Guided Tours
Central Otago 2024
27 April-4 May 2024
Based in the unique background that is Central Otago
Watch this space as the team work their magic to create a new tour for 2024
Day 1
Saturday 27 April - Off to Otago
An early start from all destinations this morning as we are transferred to Wellington Airport where our adventure begins with a morning flight to Queenstown. Flying into Frankton airport is an incredible experience as the aircraft drops in over the tops of Coronet Peak and the craggy Remarkable Ranges. Our coach and driver await us at the airport to whisk us off to Cromwell, making our way down the scenic Kawarau Gorge to check in to our accommodation and enjoy dining in house this evening.
Day 2
Sunday 28 April - Wanaka Cardrona and Arrowtown
We travel to Wanaka this morning, where we visit the National Transport Museum. Located at Wanaka Airport, the museum is one of the largest collections in the world of rare and unusual aircraft, cars, trucks, motorcycles, fire appliances, military vehicles, boats and tractors. We then make our way up the Cardrona Valley, where we stop to enjoy lunch (included) at the historic Cardrona Hotel. Established in 1863, the hotel is one of only two remaining buildings from the Cardrona Valley gold rush era, although other historic buildings form a photogenic cluster in this quaint village.
Our travels this afternoon continue up the Cardrona Valley and over the tussock clad Crown Range, before dropping down into the Wakatipu Basin, where we stop to visit Arrowtown. The South Island’s most photographed town is a delight at any time but none more so than in autumn. Making our way back to Cromwell, we will have dinner at our hotel again this evening.
Our travels this afternoon continue up the Cardrona Valley and over the tussock clad Crown Range, before dropping down into the Wakatipu Basin, where we stop to visit Arrowtown. The South Island’s most photographed town is a delight at any time but none more so than in autumn. Making our way back to Cromwell, we will have dinner at our hotel again this evening.
Day 3
Monday 29 April - Following in the Footsteps of the Rail Trail
Today we travel through the wide-open spaces of the Maniatoto, passing historic settlements formerly served by the Otago Central Railway line, now NZ’s best known cycling trail. The historic gold mining settlement of Ophir with its historic post office is our first stop, followed by Oturehua, which features Gilchrist’s General Store, an iconic store that is a delight to browse, as it successfully merges the old and the new. Continuing our journey, we make our way to Clachanburn Garden, near Ranfurly. An oasis in a harsh climate, Clachanburn is a large country garden, featuring a creek and pond, and set amongst mature trees. It is classed as a Garden of National Significance. We enjoy a wander of the extensive gardens, with lunch here today provided by our host Jane.
Continuing our journey this afternoon, we travel over the picturesque Rock and Pillar Range, through Middlemarch, and on to our destination Dunedin. We will dine in at our hotel this evening.
Continuing our journey this afternoon, we travel over the picturesque Rock and Pillar Range, through Middlemarch, and on to our destination Dunedin. We will dine in at our hotel this evening.
Day 4
Tuesday 30 April - Nature and History
We wake up today in the gracious southern city of Dunedin. This morning we visit Olveston House, an authentic and original historic home that was gifted to Dunedin City by its last surviving owner in 1966. We will enjoy a guided tour, with an opportunity to stroll in the gardens. After lunch in town (at your own choice and cost) we head out to Wellers Rock Wharf on the Otago Peninsula where we join Monarch Wildlife Cruises for a harbour cruise. We’ll enjoy the stunning rugged coastline, and a full commentary about the history, geology and wildlife of the harbour and peninsula. Keep an eye out for sea lions, royal albatross, penguins, petrels and other seabirds. We will return to the city via the “high road”, which provides great views of the harbour and ocean on both sides of the peninsula. There will be time for a little sightseeing of the city before we return to our hotel for dinner.
Day 5
Wednesday 01 May - Following the Mighty Clutha
Departing Dunedin this morning, we head south along the coast to Taieri River Mouth before turning inland again and making our way to Lawrence. We will enjoy a picnic lunch (included) at historic Gabriels Gully, the site of the first major gold find in Otago which led to the gold rushes of the early 1860’s. Interpretation panels on a walk provide an insight into this history.
