Highlights
- Full day tour of Queenstown, Wanaka & surrounds
- Visit 4 historic gold mining locations
- Photo opportunities at iconic sites
- Enjoy a drink at the Cardrona Hotel
Description
Join the Arrowtown and Wanaka premium day tour and travel in comfort and luxury as you soak up stunning locations supported by enjoyable commentary. As the tour route is a loop you won't see the same views twice, maximising your guided tour.
Your day kicks off with views over the world's first commercial bungy at the Kawarau bridge. You will have the opportunity to photograph this historic bridge and watch the bungy jumpers! As well as the bridge your guide will show you where The Gates of Argonath stood in The Lord of the Rings movie.
Following from the Kawarau you will travel deeper into the Gibbston Valley and along the Kawarau Gorge. The area is planted with vineyard after vineyard and produces award-winning Pinot Noir wine. As you follow the twist and turns through the gorge you will see the the river rushing below and on the opposite banks you will see gold prospecting shacks clinging to the rocks near ancient goldmines.
Next up you will arrive in Cromwell and visit Jones fruit stall, an iconic Cromwell orchard were you will taste local fruits. Next you will be treated to a classic New Zealand morning tea - a hot drink and a slice in a local cafe.
Following your trip to Cromwell you will head to Wanaka. The town was historically used by Maori as a pathway to greenstone sites and later by goldminers for accommodation close to Cardrona. Nowadays Wanaka is known as a lifestyle reserve full of family adventures, eco-tours, recreational trails and nearby ski fields, it is surrounded by huge mountains and massive glaciers. Your guide will take you to the Reflection Tree or The Wanaka Tree as it is also know. The tree grows within the lake and is photographed across every season. After this you will have one hour of free time to explore Wanaka. Take a look around the shops, sit and have an ice cream by the lake, or go for a walk along the lake path, the choice is yours.
As you head back towards Queenstown, you will travel on the Crown Range. This is New Zealand's highest sealed road and is usually covered in snow in winter, boasting some incredible viewing platforms which you will get to experience. Before the viewing points though your guide will stop off at the Cardrona Hotel. This is one of New Zealand's oldest and most well-known pubs. Your guide will take you in to explore, and will shout you a beer or soft drink to enjoy in the beer garden or by the fire.
Your day ends in historic Arrowtown. You'll walk among the tiny restored cottages of the Chinese settlement and walk down the main street of this stunning little town with its charming historic buildings making you feel like you are on a movie set.
Trip Includes
- Central Queenstown pick up and drop off
- Fully guided tour with a local guide
- Fruit tasting (when in season)
- Morning refreshment’s including a hot drink & a snack in a local cafe
- Multiple famous photo stops on the journey to Wanaka
- Cardrona Ale or Ginger Beer at the Cardrona Hotel
- With our help take amazing photos of the Wanaka Tree
- Plenty of time to explore Arrowtown & the Chinese Village at your own pace
- Premium European tour van
Duration
Departures
- Departs 9.10am (returns 5pm)
- Departs from your central Queenstown accommodation or the Station Building on the corner of Shotover & Camp Streets
- Operates daily in summer (Oct-Apr)
Other Information
- Child rates apply 8-16yrs (no children under 8 years old)
- Bring warm clothes & a rain coat
- Lunch not included however one hour free time in Wanaka with 30 restaurant’s close by
- Please note Puzzling World & the Lavender Farm are not included in this tour
Normal Retail Prices
- Adult (17yrs+): NZD$239.00
- Child (8-16yrs): NZD$179.00
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All prices shown in NZD$.
