ADVENTURE DESCRIPTION

From high country passes to remote arid valleys, huge quartz seams and charming remote inns. This expedition is as magical as it gets. Five days of wonderfully diverse four wheel driving while exploring Central Otago history, characters and scenery. To cater for differing budgets, accommodation and food is not included in tour prices. Clients have the option to stay at lodges, hotels, motels, pubs and motor camps on this tour. This tour is designed for clients who choose not to drive themselves but rather join the guides vehicle.

ITINERARY

Includes five days and four nights.

DAY ONE | Old Man and Old Woman Range

Starting in Queenstown, we head through the old 1860s gold mining township of Bannockburn, up and over Duffers Saddle on the Nevis Road. We visit the impressive rock tors with extensive views over Lake Dunstan and the upper Nevis Valley. From Duffers Saddle, we head east up and over the Old Woman and the Old Man Ranges (Kopuwai Conservation Area), climbing to 1700 metres. From here, we drive to the Obelisk and its impressive views over Alexandra and Central Otago.  Accommodation options include historic Clyde, Alexandra and historic Ophir.

DAY TWO | Poolburn and Serpentine

Leaving Ophir, we head off to explore the Poolburn Reservoir and parts of the Serpentine Track (the location of one of New Zealand's most remote churches). Built in the early 1930s for irrigation and a great depression employment initiative, the Poolburn Reservoir and its striking scenery has been popularised by being used as a location in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. We finish the day in Naseby.

DAY THREE | Naseby and Oteake Conservation Area

Nestled under the Hawkdun Range, the small 1860s village of Naseby is now home to only 120 people. It’s hard to believe it was once home to 4000 miners, 18 stores, 14 hotels, two butchers and a hospital. From Naseby we climb up the side of Mt Buster, entering the Oteake conservation area and onto the Keyburn gold diggings. We have ample time to explore the extensive exposed quartz reefs and workings. From here we traverse this remarkable range and make our way back to Naseby. Accommodation options include a stay at the unique 1862 Dansey Pass Coach Inn.

DAY FOUR | Danseys Pass and Omarama Saddle

With an early start we head up and over the alpine track of Danseys Pass, crossing the Kakanui Range from Central Otago to North Otago. Following up the Waitaki Valley we pass Kurow making a stop at Benmore dam. We lunch at Omarama, refuel and head back into the hills. Crossing over the Omarama Saddle with its views towards Mt Aoraki / Cook, we follow the Manuhererika River back into Central Otago. Accommodation options include Naseby, St Bathans Vulcan Hotel, Ranfurly and Otago rail trail pubs.

DAY FIVE | St Bathans and Bendigo

The last day begins with a visit to St Bathans and the Vulcan Hotel. Leaving Central Otago we cross over the Dunstan Range to Lake Dunstan and commanding views over the Pisa Range. From here we explore the Bendigo area and its extensive gold field remnants. The tour finishes mid afternoon, just 15 minutes north of Cromwell, and an hour east of Queenstown.