This afternoon we follow the Clutha River, as it cuts a vibrant blue swathe through the rugged Otago landscape, passing through many small towns along its banks. At Tuapeka we board the Tuapeka Punt to cross the river – these historic vessels have been crossing the Clutha since 1896. At Roxburgh we will stop to view Lake Roxburgh and the Roxburgh Dam, before making our way to Alexandra. After settling into our accommodation, we’ll head out for dinner this evening, venturing up to quaint Clyde where we dine at the Post Office Café, one of the character heritage buildings of this historic village.
This afternoon we follow the Clutha River, as it cuts a vibrant blue swathe through the rugged Otago landscape, passing through many small towns along its banks. At Tuapeka we board the Tuapeka Punt to cross the river – these historic vessels have been crossing the Clutha since 1896. At Roxburgh we will stop to view Lake Roxburgh and the Roxburgh Dam, before making our way to Alexandra. After settling into our accommodation, we’ll head out for dinner this evening, venturing up to quaint Clyde where we dine at the Post Office Café, one of the character heritage buildings of this historic village.
Day 6
Thursday 02 May - Alexandra – the Heart of Central Otago
This morning we have a chance to explore “Alex” – a town carved out of the schist outcrops that are a feature of this region. A scenic lookout up in the hills above the town provides great views of the surrounding landscape and many other photographic opportunities present themselves as we travel around. This includes the unique 11 metre clock on the hill, the shaky bridge, opened in 1879, and the historic bridge pylons of the original bridge that spanned the Clutha to name a few. We will then visit the Central Stories Museum and Gallery, which tells the stories of the history and natural history of the area. Meet the Otago Skinks basking on top of a rock in their enclosure, learn about the unique Central Otago geology, and have a browse in the excellent art gallery. Lunch today is at your own cost in town.
This afternoon we join a heritage cruise on the mighty Clutha River. Our excursion takes us down through spectacular Roxburgh Gorge and through isolated reaches of the river to the historic Doctors Point gold mine. We will see Chinese and European Gold miners’ huts and rock shelters while our skipper provides us with tales of hardship and endeavour. Returning from our cruise, we’ll take a short drive to Butchers Dam Conservation Area. Another area that teemed with gold mining activity in the 1860s, the dam later became a reservoir for the town of Alexandra and is an interesting site to explore. We return to our hotel to enjoy relaxed dining in house this evening.
This afternoon we join a heritage cruise on the mighty Clutha River. Our excursion takes us down through spectacular Roxburgh Gorge and through isolated reaches of the river to the historic Doctors Point gold mine. We will see Chinese and European Gold miners’ huts and rock shelters while our skipper provides us with tales of hardship and endeavour. Returning from our cruise, we’ll take a short drive to Butchers Dam Conservation Area. Another area that teemed with gold mining activity in the 1860s, the dam later became a reservoir for the town of Alexandra and is an interesting site to explore. We return to our hotel to enjoy relaxed dining in house this evening.
Day 7
Friday 03 May - "There’s Gold in Them Thar Hills"
Our travels take us back to Cromwell today with a stop at Clyde this morning to give you a chance to have a wander of this charming village and to view the massive Clyde Dam. Our next stop is the Cromwell Heritage Precinct, a cluster of historic buildings lovingly moved and restored onto this site when the Clyde Dam was completed in 1990. The precinct is a delightful blend of museum and boutique shops, with a couple of cafes for you to enjoy lunch (own cost).
This afternoon we visit Goldfields Mining Centre in the Kawarau Gorge. This informative tour will provide us with an insight as to “how the gold was won”. We’ll fire up a California sluice gun, and hear the clang of the stamper battery, enjoy a walk to the Chinese village and have a go at gold panning. We will then head over to Bannockburn, where we’ll be able to take a walk through the Bannockburn sluicings, the sliced hillsides and stark landscapes providing much evidence of early gold miners’ workings. Dinner tonight is at our hotel.
This afternoon we visit Goldfields Mining Centre in the Kawarau Gorge. This informative tour will provide us with an insight as to “how the gold was won”. We’ll fire up a California sluice gun, and hear the clang of the stamper battery, enjoy a walk to the Chinese village and have a go at gold panning. We will then head over to Bannockburn, where we’ll be able to take a walk through the Bannockburn sluicings, the sliced hillsides and stark landscapes providing much evidence of early gold miners’ workings. Dinner tonight is at our hotel.
