9 Day Coast to Alpine Discovery

Welcome to Dunedin, a city steeped in history, character, and architectural elegance. After your arrival, take time to settle in and soak up the charm of this southern gem, known for its strong Scottish heritage and vibrant cultural scene.

In the afternoon, step into a bygone era with The Olveston House Experience — a guided tour of one of Dunedin’s finest historic homes. Built in the early 1900s, Olveston is a beautifully preserved Jacobean-style mansion filled with original furnishings, fine art, and antiques collected from around the world. As you explore the grand rooms and manicured gardens, you’ll gain a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of a prominent Edwardian family and the social history of the time.

After your visit, enjoy a relaxed evening exploring The Octagon, the heart of Dunedin, where local restaurants and cosy pubs offer the perfect setting to toast the beginning of your Southern adventure.

Depart Dunedin this morning and begin your scenic journey north along the Pacific Coast Highway, taking in sweeping sea views, windswept cliffs, and charming rural towns along the way. This relaxing drive offers the chance to stop at hidden gems like Moeraki, where the famous Moeraki Boulders lie scattered along a wild, sandy beach — a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to stretch your legs.

Arriving in Oamaru, you’ll step into a town known for its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, quirky steampunk culture, and welcoming small-town feel. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic precinct, filled with galleries, artisan shops, and cafes housed in grand limestone buildings.

As evening sets in, prepare for a magical wildlife encounter with a Premium Evening Viewing at the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. This exclusive experience offers prime seating and expert commentary as you watch the world’s smallest penguins make their nightly return from the sea, waddling ashore to their nests right before your eyes. With close-up views and a front-row seat to nature’s quiet drama, it’s a heartwarming and unforgettable highlight of your day.

After the viewing, return to your accommodation in Oamaru for a restful night in this charming coastal town.

Begin your day in Oamaru with a delicious deep dive into one of New Zealand’s finest culinary traditions — a Whitestone Cheese Factory Tour and Tasting Experience. Step behind the scenes of this award-winning, family-owned creamery to learn about their artisan cheese-making process, from fresh local milk to finely aged specialties. After the tour, indulge in a guided tasting of their signature cheeses, each with its own unique flavour profile, texture, and story — a true treat for the senses and a highlight for any foodie.

With tastebuds satisfied, continue your journey inland through a changing landscape of rolling farmland, rugged hills, and wide river valleys. Travel through Kurow and follow the beautiful Waitaki Valley, dotted with vineyards and ancient geological features that hint at the region’s deep history. This is a drive to savour, with plenty of scenic stops and photo opportunities along the way.

Arrive in Omarama by afternoon — a peaceful high-country town nestled at the base of the Southern Alps. Known for its big skies and dramatic landscapes, Omarama is the perfect place to unwind, take a short walk, or simply enjoy the serenity before the next stage of your Southern journey.

Depart Omarama this morning and prepare for one of the most scenic drives of your journey. Travel through the Lindis Pass, where tussock-covered hills and winding roads create a breathtaking high-country landscape that feels untouched and timeless. This stretch of road, rising to 971 metres above sea level, offers spectacular views and photo-worthy moments as you cross from the Mackenzie Basin into Central Otago.

As you descend from the pass, the scenery transforms — dry hills give way to lush valleys and turquoise lakes, signalling your approach to the laid-back lakeside town of Wānaka. Nestled beside Lake Wānaka and framed by the Southern Alps, this is a place where natural beauty meets creative energy.

Arrive in Wānaka by early afternoon and spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. Stroll along the lakefront, visit boutique shops and galleries, or simply relax with a coffee while soaking in the panoramic views. For those looking to stretch their legs, consider a short walk up Mt Iron for a sweeping vista of the region, or simply find a quiet spot by the water to take it all in.

Wake up to the crisp alpine air and tranquil beauty of Wānaka, where mountains meet water in perfect harmony. Today’s adventure takes you beyond the lake’s edge and into the heart of one of its most unique and untouched landscapes — Mou Waho Island.

Join Eco Wanaka Adventures for a guided cruise and walk to this remote island nature reserve, located in the middle of Lake Wānaka. The journey begins with a scenic boat ride across the glacial waters, offering panoramic views of the Southern Alps and insight into the region’s natural history.

