High Country Stations
18th February - 27th February 2019
13 days - 12 nights
Price 4,795 | Single Supplement $945Highlights
Molesworth Station
The Point, Middle Rock, Ben Lea, Glenfalloch and Lake Heron Stations
Great Views of Mount Algidus
Marlborough Sounds
Hanmer Springs
Lake Tekapo
Lake Pukaki
Mount Cook
Stay at the Hermitage, Mount Cook
Naseby
St Bathans
Glenorchy
Skippers Canyon
Queenstown Sights
Lake Wakatipu
TSS Earnslaw
Dinner at Walter Peak Station
With snow-capped mountains, braided rivers and tussock grasslands, you’ll see nature as it was shaped millions of years ago, complimented with rich human heritage and mythology.
We travel on the Northern Explorer train to Wellington then sail through Queen Charlotte Sound to the South Island. We journey through several iconic stations including Molesworth.
Have your camera ready to snap stunning photos, from Mackenzie Country to Central Otago, where we finish up with an idyllic cruise across Lake Wakatipu for dinner at Walter Peak Station.
Itinerary
Day 1
Thursday 20th September
DinnerWe start our adventure and board the Northern Explorer Train in Auckland for our journey to Wellington. If preferred, passengers can join the train at one of the stations en route.
The journey through Tongariro National Park, with its three spectacular volcanic mountains - Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu - is a highlight. On arrival in Wellington, it’s a short journey to the hotel where we spend the evening before our sailing to the South Island the next morning.
Day 2
Friday 21st SeptemberBreakfast, DinnerAn early start on the Interislander across the Cook Strait to Picton. We drive to the Omaka Heritage Centre and enjoy the wonderful Sir Peter Jackson Knights of the Sky Exhibition with rare memorabilia on show.
We move on to the new display at Omaka, the Dangerous Skies Exhibition with larger than life exhibits capturing specific moments of history. We have time for a refreshment break before heading to Blenheim for our overnight stay.
Day 3
Saturday 22nd SeptemberBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerToday, we join a local 4WD operator for a guided tour through scenic Molesworth Station – New Zealand’s largest farm and home to the country’s biggest cattle herd (up to 10,000).
This tour seems to be on everyone’s ‘to do’ list and you will certainly not be disappointed. The first 100km through the grandeur of the Awatere Valley is well worth the trip.
We stay overnight in Hanmer Springs, the main thermal resort in South Island where bathing in the hot pools is a ‘must do’.
Day 4
Sunday 23rd SeptemberBreakfast, DinnerBack on the road, we head south through the rolling Canterbury countryside, stopping in the garden city of Christchurch for a quick tour.
The city has bounced back after the Earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 with innovative new attractions as well as some old favourites.
Then it’s on to our base for the next 3 nights in Methven.
Day 5
Monday 24th SeptemberBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerThis morning, we join our local tour guide (one of the station owners). We explore three of the High Country Stations in this area. Our first stop is The Point Station with its fabulous historic homestead where we can stroll though the large garden featuring established plantings of rhododendrons and English trees.
Our next stop is Middle Rock where we hear about the history of the property. Lunch is served in the garden. After lunch, it’s time for a wander around the large Middle Rock garden.
Our visit concludes with a farm coach tour of Middle Rock with commentary from the owners. Ben Lea is the last stop where we are taken on a farm tour by the owners including a visit to the golfing resort at Terrace Downs returning to enjoy the large homestead garden where afternoon tea is served.
Day 6
Tuesday 25th SeptemberBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerWe continue our scenic exploration into the High Country as we visit Lake Heron Station and Glenfalloch Station at the top of the Rakaia River. We make our way to Mt Somers then head through the Canterbury High Country.
We arrive at Lake Heron for our morning tea stop where we can marvel at the breathtaking views over the lake to the mountains. From here, the tour goes off-road as we go by 4WD and follow Lake Stream to the Rakaia River and Glenfalloch Station.
At Glenfalloch Station, we enjoy a delicious lunch before we make our way down the Rakaia River. A day to remember for a very long time.
Day 7
Wednesday 26th SeptemberBreakfast, DinnerWe take a leisurely journey this morning, making our way down the Inland Scenic Route over Burkes Pass into the barren Mackenzie Country.
Travelling on through Tekapo and around Lake Pukaki, we arrive at the outstanding Hermitage Hotel with its magnificent views of Mount Cook. An early arrival will give us plenty of time to explore this national treasure and there will be some time for scenic flights (own expense) if the weather allows.
Day 8
Thursday 27th SeptemberBreakfast, DinnerWe make our way back around Lake Pukaki this morning, past the Waitaki Hydro Lakes to our usual morning tea stop in Omarama.
Continuing on over the Lindis Pass, there will be time for a little local touring before we stop for the next 2 nights in the tranquil lakeside town of Cromwell.
Day 9
Friday 28th SeptemberBreakfast, DinnerToday, it may be a bit of a ‘mystery tour’ as the exact route will depend on road and weather conditions, however, we can guarantee a day of discovery as we enjoy the wonderful landscape of the Central Otago ranges.
The old gold town of St Bathans and the Naseby Indoor Curling Rink will be among the many sights.
Day 10
Saturday 29th SeptemberBreakfast, DinnerThis morning, we take a drive to Wanaka taking a look at Lake Dunstan on the way. After morning tea, we meander around the east side of Lake Dunstan, then head back past Cromwell and through the Kawarau Gorge to Arrowtown for lunch.
We make our way to Stoneridge Estate at Lake Hayes where we take a look at the Chapel by the Lake and Gardens. Its sprawling gardens, tranquil water features and sculptures all represent the decades of dedicated and inspired work carried out by the Gore Family.
Our final stop will be in Queenstown where we stay for for the next 2 nights.
Day 11
Sunday 30th SeptemberBreakfast, DinnerToday, we have the choice of two 4WD tours. The first takes us up the challenging and exciting Skippers Road to the old gold mining town of Skippers, which has been restored to its former glory by DOC.
The second is a more sedate tiki tour of the highlights in the area. Don’t let the adventurous side of these trips put you off going. The vehicles are comfortable, safe and are suitable for all age groups.
The afternoon allows us to recover from the morning’s excitement, before we join a cruise across Lake Wakatipu.
We sail to Walter Peak Station on the ‘Old Lady of the Lake’, the TSS Earnslaw, and enjoy dinner at Walter Peak Homestead.
Day 12
Monday 1st OctoberBreakfastAs we make our way to Queenstown Airport, we can reflect on an exciting journey around the most spectacular landscapes in the country before we fly home.