Join us in a 5 day expedition exploring the Otago Heartland, taking in the historic goldfields harking back to the 19th century, and epic landscapes

Duration

5 Days

About

From Christchurch, we head for Aoraki Mt Cook and Omarama before hopping over the Lindis Pass to Tarras and Wanaka beyond. We attempt the Crown Range road into Queenstown then over the next few days work our way through Alexandra and the historic Gold Mining settlements of Ophir and St Bathans before exiting Otago via Oamaru and Timaru with a final look at the Waitaki Valley before heading for Christchurch

Itinerary:

Day 1:

Christchurch to Omarama: Enjoy the scenery as we work our way south to the land locked village of Omarama. Enjoy lakeside vistas at locations like Lake Tekapo, and Lake Pukaki, and a side trip to Aoraki-Mt Cook before exploring the area around Omarama and Lake Ohau before settling in for the night at Omarama

Day 2:

Today we cross over Lindis Pass, passing from South Canterbury into Otago proper. Making our way over the pass, we turn off at Tarras to enjoy a spectacular lakeside lunch at Lake Wanaka, before crossing over the Crown Range (weather permitting) and dropping down into Arrowtown, and then into Queenstown for our nights rest. If the Crown Range is not available we head around Lake Dunstan via SH 6, into Cromwell, and then through the spectacular Kawarau Gorge into Queenstown

Day 3:

Queenstown to Alexandra: Departing Queenstown we sidle our way South alongside Lake Wakatipu and over the Devils Staircase before dropping down into Kingston and on to Lumsden. From Lumsden we swing back east before stopping in Gore for lunch. Post lunch, we resume our photography as we follow the road up through Tapanui to Raes Junction. From here we follow the mighty Clutha River to our destination of Alexandra

Day 4:

Alexandra to Oamaru: From Alexandra we explore the route through Ophir and on to the historic mining settlement of St Bathans. From there we head down through Ranfurly and across to Naseby and the Kyeburn Diggings. From here, we have two options: if road and weather conditions permit, we travel over Danseys Pass and into Kurow, then out to the coast and down to Oamaru. If conditions are unaccetable, we head out via SH 85 (known locally as the “Pigroot”), to Palmerston, and then north to our destination at Oamaru

Day 5:

Oamaru to Christchurch: Heading north from Oamaru, we detour via Kurow to explore the lower reaches of the Waitaki River (If we didn’t come out that way on Day 4) before heading across the Waitaki River and back into Canterbury via the town of Waimate, and then Timaru for lunch. From Timaru we work our way north to Christchurch (naturally with more stops along the way) before arriving back at our starting point in Christchurch

Inclusions:

• Pickup from some of the main hotels within Christchurch, or alternately from the Canterbury Museum
• Expert, knowledgeable guide
• Activities and Permits
• Photography tuition (if required)
• Late model, air conditioned transport
• All meals including lunch, dinner, breakfast
• Accommodation
• Snacks, beverages, and drinks
• Scenic stops