PARIS IN CENTRAL OTAGO
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.