Upon arrival at Mou Waho, a hidden gem only accessible by boat, your expert guide will lead you on a gentle walk through native bush to the island’s crown jewel — Arethusa Pool, a natural lake sitting on top of the island itself, with dramatic views back across Lake Wānaka from the lookout above. It’s a true “lake on an island in a lake on an island” experience — one of New Zealand’s most surreal natural wonders.

Throughout the tour, learn about the island’s conservation efforts, native birdlife (including the curious Buff Weka), and the environmental restoration that has transformed it into a predator-free sanctuary. You’ll even have the chance to plant a native tree, leaving your own small legacy on this protected island.

Return to Wānaka in the afternoon with a deeper appreciation for the region’s ecological beauty and wild heart. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy — perhaps with a stroll along the waterfront, a visit to a lakeside café, or simply a quiet moment to reflect on an unforgettable experience in nature

Depart Wānaka this morning and enjoy a leisurely drive through the heart of Central Otago, where every curve of the road offers sweeping views of shimmering lakes, rugged hills, and sun-drenched vineyards. The short but stunning journey to Cromwell takes you past Lake Dunstan and through landscapes rich in both natural beauty and gold rush heritage.

Upon arrival in Cromwell, delve into a different kind of excitement with a visit to the National Motorsport Museum, located at Highlands Motorsport Park. This world-class collection celebrates New Zealand’s passion for motorsport, showcasing iconic vehicles from both international racing circuits and Kiwi legends. From high-performance classics to rare, record-breaking machines, the museum is a fascinating tribute to speed, innovation, and design.

Interactive exhibits and well-curated displays bring the stories behind the cars to life, making it a memorable stop not just for motorsport enthusiasts but for anyone with an appreciation for craftsmanship and history on four wheels.

After your visit, take time to explore the nearby Cromwell Heritage Precinct, enjoy lunch at a local winery, or simply relax by the lake. With its blend of heritage charm and modern experiences, Cromwell is a destination that surprises and delights at every turn.

Leave behind the rolling hills and vineyard-draped landscapes of Cromwell as you set off on the final leg of your journey toward Queenstown. Though the distance is short, this drive is rich in scenic beauty and storytelling, making it one of the most captivating stretches of the Central Otago Touring Route.

Travel through the dramatic Kawarau Gorge, where the road hugs steep cliffs above the turquoise river below. This narrow canyon once bustled with gold miners and now draws thrill-seekers from around the world — you might even catch a glimpse of someone bungy jumping off the historic Kawarau Bridge, the birthplace of commercial bungy.

Continue through landscapes where rugged rock formations give way to lush valleys, with opportunities to pause at local vineyards or fruit stalls offering fresh seasonal produce. As you approach Queenstown, the scenery becomes more alpine, with the Remarkables mountain range looming ahead and Lake Wakatipu shimmering in the distance.

Arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, by afternoon. Nestled beside the lake and backed by towering peaks, Queenstown welcomes you with its vibrant energy, spectacular setting, and countless ways to unwind or explore. Whether you choose to relax by the water, take a gentle walk, or begin sampling the town’s renowned food scene, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy.

Wake up in the heart of Queenstown, where alpine air, crystal-clear waters, and soaring peaks set the scene for a day filled with unforgettable views and high-altitude adventure.

Your morning begins with the spectacular Grand Circle Helicopter Flight with The Helicopter Line — a 30-minute journey that takes you above Queenstown’s most iconic landscapes. Soar over the stunning Wakatipu Basin, with aerial views of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, and Skippers Canyon, before landing on a snow-capped peak (season and weather permitting). Breathe in the crisp mountain air and capture panoramic photos from a vantage point few ever reach — it’s a thrilling and scenic highlight you won’t forget.

Back on the ground, the adventure continues with a ride up the Skyline Gondola, climbing high above the town to the summit of Bob’s Peak. From here, take in sweeping views over Queenstown, the lake, and the surrounding ranges. Then, add a dose of fun and speed with a few runs on the Luge — a gravity-powered ride that lets you twist and turn your way down specially designed tracks, as fast or as leisurely as you like.

With your heart full and your camera roll brimming with memories, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your own pace. Whether it’s a lakeside stroll, a well-earned drink, or simply soaking in the alpine atmosphere, this day in Queenstown is all about seeing the best of the region — from sky-high to slope-side.

It’s time to say farewell to the stunning landscapes of the South Island. After breakfast, make your way to Queenstown Airport, where you’ll return your rental car and prepare for your onward journey. Take one last look at the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu — a perfect closing snapshot of your unforgettable Southern adventure.