central Otago’s stories to life as we journeyed through gold rush towns to the stunning Blue Lake and the cosy Vulcan Hotel. The road to Danseys Pass wound through snowy hills, laughter, and even a little carpool karaoke before we reached the charming, tucked-away Danseys Pass Hotel for a night of good food and rest.

Sunrise over the ranges was pure magic. Our 4WD adventure took us to Hayes Engineering, which is the birthplace of New Zealand’s engineering ingenuity. This place was filled with preserved treasures and stories of innovation. Later, we climbed to Poolburn Dam, where epic landscapes and Lord of the Rings scenery left us speechless. When a locked gate forced a detour, no one minded as the views were worth every minute.

At Wedderburn, the fourth-generation Duncan family welcomed us for morning tea with the fluffiest scones imaginable and newborn calves tottering nearby. That afternoon, Clachanburn Garden was a dream of spring colour and serenity, where Jane Falconer’s warmth and storytelling made lunch under the sun unforgettable. Dinner in Naseby wrapped up the day with laughter and newfound friendships.

Our final morning took us back to Clyde for an awe-inspiring tour of the Clyde Dam, a marvel of Kiwi engineering built atop an active fault line. We explored tunnels beneath the lake and even stepped inside a wind turbine before capping off the trip with lunch and a little spontaneous shopping.

As the plane lifted from Queenstown, I looked down at those mountains and felt immense gratitude. The South Island is breathtaking, yes, but it’s the people, the stories, and the shared moments that linger. Trips like this remind me how special our own backyard truly is — and how lucky I am to call it work.

TASMANIA UNCOVERED

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:01:17 GMT

Tasmania Uncovered

A journey of discovery that led to our November 2025 tour being released!

I recently set off on a solo reconnaissance mission through Tasmania to experience the highlights of our November 12-day tour firsthand. With the help of our passionate local team, I explored iconic destinations, tasted incredible local fare, and uncovered the kind of magical moments that make a journey unforgettable.

My first appointment on this trip was a meet and greet with the locally based Tassie team who helped craft the tour. Their energy and enthusiasm for Tasmania were truly invigorating, and I knew almost immediately they would deliver an exceptional experience for our travellers. After a warm meet-and-greet, I set off solo to experience as much of the journey as I could.

Hobart & Bruny Island

Hobart is a picturesque city nestled beneath the watchful eye of Mt Wellington. It serves as a vibrant hub for many local attractions and day trips. One such destination is Bruny Island — made up of two land masses, North and South Bruny, connected by a narrow isthmus known as The Neck. With around 800 residents, the island thrives on a strong sense of community.

Bruny is a sensory delight, with long white beaches, world-class surf, and dense native forests draped in ancient trees and lichen. Overhead, albatrosses, eagles, and muttonbirds soar, while little blue penguins nest underground by night. Local producers offer everything from chocolate and honey to oysters, wine, and craft beer — a true treat for the senses.

A standout for me was Cape Bruny Lighthouse. The panoramic views were breathtaking.

Port Arthur, Richmond & Bonorong Sanctuary

Having visited Norfolk Island, I was curious to explore its historical link to Port Arthur. Today, the site is a beautifully maintained coastal garden scattered with evocative ruins from its penal settlement days.

Port Arthur served as a “second-remand” prison — for those who reoffended after arriving in Australia. Many were transported from England for minor crimes like stealing a handkerchief, only to face a harsh and distant life in Tasmania.

The site today is immaculately preserved. The historical restoration is outstanding, and the presentation of facts is thoughtful and respectful. The passionate, knowledgeable guides make the experience especially compelling.

A highlight was the optional harbour cruise, offering a different perspective of the prison and fascinating stories about the cemeteries and the boys’ prison across the channel.

In Richmond, you’ll find Australia’s oldest bridge and church (circa 1820s), beautifully restored and surrounded by park-like settings. The charming village is filled with antique stores, gift shops, and artisan food outlets. A traditional Devonshire tea topped off the visit perfectly.

That afternoon, I visited Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Despite a light drizzle, the animals were active and keen to greet us. Our guide, John, offered moving insights into the challenges native species face and the sanctuary’s critical conservation work. The plight of the Tasmanian devil was particularly striking, though ongoing research offers hope. It’s reassuring to know places like Bonorong are working so hard to protect these unique animals.

