Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: coastal south island & queenstown tour at bluff

Experience New Zealand's most breath-taking scenery during this captivating, two day experience across to  Queenstown from Bluff to Dunedin.

Mid-Voyage Land Adventure: Spectacular Coastal South Island & Queenstown

Duration: 2 Days/1 Night

Departs from: Bluff at approximately 8:30 a.m.

Re-join ship: Port Chalmers (Dunedin) Akaroa at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Land Adventure is a small group luxury tour, providing bespoke cultural and sightseeing experiences. We limit the tour to a small group in order to ensure your experience is a high-quality one. Spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. If the program fills up, you'll be accommodated on a space-available basis. Advanced booking is required at least 90 days prior to sailing date via Silversea Reservations. We suggest booking early to secure your spot(s).

Please be advised that a minimum number of participants is required for this program to run as described. In rare cases when the minimum number of participants is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at an increased rate based on private arrangements or to cancel your specific departure for a refund. The self-cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, is 90 days or sooner to initial sailing date at the rate of 100% program fare per person. The payment for your Land Adventure is due in full on the same date as your final payment due for your cruise. Per Silversea's general payment terms, bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner.

All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable within 120 days of sailing, with the exception of cancellation by Silversea. Our family-friendly land programs require adult accompaniment of any guests under the age of 18. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Silversea and our local operators make every effort to ensure your land program runs as described. Our local operators reserve the right to modify tour sequence, sites visited and venues mentioned due to operational reasons.

VISA INFORMATION

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for New Zealand. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY

The local currency is New Zealand Dollar; credit cards are accepted; local ATMs are available in most locations visited.

Indulge your senses with the stunning natural splendour at the 'top' of New Zealand during this unforgettable overnight excursion to majestic Mount Cook and its surrounds.

Day 1 Bluff /Queenstown

Take a scenic drive thought the lush Southland countryside with stops at Winton and picturesque Southland towns steeped in history.  

Next Travel onto Arrowtown and Enjoy a gourmet lunch at the Aosta Restaurant

After Lunch a relaxed walk around the quaint, tree-lined streets of Arrowtown & visit the Chinese Gold Mining Museum

During the gold mining era, the Chinese were forced to live in huts along isolated gullies on the banks of Bush Creek at the edge of town. Many of the huts have been restored, offering visitors the chance to step back in time to see up-close the toil and modest living conditions  of the 'other half' in this prosperous town.

After lunch, re-board your coach and continue to Queenstown.

Born as a gold-mining camp in the 1860s, Queenstown is today a compact and sophisticated downtown area tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Dwarfed by the surrounding mountains, amazing views can be enjoyed from everywhere. There is also a permanent buzz in the downtown area, which is home to a lively café and bar scene, and excellent shopping.

Arrive at your hotel the Luxury Rees Hotel in Queenstown. Free time to freshen-up before your next adventure in Queenstown.

Ride the TSS Earnslaw on a sunset cruise across Lake Wakatipu to the Walter Peak Sheep Station

In the early evening, meet your guide, transfer to the steamer wharf and board the 1913 historic steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to the Walter Peak Sheep Station.

Proceed for a gourmet barbecue dinner, and a sheepdog and sheep-shearing demonstration

Upon arrival, disembark and proceed to the Walter Peak Sheep Station, the ideal place to enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner featuring local New Zealand produce. After dinner, watch a sheepdog and sheep-shearing demonstration.

Embark the TSS Earnslaw for the return ride across Lake Wakatipu and back to Queenstown

At the conclusion of your visit, embark the TSS Earnslaw for the ride back across Lake Wakatipu. Upon arrival at the steamer wharf in Queenstown, disembark the vessel, re-board your coach, and transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Lakeview Hotel Room at the Rees Queenstown – Winner of numerous Travel Awards https://www.therees.co.nz/awards.html

Please note: The cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw, as well as dinner at Walter Peak Sheep Station, is not exclusive for Silversea guests. Shopping is possible at Walter Peak. Items available may include wool products, and possum/merino-blended clothing such as gloves, hats, and scarves.   

Overnight at the Rees Hotel

Day 2 Queenstown to Dunedin

After Breakfast, Check out and of Rees Hotel – short walk to the Ree’s private Jetty

Jet Boat ride from the Rees Jetty up Kawarau River and back to the private jetty at Willow Jetty

Blast across Lake Wakatipu and down the world-famous Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in one of the world’s most stunning location. Return to  

Board the Coach for a short Drive through the scenic Gibbston Valley, and enjoy a wine tasting and gourmet lunch at Kinross

Starting on the scenic drive to Dunedin takes you through the famous Central Otago wine region, the Gibbston Valley.  Enroute, a stop is made at Kinross, a renowned vineyard and restaurant. Upon arrival, proceed to the Wine Tasting Room and enjoy a tasting of different wines. Following your wine tasting, you are seated in the restaurant for a gourmet lunch consisting of three different dishes paired with three different wines.

Continue past Cromwell, Clyde, and the huge Clyde Dam, and Alexandra

After lunch, re-board your coach and continue your drive to Dunedin via the restored heart of Cromwell, a treasure for visitors, charming and historic town of Clyde, huge Clyde Dam, and Alexandra. As the main center for Central Otago, Alexandra is a prosperous, attractive town. Here, a brief stop is made to stretch your legs amongst an attractive oasis of trees and lovely scenery within the weathered rock landscape of Central Otago.

Follow the Clutha River through the Roxburgh orchards, and drive on to Dunedin

Leaving Alexandra, your route follows the Clutha River through the orchards of Roxburgh, then on to Lawrence, Waikoloa, Mosgiel, and finally, Dunedin.

Take a sightseeing tour of Dunedin, with its splendid, Victorian- and Edwardian-styled buildings

Upon arrival, take a brief sightseeing tour of the splendid historic landmarks and architecture of Dunedin. See splendid, Victorian- and Edwardian-style stone buildings erected by wealthy merchants during an era when Dunedin was New Zealand's most prosperous city. Although Dunedin's times of rapid growth and great wealth have since passed, they have left behind a legacy of elaborate architecture and learning. In fact, Dunedin now ranks as New Zealand's top university town.

Stop for photos at the renowned Railway Station, and pass local sites enroute to Port Chalmers

From here, continue for a photo stop at the city's renowned Railway Station; a marvelous construction of iron latticework and bluestone emblazoned with heraldic lions. Leaving the Railway Station, continue to Port Chalmers via Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world, the Botanical Gardens, and Memorial Lookout.

Transfer to the pier and your ship

Upon arrival in Port Chalmers, transfer to the pier and embark the ship.

Please note: This description is a general overview of the highlights of this program. The local Silversea representative will do everything possible to ensure that all of the sites described here are visited, though the tour sequence and specific sites mentioned is subject to change. Closure of some sites due to local or national holiday observances, flight schedules or other factors may affect the program, and the local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if necessary.

This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure involves a moderate amount of off-road driving and a moderate amount of walking for approximately 1.08 miles (about 1.75 kilometres), at times over uneven, natural, and snowy surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate. This tour is not suitable for guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes, and bring sun protection, a weatherproof jacket, insect repellent, any necessary medication from the ship. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Due to prevailing weather conditions, the tour sequence, timings, and itinerary are subject to change without prior notice. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

• Private coach with an experienced English-speaking driver.
• Service of an experienced English-speaking guide from Bluff to Port Chalmers.
• One night stay in a Lakeview Hotel Room at the Rees Queenstown
• One breakfast
• Two lunches and a dinner. Two drinks per person are included with lunches and dinner.
• All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary  
• Local escort travelling when there is a minimum of 10 guests travelling together. 

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.