SHIP n SHORE. Tours and Cruises Ltd

Transcription

1 SHIP n SHORE Tours and Cruises Ltd Phone: Auckland HBC PO Box 564, Whangaparaoa 0943, NZ tours@shipnshore.co.nz Website: Central Otago Tuesday 26 th February to Tuesday 5 th March Days This would have to be one of the most fascinating tours I have ever put together. I thought I knew Central Otago, until I started researching and chanced upon all these intriguing places to visit. The expansive plains, with clear blue skies, contrasted by sharp rocky outcrops, plus stone buildings and shanty towns that have remained unchanged for over 100 years. The photos simply do not do this area justice. I am so looking forward to sharing this adventure with you Karen Meals: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner Tuesday 26 th February Auckland to Queenstown D Mid Afternoon Fly Air NZ from Auckland to Queenstown, arriving late afternoon. Ron and Karen will be waiting at Queenstown Airport to transfer you to your apartment accommodation. After settling in, we are due at Skyline Queenstown. Tonight we ride the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob s Peak for a fantastic Buffet Dinner with awesome views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, with the stunning backdrop of the Remarkables Mountain Range. A great way to begin any South Island tour. Accommodation for two nights is at - Whistler Apartments, Queenstown Wednesday 27 th February TSS Earnslaw Cruise to Walter Peak Farm BL One of the best ways to see Queenstown s surrounding landscape is to cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the iconic century-old (1912) coal fired steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. Step ashore at Walter Peak High Country Farm for an entertaining farm demonstration before enjoying a Gourmet BBQ Lunch at the Colonel s Homestead Restaurant. Early afternoon, we cruise back to Queenstown and then drive out to nearby pretty little historic village of Arrowtown. Arrive Queenstown late afternoon. Dinner at own expense tonight. Whistler Apartments

2 Thursday 28 th February Queenstown to Naseby Highlands Motorsport Park BD Today we explore Old Cromwell Town, Clyde, Alexandra, Omakau, Ophir and Lauder. Making our way out of Queenstown, through the Kawarau Gorge, we pass Roaring Meg on our way to Highlands Motorsport Park. To get the full appreciation of this world-class racing venue read the book Zero to Sixty by Tony Quinn. In 2012 Tony sketched this track design on the back of an envelope and handed it to a local digger driver. We will do a lap of the track (as we did at Hampton Downs Tony s other race track), have a guided tour of the complex, including The Highlands National Motorsport Museum, which has the NZ Motorsport Hall of Fame including tributes to greats like Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme, Chris Amon and Scott Dixon. And if you missed seeing Tony s $4.2 Million Aston Martin, at Hampton Downs, it is now permanently here. Next we reach the relocation site of Old Cromwell Town (the original town was drowned with the flooding of Lake Dunstan for the Clyde Dam construction). And a short distance away is the town of Clyde, which has become well known for the start/finish of the Otago Central Rail Trail. We then reach Alexandra, on the banks of the Clutha River, with time for a late lunch and a look at the Central Stories Museum (housing the rare Otago skink, Art Gallery and I-Site). A short drive from town, we can walk across Shaky Foot Bridge to see the iconic 11m wide Alexandra Clock. We then travel through Omakau, once one of the busiest stock loading railway stations in New Zealand and out to the historic small town of Ophir to cross the Daniel O Connell Suspension Bridge over the Manukerikia River. Our next small town is Lauder, which claims to have one of the cleanest, pollution-free atmospheres in the world. We arrive Naseby early evening, where we spend 3 nights. Dinner tonight at our hotel. Ancient Briton Hotel, Naseby Phone Note: The Ancient Briton Hotel is not in its first flush of youth, but the facilities are clean and comfortable. The food is great and the staff and locals are very welcoming. Friday 1 st March Hayes Engineering, St Bathans and Curling! BLD Fabulous place names today - Oturehua, Idaburn Dam, Poolburn Gorge, Chatto Creek & St Bathans We begin with a Guided Tour of the 1890s fully operational workshop of Hayes Engineering and the restored 1920 Homestead. They will fire up the machinery for us! This is where Ernest Hayes invented devices still used today, and his wife Hannah, in 1895 in full skirts and corset, pedalled all over Central Otago selling them! Hayes developed and marketed products to improve farming life, like wire strainers, cattle stops and pulley blocks. His mud brick family home was fitted with modern inventions like electricity (generated by a water-driven pelton wheel) and piped radio. Next we pay a visit to Gilchrists Store in Oturehua, which has been serving the local community continually since Then we see the site of The Bonspiel (Grand Match) of Curling, which is played outdoors on the frozen Idaburn Dam every few years, when ice conditions allow. We point out the dreaded Tiger Hill before we arrive at the charming Chatto Creek Tavern for lunch.

