OCTOBER 2020

Day 1:             Auckland-Dunedin  (D)  Tuesday 13:                    

We are picked up from our home anywhere in the greater Auckland, Tauranga or Christchurch areas and taken to the airport to join our flight to the heritage city of Dunedin.  On arrival we are met by our driver and coach and transferred to our hotel where we stay for 3 nights.   Join our Escort for dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Dunedin Sightseeing (BD) Wednesday 14:

This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of this fabulous city.  Visit Dunedin’s Botanic Garden—NZ’s first botanic garden & a Garden of International Significance.  It has hill views from sunny lawns, more than 6,800 plant species and the song of wild native bellbirds, wood pigeons and tui.  We’ll also visit the Chinese garden—a garden of National Significance.  A perfect miniature of a traditional Chinese landscape painting, this garden encapsulates the essence of nature.    A visit to Dunedin is not complete without taking in the outstanding natural beauty and wildlife of the Otago Peninsula and the Royal Albatross Colony.  Here you will be able to see the world’s only mainland breeding  colony of Royal Albatross.

Day 3: Dunedin—Taieri Gorge (BD)   Thursday 15:                       

Another highlight today—one of the world’s great train trips—an experience not to be missed as we are welcomed aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway.  We’ll travel through the Southern parts of Dunedin City until we arrive at Wingatui Junction where we turn off onto the Taieri branch.  Then sneak across the Taieri Plains and climb into the Taieri Gorge, a narrow and deep gorge carved out over aeons by the ancient Taieri River.

The train negotiates the gorge with ease as it travels through ten tunnels and over countless bridges and viaducts.  The natural wonders combined with the challenge of man made engineering will leave you amazed, but somehow the railway blends into the natural environment perfectly.  It is a wonderful example of the sheer  determination of early railway pioneers.  The train will stop or slow down at various scenic points along the way for photos where you can disembark and stretch your legs and  enjoy the beauty, peace and quiet that nature has to offer.  Stand on the open air platforms while the train moves or enjoy a quiet drink and food from the onboard café while the train manager tells the story of the nature and history of the area with entertaining and informative live  commentary. Today the train extends its journey to the very end of the railway line to Middlemarch, a lovely example of a country railway town and the beginning of the Otago Central Rail Trail. Return to Dunedin late  afternoon where you will have the remainder of your day at leisure. Tonight join Precious Zulu for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4:  Dunedin/Catlins/Invercargill   (B,D)  Friday 16:

This morning we’ll head out along the Southern Scenic Route to the Catlins.

On our journey today we’ll travel through rural heartland and podocarp forests, past rugged coastlines, hidden lakes and stunning waterfalls.  The natural landscapes are enthralling and the wildlife is  extraordinary.

The Department of Conservation Wildlife  Reserve at Nugget Point has dramatic views of “The Nuggets”.   These wave-eroded rocks, which are likened to the shape of gold  nuggets, can be seen from the viewing platform at the Nugget Point Lighthouse.  The lighthouse was built in 1869-80, is 9.5 metres high and situated 76 metres above sea level. The walk from the car park is 20 minutes (one way).  Along the way you may see the fur seal colony on the rocks at sea level to the left of the track and also below the lighthouse, or the many seabirds that make The Nuggets their home.  We make a stop at Kaka Point where we will enjoy lunch before journeying on to Invercargill, capital of the Southland region for an overnight.  Known for its elegant old department stores and wide, easy-to-navigate streets,  Invercargill is also well known for Bluff Oysters and blue cod.

Day 5:  Invercargill/Stewart Island (B,D)  Saturday 17:

Enjoy breakfast before a visit the Southland Museum & Art Gallery where we will visit the Tuatara enclosure and learn about the successful breeding programme that has become a key contributor to the survival of NZ’s unique “living fossil”.  There are also many exhibitions to see including the “Burt Munro” exhibition documenting the life of this local icon—famous for the movie “The World’s Fastest Indian” featuring Anthony Hopkins.  We are then transferred to the airport to connect with our short flight to Stewart Island.

On arrival we will be met and transferred to our  accommodation at the Bay Motel.  This  afternoon we’ll enjoy an entertaining insight into NZ’s southernmost community and learn about the history and environment of Stewart Island.   Unspoilt,  incredibly beautiful and steeped in stories, Stewart Island (known as Rakiura—glowing skies—by Maori) is well worth this   informative introduction.

Local guides enjoy sharing their knowledge of the area on this mini-bus tour of the Island.  You will have plenty of time to get off the bus for photo stops and short walks.  Dinner tonight is at the South Sea Hotel.