Day 8
Saturday 04 May - Winging Our Way Home
With memories of iconic landscapes and a unique history, this morning we return to Queenstown to check in for our return flight to Wellington. Farewelling our fellow travellers at Wellington Airport, we will be met by transfer vehicles to return us to our home towns.
The cost of the tour includes
- • Accommodation
- • 2 course or buffet dinners
- • All Breakfasts
- • All coach travel
- • Return Air NZ flights Wellington-Queenstown
- • Wanaka Transport Museum, entry
- • Cardrona Hotel, lunch
- • Clachanburn Garden, entry and lunch
- • Monarch Wildlife Cruise
- • Olveston House, tour
- • Picnic lunch day 5
- • Clutha River heritage cruise
- • Goldfields Mining Centre, tour
Departure Detail
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Pricing Validity
All costs associated with each tour are outlined in full within each tour itinerary. All pricing quoted is valid for the dates of tour when booked.
Reservations and Payments
Bookings for all Tranzit tours can be made through any Tranzit Coachlines Reservations Centre or an approved Travel Agent. Any person making a booking for others shall be deemed to have accepted these Terms and Conditions on behalf of all individuals they are booking on a tour and it is the responsibility of the person making the booking to bring these Terms and conditions to the attention of those individuals booked.
A deposit as stated in the Tour Itinerary is payable to secure the booking.
The balance must be paid in full by the date stated in the Tour Itinerary.
Any reservation made within fourteen (14) days of the tour departure must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Cancellations, Postponements and Alterations
Cancellations by the Customer
Cancellations 45+ days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of your deposit, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.Cancellations 44 – 8 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.
Cancellations within 7 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 25% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.No refunds will be made for cancellations made within one day of departure or once travel has commenced. Refunds will not be provided for unused portions of a tour, unless the Customer can provide genuine reason and documentary evidence that services were unable to be utilised (and a refund if applicable is available from the other provider) in which case the company will review each request and may provide a partial refund at the sole discretion of the company.
Cancellations of one half of a twin share booking will result in the Customer cancelling being charged the cost of a single booking, if the Company is unable to match the twin share booking with another Customer.
Alterations by the Customer
The Customer may transfer their booking to another person for the same tour and commencement date, but only if the other person satisfies all of Tranzit Tours requirements in relation to the tour and provides us a completed Booking Form. The Customer must notify Tranzit Tours in writing of the intended transfer at least 30 days prior to the commencement date of the tour. A $60 transfer fee per person/per transfer will apply (in addition to any supplier change fees).
Cancellations or Postponements by the Company
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or postpone a tour. With the exception of the Force Majeure section below, Tranzit Tours will:In the event of a tour being cancelled by the company prior to departure and not postponed – refund the total amount paid in respect of that tour or provide a credit, but will have no further liability to the Customer.
In the event of a tour being postponed – rebook the Customer for the new departure date or provide a credit, but will have no further liability to the Customer.
In the event of a Force Majeure event that occurs prior to, or during, a tour such as but not limited to fire, flood, volcanic eruption, earthquake, avalanche, severe weather, power outages, labour disruptions, pandemic, government controls or other events outside Tranzit Tours control that interrupts the ability to operate the tour in full or in part, or if Tranzit Tours determines that the quality of the tour or the health and safety of the Customer would be compromised, Tranzit Tours reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or shorten the tour and will be excused and released from its obligations without liability of any kind. Customers will receive a credit for postponed tours. For cancelled or shortened tours, refunds in these circumstances will be in full less any unrecoverable costs (i.e. expenses already incurred or fees charged by other providers).
The Customer will be advised of any increased tour costs as a result of the postponement. Credits will be equal to the value of the payment made and must be used within 12 months. Customers are strongly advised to take out travel insurance.
In the event of cancellation or postponement by the company, Tranzit Tours is not responsible for any consequential loss incurred by the Customer. Customers are again advised to take out travel insurance.
Alterations by the Company
Before Tour Commencement: If a major change to the tour needs to be made before departure, we will inform the Customer of the change as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease.Tranzit Tours reserves the right to alter a tour (including the itinerary) and substitute accommodation facilities should unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, the company reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour. Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. The company will not be held responsible for weather-based cancellations, or those closures made at the tour provider’s discretion.
