Our adventure begins when we land in Queenstown and make our way to the town centre. On arrival, wander the stores and grab yourself some lunch before we meet back up at the wharf for a 90-minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu. View stunning homes, rare birds, the historic dam, and Willow Islands, and learn about the fascinating history of Queenstown. 

Later, we drive over to Arrowtown and check-in to our motel for our 2-night stay. We celebrate our arrival to the South Island with a ‘trust the chef’ dining experience at the beautiful Ayrburn establishment.

Dinner

This morning, we visit Royalburn Station for a tour with Farm Manager, Michelle Wallis. Royalburn Station was established in 1887 by William McKibbon to cultivate wheat and barley for gold miners and early settlers. In 2019, the farm was taken over by the passionate food advocates Nadia Lim and Carlos Bagrie. The station is now a unique, genuine farm-to-plate operation that produces market garden vegetables, meat, eggs, grains, seeds and honey on a large scale. After our tour, Michelle treats us to a delightful morning tea in one of the farm’s cottages. 

Later, we depart on a tiki-tour that sees us drive up the highest road in New Zealand; the Crown Range. We stop to sample some of the delicious gin at the Cardrona Distillery and enjoy lunch in the expansive garden of the Cardrona Hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

With packed bags, we depart Arrowtown on a leisurely drive to Kingston. After we arrive, we board the Kingston Flyer for a 60-minute train ride in a 100-year-old fully restored steam train. Admire the spectacular scenery of the Kingston Lake Foreshore and surrounding high country farmlands. 

Our next stop is the Bill Richardson Museum in Invercargill – the largest automotive museum of its type in the world. Here, there is a fascinating collection of vehicles and memorabilia that is sure to amuse everyone, from car enthusiasts to history buffs.

Then it’s off to Invercargill Airport, where we fly to Stewart Island for the next part of our adventure.

Optional Extra - If you’re up for a bit of bird spotting, then we can arrange for you to join a specialist nature guide for a quiet hunt to view the island’s abundent Kiwi’s. This departs at 8:30pm and arrives back around 10:30pm. Limited walking (200m). Flat Terrain on mostly even surface - flat roads or paths. This is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties or imparied night vision. Cost is $155pp payable upon booking the tour.

This morning, we experience all the wonderful things about our country’s southernmost island, Stewart Island. First, we meet a local operator who takes us on a guided tour of Oban and its surrounding bays and gain an entertaining insight into the local community. Stewart Islanders are proud of their island, enjoying its simpler, slower pace! 

This afternoon, we board a boat for a leisurely cruise of the Paterson Inlet, viewing hidden coves and unspoilt beaches. Keep a lookout for fur seals, penguins and other wildlife, as sightings are common. We disembark at Ulva Island, a renowned wildlife sanctuary for a 45-minute guided walk with a specialist nature guide. 

Breakfast, Dinner

Today we pack our bags and depart early for a one-hour cruise over the Foveaux Strait to Bluff. Watch on at the mollymawks (albatross) as they soar behind the ferry! On arrival to Bluff, we meet back up with our local driver, stop for a photo at the world-famous Stirling Point and depart on a spectacular drive up through the scenic Catlins Coast. The Catlins is truly remarkable with a wealth of natural wonders. We visit a few of the points of interest along the way before arriving at Kaka Point for our overnight stay.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a stunning night in the Catlins, we depart early for Larnach Castle for a guided tour that provides details of the Castle’s history and the creation of the gardens. 

Next, we head to the Royal Albatross Centre, where we learn the story of the Northern Royal Albatross and catch a glimpse of them from the Centre’s glass observatory.

Then it’s out to the headland to Taiaroa Heads and the Reid family farm. Here, we climb aboard an Argos vehicle for an exhilarating ride to explore the breeding habitat of Yellow-eyed Penguins, Blue Penguins, and New Zealand Fur Seals. Enjoy the spectacular coastal views, private beaches and up close and personal encounters with nature.

After a fabulous dayon the Otago Coast, we check-in to our Dunedin City Hotel for the evening.

Breakfast, Dinner

Today we explore Dunedin; view the many significant historical churches and municipal buildings as well as celebrating the City’s Scottish heritage. We visit the worlds steepest street, travel up Signal Hill look-out and visit Olveston House. We then visit the Fabel Hotel for a delicious farewell high tea lunch. This building was erected in 1862 and was previously known as Wains Hotel of Dunedin.

After lunch, we bid farewell to this beautiful part of the country as we make our way to the airport for our return flights home. We hope you enjoyed your time with Seemore Tours, where you see more, do more, and have more fun!

Breakfast, Lunch