3 Friday 1 st continued.. This afternoon we are due back at the Naseby Indoor Curling Rink This ancient Medieval Scottish traditional sport was first recorded in Back then, they used uneven river stones, but we slide uniform granite stones down the ice to our team mates, who brush the ice to help it reach its target. It s not a matter of muscle power, just skill and cunning and anyone can do it. Full tuition is given. Have a go 90 minutes of pure fun! Early evening we depart Naseby and drive to St Bathans if you have never seen St Bathans be prepared to be totally awestruck, as we were, by its unique beauty. We spend time at this stunning blue water lake, surrounded by white cliffs, before walking/driving up the hill to the historic Vulcan Hotel for a Buffet Dinner. Ancient Briton Hotel, Naseby Saturday 2 nd March Waipiata Sanitorium, Stonehenge Station and Wedderburn BLD Places we may have only heard of Waipiata, Hamiltons, Ranfurly, Wedderburn & Stonehenge Stn. Our first stop today is at the old Waipiata Tuberculosis Sanitorium, now a private retreat called En Hakkore. The present day owners will give us a Guided Tour of some of the buildings and grounds that were a sanctuary to TB sufferers, mainly miners, back in the day. Established as a private institution in 1918, taken over by the Hospital Board in 1925, used as a Youth Prison in 1960, it was closed by the Government in 1980 and purchased by the Bradfield family (who still own it) 7 years later. Just above En Hakkore is the Hamiltons Cemetery, where many miners were laid to rest. Late morning we are in Ranfurly with time to visit the Curiosity Shop (you really need to see this place) and the Art Deco Museum (gold coin donation). Lunch today is at the historic country Wedderburn Tavern (above), before arriving at Stonehenge Station, a 25,000 acre High Country Farm running Merino and half-breed sheep and Hereford Cattle. Currently owned by Andrew and Francine Hore. Andrew was an All Black from 2002 until 2013, playing 83 tests and scoring 8 tries. He also played for the Crusaders, Hurricanes and highlanders in Super Rugby. Stonehenge was bought by Andrew s Great Great Grandfather Charles Hore in The farm got its name from the large rocky outcrops that reminded Rowen Hore (Charles wife) of the UKs Stonehenge, which was close to where the family emigrated from. Stonehenge is well known for its excellent wool and Andrew will talk to us about what it s like to work such an expansive Central Otago Station, in this rugged terrain and frequently harsh weather. There may even be a rugby yarn or two. Late afternoon we arrive back at our hotel with the option to visit the Naseby Motoring Museum, a quirky collection of over 700 miniature classic cars and other models, in the old Butchers Shop. Dinner at our hotel tonight. Ancient Briton Hotel, Naseby