Missing MONA (But Not for Long)

Unfortunately, I missed the chance to visit the iconic MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), as it had shifted to winter hours. I spoke to several tourists who had been — reviews were mixed, but all agreed it was bold, confronting, and memorable. A tourism podcast recently said that MONA is becoming a reason in itself to visit Tasmania. So we’ll definitely be including it in the tour, and I’m eager to hear what you think!

Launceston & Cataract Gorge

A few days later, I arrived in Launceston. What struck me most was the city’s strong sense of heritage, reflected in its historic buildings.

Cataract Gorge, a popular attraction near the city centre, features a scenic chairlift and manicured gardens. I found it only mildly interesting — perhaps one of those “tick-the-box” places. That said, the other highlights on our itinerary for that day will certainly impress.

Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to Platypus Park or sample the culinary delights on the Tasting Trail — next time!

Cradle Mountain: A Snowy Surprise

Next, I made my way to Cradle Mountain for an early start. Thanks to a recent Antarctic blast, everything was dusted in snow — and honestly, isn’t everything more magical under a snowy blanket?

I began with the Rainforest Walk — a short trail alongside a lively river swollen with snowmelt. It crosses an open plain before entering a lush forest, where I spotted a sweet little pademelon foraging under a log. The forest here felt entirely different from anything back home.

Next was the Enchanted Forest Walk, a gentle track through bushland where I encountered more wildlife: wallabies, pademelons, and black cockatoos. The walk ends at a waterfall, thundering with freshly melted snow.

Both tracks are ideal for those not up for the full Dove Lake Circuit — a perfect way to experience the magic of the Cradle Mountain region at a slower pace.

Later, I took the shuttle to Dove Lake. Although Cradle Mountain was shrouded in mist, the moody, atmospheric views were just as powerful as any postcard-perfect scene. Sometimes, nature’s beauty is most stirring in its raw, untamed state.

East Coast Gems: St Helens to Bicheno

From there, I travelled to St Helens at the top of the East Coast, just south of the Bay of Fires. This charming beach town has a working wharf, friendly cafés, and pristine beaches. I can highly recommend the Reuben toastie at one local spot!

Heading south to Bicheno, I stopped at Ironhouse Distillery — a stunning coastal venue offering rum, sherry, gin, vodka, and craft beer, all made on-site.

Bicheno, slightly larger than St Helens, is known for its beaches and penguin colonies. I was especially excited to visit the famed Lobster Shack — purely in the name of research, of course! I treated myself to a half lobster tail, enjoyed on the deck overlooking the boat ramp at dusk. It was a quintessential island moment.

Later, I tried to spot the penguins — only to discover I was in the wrong place. A lesson for next time!

That evening’s pink-hued sunset hinted at a stunning day ahead, so I set my alarm early. Watching the sunrise over Bicheno was a magical way to start the day. After a few ocean snaps, I wandered to the blowhole — the dramatic, wave-crashing spectacle didn’t disappoint.

Freycinet National Park & Farewell

Continuing south, I arrived at Freycinet National Park. After visiting Tourville Lighthouse for sweeping views of the coast, I returned to Coles Bay. This unique peninsula is home to lagoons, rugged cliffs, mountains, and the famous Wineglass Bay.

After so much driving, I opted for a scenic boat cruise — a relaxing way to take in the beaches, fur seals, and scattered holiday homes.

Reflecting on the Journey

And just like that, my 6-day reccie came to an end. No matter how exhausted I was, I was thrilled to have experienced a huge portion of our proposed tour, and it confirmed one thing: 12 days is exactly what’s needed to truly appreciate the magic of this island.

I’m excited to bring this tour to market and proud to have such a professional and passionate local partner.

What I didn’t get to see — Strahan on the West, the Derwent River Wilderness Cruise, the West Coast Wilderness Railway, and The Wall in the Wilderness — is all included in our tour this November.

ALPINE MID-WINTER CHRISTMAS 2025

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 02:17:33 GMT

Where have I been?

In short, researching a fabulous Alpine Mid-Winter Christmas 2025 Tour!

With great anticipation, Tim and I left our 9-year-old with her grandma in Auckland and flew to Christchurch for a 6-day explorative journey into the south. We spent a night in the city preparing for the first exciting leg of our journey: riding first class in the new Scenic Class Carriage of the TranzAlpine Train to Greymouth the following morning.

