Cycle the deep south of New Zealand from Queenstown to Dunedin over 7 spectacular days from the mountains to the sea. You will follow the Southern Scenic route on a journey through magnificent mountains, along the shores of lakes and beside innumerable waterfalls to Milford Sound and beyond to the empty spaces of the Catlins Forest Park and the rugged Southern coast. You will finish your tour in the lofty surroundings of historic Larnach Castle Lodge, perched high on the Otago Peninsula, with sweeping views.
Your South Island Adventure starts in Queenstown (pop. 28,700), where the day is yours to spend at leisure. Surrounded by mountain peaks (including the famous Remarkables), and set on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown has much to offer: -a jet boat or rafting trip on the Kawarau or Shotover Rivers, the steamer "Earnslaw" to visit a high country sheep station, the gondola cableway, Skippers canyon, a flight to Milford Sound (fiord), and much more. Queenstown also has an excellent botanical garden and a very good shopping center.
World-famous for its adventure, Queenstown is home to a huge choice of adrenaline based and more leisurely activities. There are plenty of things to do in Queenstown if you enjoy the great outdoors, superb food and wine, and a more relaxed pace. If you love golf, biking, walking, sailing and fishing you will love Queenstown. Queenstown is built around an inlet called Queenstown Bay on Lake Wakatipu, a long thin Z-shaped lake formed by glacial processes, and has spectacular views of nearby mountains such as The Remarkables, Cecil Peak, Walter Peak, and just above the town, Ben Lomond and Queenstown Hill.
From Queenstown you will take the road beside Lake Wakatipu and head for Te Anau where you will have two nights, allowing a day trip to spectacular Milford Sound, past towering mountains, beside lakes and innumerable waterfalls. Take time out for a walk to The Divide on the renowned Routeburn Track. Much of the route is on very quiet sealed roads with little or no traffic. Stay with local farm hosts before finishing at Larnach's Castle on the beautiful Otago Peninsula, known for its penguin and albatross colonies and close to the city of Dunedin.
Dunedin is the gateway to the Otago region. The harbor and hills around Dunedin are the remnants of an extinct volcano. The city suburbs extend out into the surrounding valleys and hills, onto the isthmus of the Otago Peninsula, and along the shores of the Otago harbor and the Pacific Ocean. It features the sandy beaches of St Clair and the stunning little “secret places” such as Tunnel Beach. The seaside settlements of Karitane and Port Chalmers provide the perfect setting to escape the city for the day. Dunedin is celebrated for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Dunedin’s historic buildings are a reflection of the city's wealth during the gold rush. Larnach Castle is set high above the harbor where William Larnach commissioned the construction of New Zealand’s only castle in 1871. The Victorian castle is also well known for its 14-hectare garden and grounds which has been recognized as a Garden of International Significance.
*If you are interested in a private tour on a different date, this tour can run on demand for a minimum of 4 participants.