Sample itinerary for seniors or for the mobility impaired

This tour itinerary takes a leisurely pace, exploring a selection of New Zealand scenery, its cultural heritage, natural history, lifestyle and cuisine. This itinerary is designed for seniors and for those with a mobility impairment.

Heartland Explored

Day 1: On arrival at Dunedin airport we transfer to our centrally located hotel. During the remainder of the day we take in some of the highlights of this southern "Scottish" city which is nestled at the base of Otago Harbour. Stay Dunedin three nights.

Day 2: One of the joys of Dunedin is its diversity within a small area - beautiful parks and gardens, abundant wildlife, rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. After a leisurely start we visit its botanical gardens, one of the first established in the southern hemisphere, and among other things we view examples of some of the unique vegetation of New Zealand. We spend the day enjoying the diversity of the city and, in particular, visit a selection of local boutique food and beverage producers to sample some of their award-winning fare.

Day 3: Our destination for the day is the Otago Peninsula with its rich wildlife, spectacular coastline and picturesque harbour. We also take a marine excursion to view the wildlife of Tairoa Head at close hand. Tairoa Head is home to the only mainland colony of the giant Southern Royal Albatross. This evening we enjoy dining at one of Dunedin's finest eateries.

Day 4: Our journey this morning takes us north from Dunedin to the coastal settlement of Moeraki where a fishing excursion off the coast is available, weather permitting. Here we take in this beautiful rural peninsula, learn some of the early Maori history of the area and taste a selection of the local coastal delicacies before continuing north to Oamaru. This evening we visit a Little Blue Penguin colony at an old limestone quarry in Oamaru Harbour. We watch these rare birds returning from a day at their Pacific Ocean feeding grounds.

Day 5: We spend the morning exploring Oamaru which, among other things, is renowned for its unique architecture. The imposing buildings in the historic precinct were crafted from the local cream-coloured limestone. Oamaru stone is easily cut and shaped but hardens as it weathers. On leaving the Pacific Coast just north of the town we make our way up the Waitaki Valley and into the arid Mackenzie Basin which is flanked by the snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps. En route we experience at first hand some of the workings of a local high country sheep farm. Stay Twizel two nights.

Day 6: Twizel is an ideal base from which to explore and a visit to this region would not be complete without venturing a short distance along the side of the turquoise-coloured Lake Pukaki and into the heart of the Southern Alps at Aoraki/Mt Cook. At the foot of this, New Zealand's tallest mountain, we take in the majestic views, explore some of the bush and alpine trails, and also visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Late afternoon we return to Twizel.

Day 7: Before continuing on our journey we learn of some of the conservation issues affecting the Mackenzie Country, discover what makes the region such a Mecca for recreationalists, and visit one of the salmon farms operating on a hydro-electric canal system. From here we make our way south over the tussock-clad Lindis Pass into Central Otago. The discovery of gold in Central Otago in the mid 1800s brought many prospectors to the region and saw the creation of a multitude of towns and villages. The gold rush has long since passed, but many of the relics of this era remain. The region recently has become renowned for its wine production and, in particular, its award-wining Pinot Noir. Our destination is Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and flanked by the Remarkables and Eyre Mountains. It is arguably one of the most scenic locations in the world and the adventure capital of New Zealand. Stay Queenstown three nights.

Day 8: This is a free day to relax, shop or explore some of the local attractions. Or possibly even take a flight to the renowned Milford Sound.

Day 9: We enjoy a selection of activities today, the nature of which will vary depending on your interests. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie wanting to experience the thrill of throwing yourself off a bridge or a hillside, or you wish to take in the majestic views on offer, or explore the excellent vineyards, Queenstown has something to offer all tastes.

Day 10: We depart Queenstown this morning and drive north over an old gold miners' trail through the Cardrona Valley. This is a day of scenic contrasts as we travel from the arid interior of the island, along the shores of picturesque Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, through the bush-clad valleys of the Southern Alps, to the lush forested West Coast, and from there on to the glaciers. En route we soak up the majestic views and explore the plants and birds of the forests. At Makarora there is the option to take a jet boat trip on the Wilkin River into the Mt Aspiring National Park. Stay Fox Glacier two nights.

Day 11: Today we explore the sights of the Westland Tai Poutini National Park where the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers grind down steep valleys (fiords) from New Zealand's highest mountains. The park is renowned for its mountain peaks and dramatic glaciers, lush lowland podocarp forests, coastal lagoons, bush-fringed lakes and the deserted beaches of the Tasman Coast. For dramatic panoramic views a flight over the glaciers is highly recommended.

Day 12: This morning we continue our journey north toward Hokitika, host of the annual Wild Foods Festival. Be prepared to push your culinary comfort zone as we sample some of these treats!! The West Coast has, for hundreds of years, been an important national source of jade, locally known as pounamu or greenstone. This beautiful hard, opaque, emerald stone holds great spiritual significance for Maori and was used for making tools and weapons, as well as items of adornment. Hokitika has a range of workshops, galleries and craft studios that we can visit and even purchase a distinctive greenstone souvenir. Later in the afternoon we take in some spectacular scenery as we cross the main divide at Arthurs Pass and make our way through dramatic limestone outcrops and wide tussock-covered basins to the East Coast. Our destination is Christchurch, the South Island's largest city. Stay two nights.

Day 13: Christchurch is distinctive for its early English heritage. Also known as the "Garden City", it has expansive parks and public gardens. Today we immerse ourselves in the heart of the city, exploring the cultural precinct which includes the Arts Centre and nearby botanical gardens. This, our last night, is spent enjoying a traditional Maori meal and learning more of the culture of New Zealand's indigenous people.

Day 14: Sadly it is time to say good-bye to the "Land of the Long White Cloud". We transfer to Christchurch International Airport for departing flights.