This was an exceptional service. The premium carriage has been thoughtfully crafted with accents of Maori design and is light and spacious. The table we shared with two other passengers was traditionally presented like any upmarket silver-service dining experience, including table service. The food was lovely, and sipping our favourite beverage while travelling through Arthurs Pass and absorbing the breathtaking scenery around us was an absolute treat.

On arrival in Greymouth, we travelled north to Punakaiki to marvel at the numerous pancake towers and abundant Nikau Palms. After visiting some nearby points of interest, we made our way down to Hokitika for a late afternoon arrival. We didn’t stay in Punakaiki on this trip, though we plan to stay here for our tour. The Scenic Circle Hotel sits on the coast and is a showstopper for an overnight destination. Sleeping to the wild West Coast waves crashing over the beach is remarkably soothing.

The following day, we ventured back down the coast to our next destination, Franz Josef. En route, we made a detour into the Hokitika Gorge—WOW, this must be seen to be believed. It’s only a 30-minute walk in and out to the swing bridge, and the colour of the vibrant blue glacial water set against the rich green native forestry is something that every Kiwi should witness. We were blown away.

Hokitika is also home to the Treetop Walkway Adventure. This was a soaring surprise. First, we had to walk up a steep hill (they have a golf buggy for those who might find this challenging), then we walked out onto a steel platform that soared above the trees… I felt like a bird walking amongst the leafy tops of giant Rimu’s, and the views over the lake and down to the forest floor were uniquely beautiful from this elevation! The engineering that went into developing the walkway was equally quite astonishing.

We arrived at Franz Josef in the early afternoon, providing plenty of time for lunch and to explore the town at our own pace. The Wildlife Centre has a cute Kiwi and Tuatara display; if you enjoy reading information boards, there are plenty! We then boarded our bus and ventured out to view the famous glacier. The walk-in to view this is on a well-maintained track, about 2km’s return, and includes a slight incline. The reward at the end is a beautiful view up the Franz Josef Glacier.

We later checked in to the Te Waonui Forest Retreat and true to its name the serenity of the bush from our room, provided the perfect backdrop to a restful afternoon. We put our feet up and winked at a book (AKA nanna napped!).

After dinner this evening, Tim and I treated ourselves to a soak at the Waiho Hot Tubs. These glacial water-filled private tubs are seamlessly designed to feel like you’re in the bush. It was a beautiful clear night, and while enjoying our soak, we could gaze up through the pungas to a perfectly framed Southern Cross Constellation. The pools are emptied after each use, and you can take a beverage with you.

We plan to do something differently on our tour: include the helicopter ride up and onto the Glacier if weather permits. Our companion on this trip, James, took one for the team and experienced the full extent of this phenomenon! The result… he was jaw-gapingly stunned by how beautiful and pristine the glacier is and believes it would be a missed opportunity for anyone visiting Franz Josef.

While in Franz Josef, I gathered some leads to establish what other interesting places or locals we could meet when we bring our group through next year. I’ll follow up on these leads now that I’m back, so stay tuned for more when we release the tour. We do intend to slow the pace down and spend two nights here.

I won’t gloss over it; the next day covers a lot of ground… it’s necessary but rewarding! First, we drove past Fox Glacier (stopping to appreciate the stunning view) and continued to the Haast River. Here, we met Lindsay and Myreen Kain and their Jack Russell, Lofty and boarded their enclosed jetboat for a safari down the Haast River. We stopped plenty of times to marvel at the many waterfalls and steep terrain surrounding us, and we were even treated to a few spins – oh what fun! Disembarking, we continued to Wanaka for lunch and then to Arrowtown for a nosey around before arriving in Queenstown. It suffices to say that a dinner in-house and an early night were on the cards this evening.

The following morning, we were up bright and early and whisked away on a bus to Milford Sound. The first couple of hours of this journey were in the dark, and then, as the sky lit up, the commentary from our driver started, and you couldn’t replicate the exacting knowledge of these operators. The drive into Te Anau and then into Milford is A-MAZ-ING. We had plenty of stops, and I filled up the data on my camera with hundreds of incredible landscapes and mountainscapes and multiple photos of the cheeky Kea (my favourite New Zealand bird), who were busy trying to pull the bus apart at our stops.

