Southern Lakes 2025

11-18 March 2025

Join us as we discover more special and remote areas of the South Island. We do stress though that this is another of our back-country adventures, so expect to really get in touch with nature. A level of basic fitness and mobility, together with a flexible attitude, is strongly recommended. 

Day 1

Tuesday 11 March - Flying to Queenstown

We are transferred to Wellington Airport this morning where our adventure begins with a flight to Queenstown. Our coach and driver await us at Frankton airport to whisk us off to Cromwell, making our way down the scenic Cromwell Gorge to our hotel where we stay for the next three nights. We settle in and enjoy relaxed dining in house this evening.

Day 2

Wednesday 12 March - Mavora Lakes High Country Tour

A memorable excursion awaits us today, as we make our way back to Queenstown to join Nomad Safaris, for their Mavora Lakes High Country Tour. Our tour starts with a journey across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw. Known as the “lady of the lake”, the Earnslaw has been plying these waters since 1912. Disembarking at Walter Peak Station, we meet our Nomad driver and board their vehicle. Taking a scenic back country road through Walter Peak and Mount Nicholas Stations, our guide will acquaint us with the history of the pioneering high-country farming of this tussock covered landscape. The scenery changes as we near Mavora Lakes where we stop to enjoy a picnic lunch (included) and have time to stroll along the lake’s edge and in the surrounding beech forest. Continuing our journey this afternoon we complete a circuit, as we travel through rolling green northern Southland countryside, predominantly dotted with sheep and deer. We pass the settlements of Mossburn and Fiver Rivers, Garston and Kingston, before following the eastern shoreline of Lake Wakatipu back to Queenstown and finally returning to Cromwell.

Day 3

Thursday 13 March - Criffel and West Wanaka Stations

We travel to Wanaka this morning, where we visit Criffel Station. A tour of this historic 2000-hectare deer farm provides expansive views of the Wanaka Basin, surrounding mountain ranges and an insight into the management of the property, their focus on providing a balanced and healthy environment for their land and animals. Our hosts provide lunch, catered in their wool shed which has been converted into a rustic venue.

This afternoon we join Ridgeline Adventures for a 4WD tour through West Wanaka Station. As we travel through this spectacular property, increasingly gaining altitude, we will be rewarded with stunning lake views, hear yarns about farming life, conservation projects and fascinating local history. At the end of this exhilarating day, relaxed dining in our hotel restaurant will be welcomed.

Day 4

Friday 14 March - Braemar Station (Cromwell to Methven)

Our meandering travels today take us over the Lindis Pass and into the vast Mackenzie Basin. We experience the changing landscapes of the Mackenzie, making our way to a farming property on the shores of Lake Pukaki. Braemar Station is a 15,000-hectare traditional high country station and has been run by the Mackenzie family since 1969. We will be hosted for lunch here today and learn about the station as we enjoy great views looking across the lake to Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Ben Ohau Range.

Departing Braemar we travel over Burkes Pass, the terrain changing to typically rolling and much lusher South Canterbury countryside, while our destination of Methven is on the edge of the expansive Canterbury Plains, the largest area of flat arable land in NZ. We check in to our accommodation where we dine in tonight.

Day 5

Saturday 15 March - Mesopotamia Station

We make our way up into the headwaters of the Rangitata River today to an iconic Canterbury High Country property, Mesopotamia Station. Nestled amongst the Southern Alps, Mesopotamia was named by Samuel Butler in 1860, who, made famous for his novel “Erewhon”, also farmed on Mesopotamia. Today it is run by the Prouting family, a 25,000 acre traditionally farmed, merino, deer and cattle farm surrounded by the majestic Two Thumbs Mountain range and the huge braided Rangitata River.

There is much to see in this area; on our way up this scenic valley we stop at Peel Forest where we meet our local guides for the day and take a short walk through a fine stand of totara, one almost three metres across, and thought to be about 1,000 years old. We enjoy refreshments here before continuing up the gorge, our next stop to view the tiny Mt Peel Church built out of greywacke stone from the Rangitata River. As we approach Mesopotamia the massive valley of this river opens out before us. We transfer into four-wheel drive vehicles at the station to take a tour over part of the station, including the game park where you may see Himalayan tahr, chamois and red deer. Lunch today (included) will be at the tiny Mesopotamia School – which closed in 2000 - and after lunch we venture out onto the river flats to visit the historic station graveyard. After a full day of discovery, we make our way back to our hotel, where we dine in again this evening.

Day 6

Sunday 16 March - Mt Torlesse Station and Waimakariri Gorge

Another high-country adventure awaits us today, as we travel into country near Arthurs Pass and the Mid Canterbury foothills. Travelling to the Waimakariri Gorge, we board off-road vehicles for a scenic four-wheel drive adventure across Mt Torlesse Station. This station is a 10,000 acre working sheep and cattle farm and you will get to experience the thrill and excitement of off-roading while taking in the spectacular alpine scenery and learning about the farm. After an

interesting morning, we enjoy a delicious lunch (included), after which we board a Hamilton jet boat to take us on a spectacular river journey into the heart of the Waimakariri Gorge.

Our stay is in Christchurch tonight, and we reboard our coach to make our way into the city to check in to our accommodation, dining in this evening.

Day 7

Monday 17 March - Homebush Stables and Manderley Farm

We visit Homebush Stables near Hororata this morning, a cluster of heritage farm buildings that are part of Homebush Station - a working farm of 1350 acres - which has been in continuous ownership by the Deans family since it was first taken up in 1850. The farm buildings provide a link to the earliest European settlement of the Canterbury Plains. Learn about the story of the Deans family, from pioneering days through to the present, including the devastating effects of the 2010 Christchurch earthquake. Morning tea will be provided by our hosts.

We’ll stop for lunch (own cost and choice) in Darfield, before we cut across the plains to a farming property on Banks Peninsula. Manderley is a 300 hectare hill country run farming sheep and beef, and we’ll learn about their farming operation and enjoy a garden wander, finishing off with afternoon tea hosted in the 1876 historic homestead with vistas overlooking Lake Forsyth.

We return to our hotel where we dine again this evening.

Day 8

Tuesday 18 March - We Fly Home

Homeward bound today, we have a little time for a short drive around the inner city – a unique blend of heritage and new buildings as the city has risen from the ruins of the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. We then make our way to Christchurch airport to check in for our flight home to Wellington where we will be met by our transfer vehicles to return us to our home locations.

The cost of the tour includes

  • All coach travel
  • Accommodation
  • 2 course or buffet dinners
  • All breakfasts
  • Real Journeys TSS Earnslaw journey
  • Mavora Lakes High Country Tour
  • Criffel Station: tour and lunch
  • West Wanaka Station: 4WD tour
  • Braemar Station: tour and lunch
  • Mesopotamia Station: tour and lunch
  • Mt Torlesse Station: 4WD tour, Waimakariri River jet boat ride and lunch
  • Homebush Stables, tour and morning tea
  • Manderley Farm: farm tour and afternoon tea
  • Air New Zealand flight Wellington to Queenstown
  • Air New Zealand flight Christchurch to Wellington

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.
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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.
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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. 
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Applicable Law
The laws of New Zealand govern these Terms and Conditions to the fullest extent allowable.

"Les and Warren seemed to get on well and catered for us perfectly. They couldn't have given us a better time. Even the weather came up trumps! Thanks, Les!" Anne