Tranzit Tours will inform the customer as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease.
Insurance
Tranzit Tours recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover against things like lost or damaged luggage, accident or sickness, loss or theft of personal belongings and documents, or the need to cancel or shorten your tour. Please note that special conditions will apply for pre-existing medical conditions with all travel insurance policies.
Health and Fitness
Tranzit Tours are generally able to accommodate most fitness abilities; however, some tours may require a certain level of physical fitness for full enjoyment of tour activities. The Customer must inform Tranzit Tours, at the time of booking, of any health or fitness restrictions that may limit participation of tour activities or put the Customer, tour staff or other customers at risk. The Customer acknowledges that their suitability for a tour, or any activity within a tour, is wholly the Customer’s responsibility.
Payment of a deposit by the Customer to secure a Tranzit Tour acts as a warranty that:
o the Customer is reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in the tour, and
o the Customer does not have a health, physical condition or disability that would create risk to themselves, tour staff or other customers, and
o the Customer indemnifies Tranzit Tours from all actions, claims and demands arising out of any want of health or fitness.
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to decline a booking on medical, health or fitness grounds at its sole discretion.
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to remove a Customer from a tour, or quarantine a Customer on tour, if their health and/or fitness interferes with the tour or staff safety or other Customers safety or tour experience in any way. Any additional costs associated with a Customer’s removal from tour or placement into quarantine, shall be borne by the Customer. Refunds will be made in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.
Authority on Tour
Tranzit Tours are operated by staff with decision making authority while on tour. By travelling with Tranzit Tours, you agree to accept the authority of the driver/guide and their decisions are final in all matters likely to affect the wellbeing, safety or experience of any customer or staff member on board. Failure to adhere to reasonable requests or any inappropriate behaviour that is degrading the experience of other customers, may result in the Customer being removed from the tour. If a Customer is asked to leave a tour, any costs associated with returning home will be borne by the Customer and any unused portion of the tour will not be refunded.
Responsibilities
Tranzit Tours include goods and services provided by other operators such as hotels, attractions and transportation companies. Customers are advised to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions on which these services are supplied. Accordingly, Tranzit Tours will not be responsible and will be excluded from liability for any loss, damage, omission or acts being negligent or otherwise, committed by other goods and service providers used in connection with the tour.
Tranzit Tours is not liable for any loss, damage, delay, or injury caused to the traveller or their baggage whilst under the care or control of a third-party provider. A Customer’s baggage and personal effects shall be carried at the owner’s risk as provided for under the Carriage of Goods Act.
Tranzit Tours is not responsible for any losses or additional expenses to the Customer due to tours impacted by Force Majeure events that occur prior to, or during, a tour such as but not limited to fire, flood, volcanic eruption, earthquake, avalanche, severe weather, power outages, labour disruptions, pandemic, government controls or other events outside Tranzit Tours control that interrupts the ability to operate the tour in full or in part, or if Tranzit Tours determines that the quality of the tour or the health and safety of the Customer would be compromised.
Acceptance of Risk
The Customer acknowledges that all Tranzit Tours may be subject to risks and dangers beyond that which might be experienced by the Customer at home. Except as provided in law, the Customer acknowledges that they assume all risk and Tranzit Tours is not liable for misadventure, death, injury, delay or loss which occurs during the tour.
Seat Rotation
For the enjoyment of all travellers Tranzit Tours operates a seat rotation system which all travellers must participate in as a condition of booking.
Photographs
Photographs used to market any Tranzit Tour depict typical scenes experienced, but the subject matter may not necessarily be seen or experienced whilst visiting a destination within a tour.
Whilst on tour, the Customer may be included in photographs and/or film taken by the guide or driver. These photographs may be used for future promotional advertising purposes and by booking on a Tranzit Tour the Customer authorises the use of any images they are captured in to be used without further consent or any payment of any kind. If the Customer does not authorise the use of their image for promotional purposes, they must make this known at the time of booking.
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Applicable Law
The laws of New Zealand govern these Terms and Conditions to the fullest extent allowable.
"Thank you to the Tranzit Tours team! Mum has not stopped talking about her bucket list tour to the Chatham Islands" Jasmine