I thought we had seen it all until we came out of the Homer Tunnel and were greeted by the most insanely beautiful amphitheatre on the other side! I could do this trip 100 times over and never get used to the backdrop and the enormity of it. Milford Sound did not disappoint – it had been raining all morning, and therefore, the waterfalls were full and lush, and the views of Mitre Peak and the surrounding mountains made you feel inferior to nature. We had planned on flying back on a fixed-wing plane; however, we couldn’t control the weather, and our pilot had to retract our arrangement, so we bused back. This provided the perfect opportunity to review and delete the repetitive photos of the last few days and quietly drift away to the beautiful scenery.

A free day in Queenstown was then warmly welcomed. With so much to offer, our fellow travellers were able to join a local operator for a tour that specifically interested them. Tim and I frequent Queenstown often, so we used our time to seek out tour opportunities. We learned that the beautiful Ayrburn Station (just out of Arrowtown) hosts a magical Mid-Winter Christmas Wonderland each July. The property was adorned with the most beautiful Christmas decorations, and I’m so excited to share this venue for a fanciful festive celebration for our tour next year!

Over the day, the temperature plummeted to a chilly 3-deg, so we rugged up warm when we met up later for our adventure on the TSS Earnslaw out to Walter Peak Station. We departed Queenstown the old-fashioned way, with the 111-year-old steamship engines rotating. We sat in the spacious cabin of varnished wood and polished brass while listening to a talented gentleman rolling out some lovely tunes on a grand piano. We soon arrived at the pier of the picturesque Station, walked up to the main lodge, and ate the most beautiful meal. This was followed by a brief farm demonstration, which included a delightful display of a Border Collie dog herding some sheep.

Our research trip then came to a close. We farewelled our fellow travellers and returned home to a very excited daughter and exhausted grandma! I can’t thank my mum enough for the time Tim and I spent together.

There is so much magic to be witnessed on the West Coast and down into Milford Sound, and with a bit of Mid-Winter Christmas fun mixed in, it’s a tour we are super excited to add to our calendar next winter. Stay tuned for the itinerary, which will be out soon.

This tour will be set to run in July 2025. If this story has piqued your interest and you would like to see the full itinerary when available, then contact: nikki@seemoretours.co.nz or phone: 021 990 141.

FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS 2023

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 20:45:27 GMT

FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS TOUR
JUNE/JULY 2023

We had a fabulous 6-days away, exploring the Wairarapa and helping Greytown celebrate their Festival of Christmas!

We drove through the rain early Thursday morning for our Northern Explorer Train journey to Palmerston North. With a bit of dizziness around which way the train was moving, we headed off for a fabulous experience. I drive down to Ohakune a lot over the ski season and I am very familiar with the roads, so I thoroughly enjoyed taking in the rural landscapes from a different perspective. The Raurimu Spiral was an absolute highlight – I grew up holidaying in the small train settlement of Raurimu and spent countless hours grooming the horses in the paddock in front of the train station, pulling tadpoles out of the retired school pool and waving at the trains as they passed by. I had never experienced the spiral from the inside out and with its circles and tunnels, I can now understand why it was revered as one of the engineering wonders of the world.

The next day we set out over the wind farm to Woodville. Liz’ spontaneous visit to the Reed Organ Museum was fascinating. Rosemarie was a passionate person with a very unusual collection… I wonder how many people in NZ have a similar collection? We then stretched our legs at the property of Paul Gregg who made international headlines as ‘Grandfather of the Year’. Being a retired Boeing aerospace engineer, I imagine Paul has a very high IQ and he clearly put that intelligence to good use when he built the rollercoaster and planted the maze for his grandkids. Quite bewildering. We then visited Pukaha Wildlife Park and met the only Kokako kept in captivity, and what a happy little girl she was.

The weather treated us well as we escaped the storms around the country, and we were very fortunate to have been able to make it up the driveway of Margaret and Mike Hanson of Blue Earth Wine and Olive Oil. Their story was wonderful and their products delicious. Moy Hall provided a beautiful, shared lunch which was the perfect accompaniment to a day in one of NZ’s top wine regions, Martinborough.

