New Zealand experienced its first gold rush after Gabriel Reid made his discovery near what is now the town of Lawrence in Central Otago in 1861. Two years later there were 22,000 people living in the gold fields strewn from Arrowtown to Dunedin. William Rees had barely established his sheep farm on the shores of Lake Wakatipu when gold was found in the Arrow River and within a few months the area around his homestead became the thriving town of Queenstown. Because of gold Dunedin was, by then, the largest and wealthiest city in the country. Places like St Bathans, Naseby, Middlemarch and Lawrence owe their foundations to the rush to find the shiny stuff. These days gold has been replaced by agriculture, horticulture and tourism. In April 2025 we’ll spend 9 days travelling these roads and experiencing these places for what they are today. A route that will broadly take us from the mountain peaks that surround the resort town of Queenstown to the university city of Dunedin on the coast and so many places in between. Here’s a summary of the plan;
Day 1: We fly from Hawke’s Bay to Queenstown, where we’ll be met by our Bay Tours coach, and settle into the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Hotel, our home for the next 4 nights.
Day 2: This morning we take the infamous Cardrona Road to Wanaka for a morning cruise on the lake. After lunch in Wanaka, we head to Cromwell for a look around before returning to Queenstown. Tonight, we dine at the legendary Skyline Restaurant.
Day 3: After morning tea at the luxurious Millbrook Resort we spend some time exploring picturesque Arrowtown with its historic tree-lined streets in all their autumnal splendour. This evening, we have a very special dinner experience. We cross Lake Wakatipu on the legendary TSS Earnslaw for a delicious Gourmet BBQ dinner at Walter Peak Station.
Day 4: Today is a big one. We start by a drive to Glenorchy at the top of the lake’s northern arm. From here we’ll explore the mystical Dart River by jet boat. The Dart is a braided river, the very kind that jet boats were built for. After a stunning river ride deep into the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park, we’ll tie up and take a brief walk amongst the ancient beech tree forests – a world apart. The return jet boat ride down the river back to Glenorchy is an adrenalin-filled rush as we skim across the shallowest of water channels. Phew! We head back to town for lunch and some free time to relax in Queenstown in the afternoon.
Day 5: Our ultimate destination today is Ranfurly deep in the Maniototo but not before we’ve firstly stopped for a morning cuppa at the old Post Office in Clyde and a look at the mighty Clyde Dam and power station. Then it’s on to St Bathans and the historic Vulcan Hotel, for lunch. This afternoon we settle into the lovely Hawkdun Lodge in Ranfurly.
Day 6: Another day packed with action. Our first stop is Naseby and a crack at the most distinct of southern sports, curling, at the International Curling Centre. Local experts will on hand to help us get those stones moving. And if you think those stones are big, a wonderfully scenic drive to the coast will bring us to our next destination, the famous Moeraki Boulders. These massive spherical concretions are up to 60 million years old. After lunch we take the scenic drive to Dunedin and the wonderful Distinction Hotel.
Day 7: Our first day in Dunedin begins with a visit to the Royal Albatross Centre out at the heads of Dunedin Harbour where, after morning tea, we’ll be shown around and have the chance to observe these majestic birds. Then it’s on to perhaps Dunedin’s most famous landmark – Larnach Castle. After a guided tour we’ll enjoy lunch in the ballroom and a wander in the glorious gardens before returning to the city where the rest of the afternoon is free to relax in our beautiful hotel and put our feet up.
Day 8: We stick close to town today visiting a number of wonderful places. There’s the grandeur of the historic house, Olveston where we’ll explore this extraordinary property bequeathed to the city of Dunedin. After lunch we’ll head to the brilliant Otago Settlers Museum and wander next door to look at the newly restored Dunedin Railway Station. There’s a lot to take in around town today.
Day 9: After a jam-packed 8 days you’ll be pleased to have a FREE DAY to relax or wander central Dunedin at your leisure. Maybe catch up with local friends or family.
Day 10: We say farewell to the South today and fly home from Dunedin to Hawke’s Bay. Spectacular sights, amazing once-in-a-lifetime experiences and, above all, that fabulous southern hospitality. Join us on this memorable journey from Otago’s gold rush past to its exciting present.