As morning light bathes the coastline, we journey south along the dramatic East Coast following breakfast. Our route leads us to the charming Victorian town of Oamaru, where magnificent whitestone architecture tells tales of New Zealand’s colonial past. The town’s wonderfully preserved Victorian Precinct stands as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most complete collections of Victorian commercial architecture, with its elegant limestone buildings now housing artisan shops, galleries, and craft breweries.

Continuing south, we encounter one of nature’s most intriguing phenomena – the mysterious Moeraki Boulders. These perfectly spherical stones, scattered along Koekohe Beach like giant marbles left by ancient giants, are a remarkable sight. Each boulder, some weighing several tonnes and spanning up to 2 meters in diameter, began forming on the ancient seabed some 60 million years ago through a process similar to the formation of pearls. Maori legends speak of these boulders as the remains of ancient fishing baskets, eel pots, and gourds washed ashore from the great voyaging canoe Araiteuru.

By afternoon, we arrive in Dunedin, affectionately known as the “Edinburgh of the South.” This charming city, with its rich Scottish heritage, steep streets, and grand Edwardian architecture, offers plenty of time for relaxation and exploration. Wander through the Octagon – the city’s eight-sided heart – or perhaps stroll down one of the many characterful streets that radiate from this central hub.

 Visit: Christchurch, Oamaru, Moeraki Boulders, Baldwin Street, Dunedin

 Optional Activities: Speight’s Brewery Tour, Dunedin Train Station, Yellow Eyed Penguin Tour

 Accommodation: Scenic Dunedin City or similar

 Meals Included: Breakfast

Perched on the Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle stands as New Zealand’s sole castle, a magnificent Victorian-era mansion that commands breathtaking views over Dunedin. We’ll spend our morning exploring its neo-Gothic architecture, wandering through its meticulously restored rooms filled with period furnishings and stories of the Larnach family’s dramatic history. The castle’s award-winning gardens, rated as a “Garden of International Significance,” offer a stunning array of native and exotic plants across 35 acres.

From there, we’ll journey to Gore, where the fascinating Hokonui Moonshine Museum reveals a spirited chapter of New Zealand’s history. Here, you’ll discover how resourceful Scottish settlers perfected their illicit whisky-making craft in the late 1800s, evading authorities while preserving their Highland traditions. The museum brings these tales to life through interactive exhibits, and you’ll have the chance to sample Old Hokonui whisky, crafted from a closely guarded family recipe passed down through generations.

As day turns to evening, we’ll make our way to Te Anau, nestled on the edge of Fiordland National Park. This charming lakeside town serves as the perfect gateway to the pristine wilderness beyond, including the majestic Doubtful Sound – a vast, unspoiled fiord where towering peaks plunge into mirror-calm waters. The town itself, set against the backdrop of Lake Te Anau and mountain ranges, offers a peaceful haven to unwind and prepare for the adventures ahead.

 Visit: Gore, Te Anau

 Activitiy: Larnach Castle, Hokonui Moonshine Museum

 Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Te Anau (or similar)

 Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is yours to experience Queenstown, a picturesque alpine resort town known for its vast array of adventure activities. If you’d like to explore the area, we recommend taking a ride on the world-famous Shotover Jet Boat or taking a trip to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon.

For the best views of the town, travel to the top of Bob’s Peak by gondola and have lunch at the Skyline restaurant, why not make your way to the bungy centre to watch people hurling themselves off cliffs – bungy is a NZ invention after all!

Alternatively, make your way to the lakeside and enjoy a refreshing drink or stroll through Queenstown’s lush park. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy world-class food on this part of the leg of our South Island bus tour

 Accommodation: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside (or similar)

 Meals Included: Breakfast