Then the festival… WOW this town knows how to dial up the volume! The retailers, craft people, restaurants and cafes all go to such amazing efforts to make this festival a true success. I’m not sure I’ve witnessed this anywhere else in New Zealand before. The number of people in the community and visitors alike who gathered together for the opening festival was astonishing.

I missed out on the visit to Ngawai Seal Colony and Cape Palliser, but I won’t miss out next time! It sounded like Stuart’s commentary was fabulous and so many of you picked this excursion as a highlight. I also missed the trip out to Castlepoint, but I was very excited to be at Brancepeth Homestead to greet you all and introduce you to Edward Beetham. His historic home has witnessed a lot of our countries history and to have dinner in the same dining room as his ancestors, Māori Chiefs, and other notables of the 1800 and 1900s was quite the experience. My mouth still waters at the thought of the delectable, steamed pudding with toffee sauce and whipped cream!

And finally, we learnt a few things about Featherston on our way out of town before making it to Wellington Airport for our flights home.

If you like the sound of this tour, then get in touch as we will be running this again in 2024!

OVER THE DANSEYS PASS

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 01:19:51 GMT

For a while now, I have been toying with a tour idea where we fly into Dunedin, travel up to Oamaru then drive over the Danseys Pass from North Otago to Central Otago and finish in Dunedin again. I’m not going to pretend it is all my idea… another traveller a few years ago suggested the concept and when you plant a seed in one’s mind… it sticks!

So, I set to work establishing how to bring this idea to life. A good amount of research can be done over the internet and phone, but the really goo d intel. or intelligence comes from getting on the ground and physically covering the route while meeting and getting to know the people who own or operate the accommodations, experiences, and destinations.

So off we went…

With husband Tim in tow, we took off to Dunedin. I was very happy to have my puffer jacket handy as it was a prickly 2 degrees when we arrived and picked up our hire car. After a whistle stop visit to catchup with friends and a night at the Scenic Circle Southern Cross hotel we rose early and hit the road for Oamaru. We stopped at Signal Hill to view the cold but clear vistas over the city before making our way to Port Chalmers and onwards to Moeraki Boulders. We are always considering our travellers when we put a tour together, and I made note that the small walk and descent to the Moeraki Beach could be a little hazardous for some (if done slowly and with care and the assistance of a guide then all will be fine). The giant marble like boulders themselves were still as round as they were 30 years ago (or 3 million years ago) and the extensive Moeraki beach with its golden sand set the scene for a beautiful outlook. The Moeraki area has certainly grown and become more popular with homes and luxury baches cropping up on the hill above and with uninterrupted views out to the ocean I can see why.

We then continued to Oamaru and on arrival, we ducked our heads into our shortlist of accommodations to establish the perfect base for the start of the tour. Local Kiwi entrepreneurs, Debbie and Ross Ward of the Mariner Suites have recently built a fabulous motel complex where all the rooms face out towards the harbour and Victorian precinct and a short walk to view the penguins and wander around town. If this wasn’t enough of a compelling reason to stay there, I then discovered that they put a chocolate fish from the local confectionary company in each of the rooms for their guests!

Oamaru has the best collection of Victorian Buildings in New Zealand and these neo classical white stone buildings that once housed many grain stores, banks, post offices, exchange stores etc are now home to unique businesses, boutique stores, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. With an abundance of history surrounding us, it was evident that it would be of interest to engage a local historian to impart some of their knowledge with our future travel group. So along comes Mike Gray! This obliging gentleman has since got onboard to help fine tune our tour and who will later regale our travellers with the history of Oamaru and its surrounding areas.

Oamaru is also home to the world’s smallest penguins and after a busy days’ fishing, these little fellows like to return en masse when it’s dark, to feed their young. This is super cute to watch and the town has since set up private viewings and a small grandstand to observe them without imposing on their natural environment. Whilst you can often see them randomly hopping around town, we won’t leave it to chance and will include this experience as part of the tour.

Whitestone, whitestone, whitestone… it’s a theme to the town of Oamaru. Famously marked by the iconic stone that is quarried locally and shipped around the country.

To hero this, Tim and I did a tour and tasting of Whitestone Cheese, a delicious experience that left me wondering how farmers milk sheep… (a concept that also baffled our guide). That aside, the Berry family has made waves around the country and their cheese has won several awards so certainly a tasty and fascinating inclusion for our tour.

