Day 1: Queenstown to Gibbston
Welcome to Queenstown! Upon arrival to the airport proceed to collect your car rental vehicle and then take a short drive along the shores of Lake Hayes and though the spectacular Kawarau Gorge to Gibbston Valley Lodge. The rest of you day is at leisure.
Day 2: Explore Gibbston Valley
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Gibbston Valley and its surrounds.
Gibbston Valley is also known as “The Valley of Wines” and is one of the most scenic wine growing areas in New Zealand. They can be best visited by car or bicycle (Gibbston Valley Lodge offers free bikes to guests, subject to availability).
Iconic Arrowtown, a historic former gold mining town, rich in heritage, is worth a visit. We suggest you arrive early as the small town tends to get busy during the day.
If you’re after an adrenalin rush, take the short drive to Kawarau Gorge for a Bungy Jump (pre-bookings recommended).
Day 3: Gibbston Valley to Cromwell
From Gibbston Valley Lodge, travel through to Cromwell on the Western end of Gibbston Valley, a town partly moved to allow for the creation of Lake Dunstan, part of the huge Clyde Dam project. Through the upper Clutha Valley and continue on to picturesque Lake Wanaka. Take a walk through the historic precinct to learn more about the project.
We highly recommend a stop at Highlands Park for an exceptional experience. Choose from the high speed Single or Dual Go karts, to the insane adrenaline pumping fast laps in a Ferrari or Porsche GT3, we have thrilling Queenstown activities & adventures to meet every adrenaline need (pre-bookings recommended).
Once you arrive to you next lodge, you will get a chance to relax and unwind on your private courtyard with a glass of pinot noir produced in this picturesque vineyard.
Day 4: Cromwell to Clyde
Before leaving Cromwell to venture further into Central Otago, enjoy a scenic helicopter flight and winery lunch. Start the experience with a flight over the Cromwell Basin, which offers a glimpse into the area's rich gold mining history, both present day and days gone by, and showcases the basin's breathtaking Central Otago landscape and award-winning vineyards. After an alpine landing on the Pisa or Old Woman Range, you will be dropped off at the lunch venue of your choice (Mt Difficulty Winery, Carrick Winery or The Stoaker Room) for a platter lunch.
Your vehicle will be transferred to the chosen lunch venue. After lunch continue on short journey along the mighty Clutha River to Cromwell Gorge. Clyde is a beautifully preserved, historic township in the heart of Central Otago. It has a rich history in gold mining and today, the town’s small historic precinct is a gem to explore. The fascinating Clyde hydroelectric dam on the outskirts of town is well worth a visit.
Today also marks day one of your three day cycling package on the Otago Central Rail Trail & the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, two of the region’s most iconic trails. While today involves no cycling yet, you will have your tour briefing and bike fitting this afternoon. Check in for your next 3 nights to Olivers Lodge & Stables and enjoy a delicious dinner tonight.
Day 5: Central Otago Cycling
After breakfast you will be transferred to Auripo to begin your Otago Central Rail Trail adventure. The Poolburn Gorge section is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Otago Central Rail Trail. It cuts through the Raggedy Range that separates the Manuherikia and Ida Valleys. Highlights of this section of the trail include the 37m/121ft high Poolburn Viaduct, two tunnels, the trails longest bridge and Central Otago stunning landscapes. Lunch is at own cost today. This evening you will be transferred to Pitches Store in Ophir for your 5 course degustation meal at their award winning restaurant.
Cycling distance Otago Central Rail Trail: 29.5km
Day 6: Central Otago Cycling
After breakfast you will begin your Roxburgh Gorge adventure by heading off down the River Track towards Doctors Point. Here you will join a 90 minute glorious river cruise, which is a great introduction to the gold mining history of this area. You will then be dropped off at Shingle Creek for your last ride in this spectacular gorge as it opens out to the Roxburgh Dan. After your ride you will be returned to your accommodation. A picnic lunch is included today and this evening you will enjoy a relaxed dinner at Paulina's restaurant, just a short walking distance from your accommodation.
Cycling distance Roxburgh Gorge Trail: 35km/22mi
Day 7: Clyde to Queenstown
After breakfast, depart Clyde and travel along the shores of the Clutha River through the Cromwell Gorge to Cromwell and onwards along the Kawarau River through the Gibbston Valley to Queenstown airport. Drop off your rental car and check in for your departure flight.
