Hidden Valleys ,Goldfields and Maniatoto
Hidden Valleys ,Goldfields and Maniatoto
Tour Date: April 26th to May 3rd -Places available
DEPOSIT - $300.00 NZD
Single - $4755
Twin Share - $4195
If these dates don't work for you but you're still interested in this tour please contact us below.
Please note this is a cash or cheque price. Credit cards will incur a 2% fee.
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment.
This tour highlights the hidden treasures of the Central South Island. We follow in the footsteps of the early goldminers, runholders and sheep rustlers, Visit the Vanished World, limestone formations, travel through Mackenzie Pass and Hakataramea Valley -all roads less travelled. The journey through the scenic Danseys Pass is a highlight, we explore the goldfields history in St Bathans & the Art Deco town of Ranfurley. The itinerary includes exploring through the Maniatoto Region a guided garden walk, a detour to Macrae's Mine, and you get to travel in comfort out on the Taieri gorge railway before one last relaxing night in Portobello Dunedin.
Group Size
Group Size
Personalized small group tour of 5 to10 people
Highlights Will Include
Highlights Will Include
- Harlau House lunch and Historic Cave Church
- Mackenzie Pass
- Hakataramea Pass and Valley
- Valley Views New Eco Domes
- Valley Views Station Tour
- Elephant Rocks ,Vanished World
- Drive over Danseys Pass
- Art Deco Ranfurley
- Naseby and St Bathans
- Clackenburn historic Gardens tour
- Macraes mine
- Taieri Gorge Railway tour
Location & Duration
Location & Duration
Starts Christchurch, Finishes Dunedin,8 Days - 7 nights.
Inclusions
Inclusions
- Eight days transport, 10 or 12 seat vehicles
- Your own experienced driver / guide for eight days
- seven night’s accommodation
- 6 dinners ,7 lunches ,7 breakfasts
Exclusions
Exclusions
- Flights - if you would rather, I am happy to book flights and any extra accommodation at the start or finish of the tour. I do not have large enough groups to be able to get travel discounts and some people may be better off using credits or air points. Please let me know if you would like me to book though and I can just add to the tour cost for you.
- Items of a personal nature
Booking Conditions
Booking Conditions
A non-refundable deposit of $300 per person is required to secure your place on the tour. Payment can be made to this account number.
Full payment is due one month prior to tour start.
Cancellations
Cancellations
- Deposit – nonrefundable
- If this tour is cancelled due to Covid 19 government travel restrictions, a refund is available, or we will endeavour to reschedule. Alps 2 Ocean Ltd reserves the right in addition to any supplier-imposed amendment and cancellation fees, to charge a service and administrative fee of $100 per person.
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Tour Travel Itinerary
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Day 1
Depart Christchurch- Travel south to Timaru
- Lunch at Harlau House and GardensLunch Dinner
We will meet or be picked up from airports and locations around midday and travel south to Harlau House for lunch.Travel continues via a scenic backcountry drive past historic stations with a visit and talk in the Historic stone church at Cave-built for the early runholders .
We stay in Fairlie in boutique cabins-Musterer's Accomodation Fairlie - Home | Musterers Accommodation Fairlie
Dinner at the Kimbell Hotel
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Day 2
Mackenzie Pass ,Hakataramea pass and Valley ,Kurow
BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER
After breakfast we take the route used by James Mackenzie the sheep rustler the Mackenzie country was named after. Stunning views of the Alps and MacKenzie country are followed by a drive over the Hakataramea Pass and out the Haka Valley past stations and farms before reaching the Waitaki River
We stay for 2 nights at Valley ViewsHomepage | Valleyviews | Waitaki | Canterbury | Glamping
-beautiful Geo Domes set high on the station terrace with stunning views and the night sky to look at as well off your deck.
Enjoy a home cooked dinner at Valley Views by station owners
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Day 3
Farm tour on Valley Views and River T vineyard
BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER
The station staff will take you for a farm tour with a picnic lunch .Chance for a wander on farm tracks, in this vast landscape.
In the afternoon there is free time ,take a walk on a wetland created by the village and have a beer or a wine and platter at the nearby River T winery.
Meet the locals with Dinner in the Kurow Hotel.
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Day 4
Duntroons Vanished World-Danseys Pass- Naseby -Ranfurley
BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER
Begin the day with a leisurely breakfast before meeting Mike at Vanished World in Duntroon, where he will introduce fossils of ancient sea creatures and uncover the fascinating geological history of the region, recognized as an international Geopark. He will also guide you through the nearby Blacksmiths, a significant part of the early settler heritage.
The journey continues inland to experience remarkable geology, with options to stop, take photos and walk at the Valley of the Whales and Elephant Rocks. From there, ascend through the lesser traveled Danseys Pass and descend into the Maniototo Valley before arriving at the Art Deco town of Ranfurley.Staying at Hawkdun Motels for 3 nights
Dinner at Waipiata Hotel
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Day 5
Clackenburn Historic Gardens tour -Maniatoto Landscape
BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER
It's time to explore this wonderful part of the Maniatoto landscape, a visit first to the Art Deco town of Ranfurley then a tour to the Clackenburn historic buildings (1860) with its vast garden. I will take you to a great view from a high point on the Rock n Pillar range and visit historic mining sites full of history.
Dinner TBC -
Day 6
Naseby, St Bathans ,Chatto Creek
BREAKFAST LUNCH
Today we explorethe vast country west of Ranfurley visit the small villages of Naseby ,St Bathans and Chatto creek .So many landmarks ,gold mining relics and so much history. There will be plenty of stops and time for walks, long ridgelines amazing vistas,historic buildings.
Dinner tonight is free choice at the Wedderburn Historic Hotel
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Day 7
Macraes Gold Mine ,Moonlight Road, Taieri Gorge Rail tour
Breakfast Dinner
We leave Ranfurley and take the scenic roads to a viewpoint of the massive Macraes Gold Mine .A road from the mine called the Moonlight road is a wonderful ridgeline drive with stunning views .You will then meet the Taieri Gorge Train and take the 2 h,5 hr journey out to Dunedin.Lunch can be purchased on the Train.
From the station I will meet you and travel out on the Otago peninsula will enjoy a quiet last night in Portobello with sea views.
Dinner tonight Portobello Hotel
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Day 8
Otago Penisula,Dunedin Airport
Breakfast Lunch
After a leisurely breakfast we will explore a little of the peninsula and enjoy a final picnic lunch with a view, before travelling back through to the Dunedin Airport ,drop-off by 2pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of fitness do I need?
No matter what your fitness level, you can choose the activity level you feel appropriate for you, provide alternative options for the varied fitness levels, with a small group it is easy to personalize this.
What if I want to change some of the travel plans?
Sometimes our travellers like to visit relatives while on the journey. The tour travel times each day are arranged to give time for you to meet others, or if we are stopping for a walk nearby, Wayne can arrange that you spend your time differently. If you are thinking you would like to visit someplace that is not listed in the itinerary, we can sometimes build this in. It is worth
having a chat to Wayne to see what is possible
What about cancellations or interruptions due to level changes?
We do ask for a small non-refundable deposit to begin the booking process; however, all other expenses are fully refundable if we did need to cancel. In most instances we would look to reschedule and will be in touch with you if this arises.