And for a firmer experience (and not one of the culinary kind) we were then given a heads up by friends who live in Oamaru that a tour into the Parkside Limestone Quarry is one not to be missed. Their parents and visitors to Oamaru have been back to the quarry a few times over for this experience, and with that accolade alone, it qualified a visit. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to do the tour ourselves, but we met Judy who takes the tours (5th generation family member to be involved with the quarry) and she confidently talked us through the experience. Seeing the stone in the ground, the process it goes through and finally seeing it propping up so much architecture is quite remarkable.

This architecture includes the very unusual and quirky building of Riverstone Castle. I’m not sure what to think about this architectural giant that dominates the rural landscape of Oamaru… Tim was as perplexed as I was, and with the old adage ‘it needs to be seen to be believed’ we decided to investigate further and step inside the halls of the castle… and holy moly were we surprised?! The interior is something else, and the attention to detail phenomenal… tiles, pressed ceilings, wallpapers, furniture… all as opulent as you could possibly imagine and yes it certainly does need to be seen to be believed!

In amongst our research of Oamaru, we found a few other gems which will also be included in March, but we need to keep some surprises tucked up our sleeves for those who decide to join us.

The next leg of research took us up and over the Danseys Pass. The full extent of this road is quite magnificent with its spectacular landscapes. Brown and baren, elevated and extensive. I’m not sure you can see further across the Northern Otago plains from the top of the pass than on this road. It certainly is a highlight.

Having run tours to the Central Otago previously, I consider myself reasonably familiar with the landscape and people. So instead, Tim and I indulged ourselves with a night at the Danseys Pass Hotel. We met the new Manager Matty Hawkes. Matty has run hotels in other unique parts of New Zealand, including Arthurs Pass and I am sure he will make his mark here and delight our travellers with his fabulous hospitality going forward.

We met our local superstar and guide George Lindsey for a coffee in Naseby the following morning and discussed our plans for this section of the tour. His knowledge and experience of the central Otago is outstanding and visits to St Bathans, Ophir, Omaukau, Naseby, the Ida Valley and the Maniototo will all be included on this tour. We’ll learn a few things about farming, gold mining and take an adventure offroad with the 4WD team.

It was zero degrees in Naseby and somehow it was getting colder the later the morning got. So we farewelled George and made tracks for Middlemarch. We weren’t on the road for long before the dramatic landscapes became frozen in time with a hoar frost. My camera was leaping all over the place and I couldn’t get enough of the icy brilliance this frost delivered.

We then arrived in Middlemarch and set upon the local Kissing Gate Café for a hot cuppa and delectable sweet treat to establish who and what might be hiding under the google radars of interesting visits. Vennetta the super friendly and talented chef, charmed us with her knowledge and passed on a few local contacts which saw us quickly set for a busy couple of hours. We met Dawn who runs the local museum and with teeth chattering she opened the museum up and walked us through the beautifully chronicled history of Middlemarch. I was very impressed with their collection of memorabilia and historical artifacts… it was quite possibly one of the better small town museums I have visited. We then visited Frances Howell (mother of the café owner) and we walked around the crunchy grounds of her extensive country garden. We had to use our imagination to convert the icy trees and empty flower beds to visualise how the cherries, roses, peonies, and perennials would look in the Summer – I am sure it will be quite astonishing. This visit, along with some catering supplied from her daughter would make the perfect picnic stop for the planned tour.

Tim and I then hit the road back to Dunedin with the intention to stop at Hindon Railway Station to establish where the Taireri Gorge train stops and returns back to Dunedin (hopefully the last leg of the March tour). Google Maps took us out over private property, through a stunning gorge and into the middle of nowhere where we finally arrived at nothing! With not a lot of time left on the clock and a nervous husband, we had to high tail it back to Dunedin Airport for our flights. This part of our research will have to wait for another day. What we do know is that this train service has been severely disrupted over the last few years and whilst we are still awaiting news of their summer 2024 service, it is looking likely for this to happen. And if not, then Tim and myself can hand on heart say that the drive is beautiful regardless.

This tour will be set to run in early March 2024. If this story has piqued your interest and you would like to see the full itinerary when available, then contact: nikki@seemoretours.co.nz or phone: 021 990 141.