Otago: History & Heritage

Itinerary

Dunedin Railway Station
26th March - 2nd April 2023
Day One    Hometown to Dunedin
Dinner

Fly from your hometown to Dunedin. This evening be entertained at a special welcome dinner.   
Scenic Southern Cross Hotel, Dunedin         4 nights

Day Two  Founders of Dunedin   
Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we will discover how Dunedin was founded and the settlement established from when the NZ Company purchased the Otago block in 1844 to the arrival of the first settlers at Port Chalmers in 1848.
Later this afternoon we will take a tour of the Speights Brewery followed by dinner at the Ale House.
  
Day Three  Historic Homes of Dunedin
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we head out to the Otago Peninsula. Visiting Larnach Castle & Gardens, hear about how the castle came about, the scandalous and tragic history, and how the Baker family restored the castle to what it has become today. Enjoy High Tea in the castle ballroom before exploring the extensive gardens. Next we visit Fletcher House, an Edwardian villa built in 1909 by Sir James Fletcher, which has been fully restored to its former glory. We finish our day at Glenfalloch and explore this garden of four seasons with mature exotics and natives, roses, hostas and the brilliant autumn colours of numerous maples. 

Day Four  Dunedin Inner City
Breakfast, Dinner
This morning enjoy a walking tour of the central city with your tour leader and discover the early gothic style of the First Church, St Pauls Cathedral, the Public Library and other historic buildings & monuments.
This afternoon is free to visit the Early Settlers Museum.
Tonight we have a very special evening dining at the lavishly decorated Olveston House, hosted by the Olveston Butler. 
Day Five  Dunedin to Cromwell
Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving Dunedin we head to Lawrence and Gabriels Gully where the first significant find of gold was discovered marking the start of the Otago Gold Rush. Fantastic scenic vistas, historic Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and remnants of the gold rush era are all part of the journey today.
Harvest Hotel, Cromwell              1 night

Day Six  Cromwell to Queenstown
Breakfast, Dinner
This morning explore old Cromwell Town and the heritage precinct before we head to Queenstown via the Kawarau Gorge. In Arrowtown visit the Lakes District Museum, explore the Chinese Miners Village and discover Arrowtown's historic centre on a self-guided walk.
This evening we travel across the lake on the iconic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak for a sumptuous BBQ buffet dinner. 

Mercure Queenstown Resort              2 nights 

Day Seven  Skipper Canyon
Breakfast, Dinner

Joining Nomad Safaris we venture down into Skippers Canyon along the famous Skippers Road. Be awe-inspired by the stunning and dramatic scenery, and visit many historic sites such as the Skippers suspension bridge and historic township, and try your hand at gold panning.

Day Eight  Queenstown to Hometown
Breakfast

This morning is free to explore Queenstown before transferring to the airport for your flight home.
General Information
  • Twilight Travel reserves the right to alter the itinerary, reschedule or substitute tours and sightseeing at anytime due to operational and logistical requirements.
  • Tours and sightseeing may involve walks over uneven ground  and steps.
  • For your safety and enjoyment you should be in good physical condition to partake in the tour unassisted. This tour is not suitable for wheelchairs or walking frames. 
Please read full terms and conditions.
About Us

Twilight Travel & Tours is a New Zealand owned boutique tour operator providing small group tours within New Zealand since 2005.
More About Us

   
Member of
  • wte primary logo transparent steel-blue-192
  •      TAANZ Logo