Day 6:             Stewart Island  (CB,PL,D)  Sunday 18:

Today we will discover Stewart Island from the water on a leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet and a guided walk in Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary.  The cruise will showcase some of Paterson Inlet’s stunning scenery with its hidden coves and unspoiled beaches.  You’ll hear fascinating stories of early Maori history and European settlement from your guide.   While on board, keep a look out for fur seals and penguins—we see a lot of them around this area.  Paterson Inlet is home to    renowned wildlife sanctuary Ulva Island and we’ll stop there for a 45 minute guided walk.  The island is home to weka (native woodhen), bush robins, rare saddlebacks and yellowheads amongst other species.  It is also a protected habitat for some of South Africa’s rarest plant species.   Local guides enjoy sharing their knowledge of the area on this mini-bus tour of the Island.  You will have plenty of time to get off the bus for photo stops and short walks.  Dinner tonight is at the South Sea Hotel.   A regular highlight is to encounter an inquisitive weka on the beach. We enjoy a packed lunch.  For the  remainder of the cruise around Paterson Inlet, relax on board the modern catamaran and  enjoy the coastal  scenery.   Return to our motel where we will have the remainder of our day at leisure.

Day 7:  Stewart Island/Invercargill/Queenstown   (CB/D)  Monday 19:

An early start this morning as we join our flight back to Invercargill.  Rejoin our coach as we make our way to Queenstown.  Enroute we will follow the Oreti River, through a series of rural settlements.  After Lumsden, the scenery becomes gradually more alpine.  Have a break in Kingston, the home of a remarkable  vintage steam train.  From here, the road clings to the edge of Lake Wakatipu nearly all the way to Queenstown, surrounded by incredible mountains and situated on the edge of    crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is South Africa’s leading visitor destination.

Day 8: Queenstown (B,SD) Tuesday 20:

Today we’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour of Queenstown including a visit to one of the most picturesque settlements—Arrowtown.  This quaint gold-mining village by the Arrow River is only 20 minutes from Queenstown.  It is  famous for its wide variety of deciduous trees that turn the little township into a mass of golds, reds and oranges in the autumn.  This afternoon is at leisure.  Precious Zulu will be able to assist with any additional sightseeing options. This evening its all aboard the TSS Earnslaw.  Steeped in Queenstown’s pioneering  history, our experience starts with a cruise across Lake Wakatipu in the 103 year old steamship.  Then disembark at Walter Peak and enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead.  After dinner, an entertaining and informative demonstration gives you a glimpse of life in the high country.

On the magical night-time cruise home, you can  enjoy the camaraderie of a sing a long with the ship’s pianist or breathe in the fresh night air on the moonlit decks as you watch the lights of Queenstown draw nearer.  A perfect end to our tour.

Day 9: Queenstown/Auckland (B)  Wednesday 21:

Most of today is at leisure .  Our baggage will  be stored for us at the hotel after the 10.00a.m. check out. Time for a last wander round the lakeside or a coffee at one of the many cafes.   Later today we are transferred to the airport for our flight home. On arrival we are  transferred back to our home addresses.

Tour is subject to normal booking conditions of Orange Grove Travels & Tours  Ltd

LOOK WHATS INCLUDED

• Return airfares from Auckland
• 3 nights accommodation Dunedin
• 1 nights accommodation Invercargill
• 2 nights accommodation at Bay Motel, Stewart Island
• 2 nights accommodation Queenstown
• Breakfast daily—note continental breakfast in Stewart Island
• Cruise to Paterson Inlet with packed lunch included—Stewart Island.
• Nugget Point and The Catlins
• Dinner each evening
• Royal Albatross Colony Dunedin
• Taieri Gorge Train Dunedin
• TSS Earnslaw Dinner Cruise Queenstown
• Sightseeing as detailed on the itinerary
• Services of an Escort from Auckland back to Auckland (subject to numbers)
• FREE home pick up and return in the greater Auckland, Tauranga or Christchurch areas

Single room Supplement:

Due to the limited number of rooms  available in Stewart Island we are unable to confirm single room at the Bay Motel. We are able to offer single rooms in all other destinations.  Single supplement $775.00

Deposit:

A non refundable deposit of $700 per person is payable to hold a seat on the tour with the balance payable no later than 30 September 2020.

Loyalty Discount:

Previous travellers receive a $50 discount off the brochure price (not combinable with any other offers)

Cancellation Charges:

From 01 October 20 – to departure date:  100% of tour cost

Insurance:

We strongly recommend that you take out Domestic Cancellation Inusrance to cover for cancellation due to illness etc. Please phone us for further details.

 

*Please note that if the tour is cancelled due to any Government regulations

we will refund all monies received back from our suppliers so you can book with confidence.

 

Tour is subject to normal booking conditions of Orange Grove Travels & Tours Limited