Departing Hamilton for Christchurch, on NZ5615 departing 9:20am, arriving 11:15am. I will meet you all at the airport.

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Recommendation: consider domestic travel insurance to cover cancellations or changes before your holiday begins and is fully paid.

 

In Christchurch, we will stay for the night at Ramada Suites by Wyndham. Our afternoon includes a few options: 

-walk the Botanic Gardens and along Avon River (punting optional)

-visit Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu or take a city tram ride.

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Dinner is nearby and a variety of food stalls are available at Little High Eatery.

Dayboo to Clydesdale Experience

A drive to Ashburton for a day with the Clydesdales, to enjoy a wagon ride and close-up time with these magnificent horses. 

In the afternoon we can explore Geraldine's boutique shops, Barkers foodstore and cafes (if time permits).

Accommodation: Geraldine Motel, Geraldine (2 nights)

Four Peaks Station - Sutherland's Hut (4WD)

In the morning we arrive at Four Peaks Station for refreshments and the station briefing. Driving to back country access where we transfer to 4WD for the 4 km tour out to Sutherland's Hut. A history talk and station lunch and then returning to stay the night.

Accommodation: Brydon Hotel (2 nights).

Alexandra - Hayes Engineering

Today we travel to Alexandra where we stay two nights. During the drive we have a scenic stop at Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach (short walk and photo opportunity). After our 3 hour drive we visit Hayes Engineering for lunch prior to the tour. The Hayes Engineering tour at 1:00pm includes machinery demonstrations, museum, exhibits (one-hour guided tour).  

Accommodation: Central Chalets (2 nights).

Includes 8 nights shared accommodation, driver and transport, shuttle transfers to/from airports, admissions & guided visits at Homebush, Dayboo Clydesdales, Orari Gorge Station, Four Peaks Station (incl. lunch & refreshments) and Totara Estate, Hayes Engineering, Riverstone Castle tour, Como Villa Tour and our evening meal (two course) at Ski Time Lodge.

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Not included: Flights (Hamilton-Christchurch and Queenstown - Hamilton/Auckland) and meals not specified.

Payment Details:

Deposit: $500 due June 30th

Balance: due 16th January 2027

Reference: HighCountry & <your name>

Homebush Stables to Methven

Visiting Riccarton House in the morning, where we can enjoy the gardens before we start the tour of the house at 10am-11am. There is a delightful cafe where we can lunch at Quarters cafe before we leave at 12:30pm.

 

In the afternoon we visit Homebush Stables for a 2:00pm tour. A short drive to enjoy a garden tour, heritage stables, outbuildings. A leisurely afternoon of history and station hospitality. 

Then we retire to our accommodation at Ski Time Lodge, Methven, for a two course dinner at the restaurant. Breakfast is also included next morning. Methven is a pleasant alpine village - great for a stroll.

Orari Gorge Station & Peel Forest

At 10:00am we will begin our guided tour of Orari Gorge Station (5th generation family run). A property tour with refreshments and a visit to Woodbury Store cafe for lunch.

In the afternoon we visit Peel Forest.

Accommodation:  Geraldine Motel, Geraldine.

Totara Estate & Oamaru

Our day starts at 9:30am for a Totara Estate tour at 10am before we embark on an excellent historic tour of the limestone buildings and the "Billy T". 

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In the afternoon we stroll Oamaru's superb Victorian precinct, then Riverstone Castle tour at 3:00pm. In the evening penguin viewing (check local times/seasons). ​

Accommodation: Brydon Hotel, Oamaru.

Central Otago

A day in Central Otago with several options and activities available. Alexandra museum then a visit to Como Villa.

In the evening we will enjoy our final group dinner.

Accommodation:  Central Chalet, Alexandra

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Wednesday 24th February

 

Today we fly home.

Transfer to Queenstown Airport for our flight to Hamilton via a transit through Wellington. In the morning enjoy a leisurely departure from Queenstown ready for our afternoon flight departing 2:35pm, arriving Hamilton 7:40pm.

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