4 Sunday 3 rd March Real Dogs and Taieri Gorge Railway to Dunedin BLD Before leaving the Central Otago area we have one more place we must go we have been invited to join a Kennel Tour at Real Dogs, who specialise in dog harness making and sled building. They have the largest kennel of Alaskan Malamutes and Canadian Eskimo Dogs in Australasia. Hear stories and see video footage about their unique experiences and their rich North and South Pole history. A chance for you to get up close and personal with these amazing dogs. Now, it s time to make our way to Pukerangi, a peaceful outcrop on the western side of the Taieri Gorge. Once on board the train we immediately journey along the Taieri Branch through the narrow and deep gorge carved out over aeons by the ancient Taireri River. A boxed lunch will be served on board. The train negotiates the Taieri Gorge with ease as it travels through ten tunnels and over countless bridges and viaducts. The natural wonders combined with the challenge of manmade engineering will leave you amazed, but somehow the railway blends into the natural environment perfectly. It is a wonderful example of early railway pioneers. We sneak across the Taieri Plains until we arrive at Wingatui Junction, where we turn onto the Main Line and through the Southern parts of Dunedin City. Even the arrival point, the historic Dunedin Railway Station is a destination in itself and has been ranked alongside the Colosseum and the Taj Mahal as one of The World s 200 Must- See Places. Before arriving our hotel we pass the Forsyth Barr Stadium, retracing the trains route, and then further to Aromoana, at the very entrance to Otago Harbour, looking across to the Otago Peninsula. We have an afternoon tea stop at Port Chalmers. We arrive early evening at our hotel (two nights). Dinner at our hotel tonight. Scenic Hotel, Dunedin Phone Monday 4 th March Larnach Castle. Dunedin Free Afternoon BD This morning we drive along the water s edge of the Otago Peninsula till we reach New Zealand s only Castle, for a guided tour. Larnach Castle is a symbol of the indecent wealth that once resided in the city. Meet members from the Barker family who, over the past 40 odd years, have not only restored the Castle and Grounds to its former glory but also compiled this landmark s history. The castle was built in Approximately 200 men spent three years building the shell of the Castle and then gifted European craftsmen spent 12 years embellishing the interior. We arrive back in Dunedin at midday with a free afternoon to explore the central city the Otago Museum (completely refurbished and excellent!), the Octagon, Speights Brewery and the Casino are all within easy walking distance of our hotel. You may even get a kilt fitting at NZs only Kilt Shop! Dinner at our hotel tonight. Scenic Hotel, Dunedin

5 Tuesday 5 th March Dunedin s South East Coast. Mosgiel. Fly to Auckland B We leave Dunedin via St Clair Beach and then down the East Coast of the South Island to explore the seaside villages of Blackhead, Waldronville, Brighton (yes, Dunedin has one too!) and Taieri Mouth before driving over the hill to Lake Waihola and arriving at Mosgiel late morning. Early afternoon we arrive at Dunedin Airport for our mid afternoon flight back to Auckland. $2,974 Per Person Tour Package includes Coach Transport as above. Accommodation = 2x Nights Queenstown Apartment (1x Café, 1x Continental Breakfast), 3x Nights Naseby Hotel and 2x Nights Dunedin Hotel (both Full Cooked Breakfasts) plus 4x Lunches and 6x Dinners. Flights Auckland/Queenstown and Dunedin/Auckland. Skyline Gondola, Taieri Gorge Train, Earnslaw Cruise with Farm Tour, Highlands Motorsport Museum, Hayes Engineering Guided Tour, Curling, Stonehenge Station, Waipiata Sanitorium, Real Dogs Kennel Tour and Larnach Castle Guided Tour. Single Room Supplement is $753. A deposit of $600 is required to secure this booking with balance of payment due six weeks prior to travel, by Tue 15 th Jan NOTE: Central Otago Tour content may change due to circumstances arising beyond our control BOOKING FORM Central Otago 8 Days $2,974 Twin Share $753 Single CONDITIONS and REFUNDS: Seats are not confirmed until tour deposit has been received, and Boarding Pass issued. Central Otago tour bookings cancelled incur a loss of $200 per person. Tours cancelled within six weeks of departure incur a further loss of $400 per person plus any prepaid non-refundable services i.e. Air Content, Hotel, etc, unless we are able to resell the seat/s. NOTE: Due to Health and Safety regulations, we are now unable to transport Walking Frames in our vehicles. Therefore, you must have the ability to negotiate stairs and walk independently or with the aid of a walking stick. Name/s... Address. Phone No. Postal Code Deposit payment of $... ($600pp enclosed) Balance due $... by Tue 15 th Jan 2019 Bank Details: BNZ Orewa SHIP N SHORE TOURS If paying directly into our bank, please put your Surname and Otago as the reference Do you have any special dietary or medical requirements? Any special requests? circle one; Twin Bed Room or Double Bed Room or Single Room Domestic Flights: Please send us a photocopy of your driver s licence or Super Gold Card (a photo one) in order for Ship n Shore Tours to obtain air tickets on your behalf. Airlines can refuse to carry you if your airline ticket name does not match your photo ID exactly! Please note that you need to carry photo I.D. with you on the tour. I have enclosed a photocopy of my photo I.D. Air NZ Airpoints Number (if applicable): (please tick) Send To: Ship n Shore Tours, PO Box 564, WHANGAPARAOA 0943