Downunder Special: Historical Central Otago

DAY 1

Christchurch - Geraldine

On arrival at Christchurch Airport,  collect your rental car and take a scenic journey to the delightful French inspired seaside village of Akaroa before travelling south to the pretty, artisan town of Geraldine.  Overnight: The Vicarage (Guest Room) where a complimentary bottle of wine is included in your stay.  

The Vicarage is located right next door to Barker's Foodstore & Eatery where you can redeem your voucher for a culinary delight.

DAY 2

Geraldine - Tekapo - Mt Cook

Breakfast is provided this morning before today’s journey into a scenic wonderland where the vivid blue Lake Tekapo is almost too blue to be true.  Head further inland, hugging the edge of beautiful Lake Pukaki into Aoraki Mount Cook National Park where the landscape is rugged, vast and dramatic.  There are a number of scenic walks available here including the popular Hooker Valley Track.  Overnight: The Hermitage (Premium Mt Cook View Room)

DAY 3

Mt Cook - Central Otago

Retrace your journey back to the main route south, entering the powerful, weathered mountains and vast valleys of the Central Otago region, dotted with reminders of its heady gold rush days.  Make a stop to enjoy the fruit bowl of Cromwell with its colonial Historic Precinct before travelling through to the charming township of Clyde.  Overnight: The Lord Clyde (Classic Room).  

We recommend pre booking dinner (own cost) at Olivers Restaurant to ensure you don't miss out.

DAY 4

Central Otago - Dunedin

The delightful historical buildings continue popping up once we depart Clyde and drive through the historical Otago Rail Trail townships of Ophir and Omakau.  A slight detour to the historic settlement of St Bathans is a ‘must do’ with its vintage buildings sitting alongside a brilliant blue lake surrounded by dramatic quartz columns.  Carry on through yet another fascinating landscape where ancient schist rock stacks punctuate the barren land on to Macraes enormous Gold Mine where gold is still being produced today.  Continue on to Dunedin.  Overnight:  Fable Hotel (Classic Room)

DAY5

Depart Dunedin

Continental Breakfast is included in your hotel stay this morning.  After breakfast, time permitting, you might like to drive out to the Otago Peninsula for a visit to Larnach Castle and some wildlife spotting or over to the historic limestone town of Oamaru visiting the quirky Moeraki boulders on the way.  Dunedin's  "Steepest Street in the World also provides for some fun and great photo opportunities . Return your rental car to Dunedin Airport for your flight out later today.