Green Outdoors
Southern Explorer
Alps 2 Ocean Cycleway
This is an active trip including mountain biking and hiking. Raw countryside yet with reminders of the terrain that the Early Settlers encountered on arrival in New Zealand.
Clean air, wide open spaces and an active holiday.
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Day 1 - Oamaru, North Otago
- Stay
- Pen-y-bryn Lodge
Starting in either Christchurch or Dunedin, head to the historic town of Oamaru with its distinctive white stone buildings. A gourmet centre with excellent restaurants, farmers market and the home or Whitestone Cheeses.
Pen-y-bryn is a fine historic mansion with many original pieces of furniture and a grand dining room in which to enjoy James' excellent cuisine.
Day 2 - Oamaru, North Otago
- Stay
- Pen-y-bryn Lodge
The Alps to Ocean bike ride is part of New Zealand's new bike trail. Fully supported and guided adventures or rent the bikes and all the equipment you need to go exploring independently. Cruise the beaches at Kakanui or head down Dansey’s pass, its all out there to be done.
Day 3 - Dunedin, Otago
- Stay
- Fletcher Lodge
A relaxed day today gives you time to explore the Otago Peninsula with its penguin and albatross colonies or to stop for lunch at Fleurs seafood restaurant by the Moeraki Boulders.
Fletcher Lodge is easy walking distance to the Octagan and the restaurants in Dunedin. Another beautiful historic house you will feel in touch with New Zealand's heritage.
Day 4 - Dunedin, Otago
- Stay
- Fletcher Lodge
Take a historic train journey along the Taiere Gorge and learn about early settler history in this rugged terrain.
Day 5 - Te Anau, Fiordland
- Stay
- Dock Bay Lodge
The drive across Central Otago takes you through the wine and fruit growing areas via Alexandra, the Kawarau Gorge and Queenstown for lunch. Te Anau is two hours further south and your accommodation has magnificent mountains views across Lake Te Anau and the golf course.
Day 6 - Te Anau, Fiordland
- Stay
- Dock Bay Lodge
Experience Milford Sound and the majesty of this steep-sided valley with a an afternoon cruise and a tour round the underwater observatory.
Day 7 - Te Anau, Fiordland
- Stay
- Dock Bay Lodge
Spend your day exploring one of the many hiking trails around Te Anau - the Kepler Track, the Routeburn or a hike around the lakefront to the Department of Conservation bird sanctuary.
Day 8 - Oban, Stewart Island
Two hours drive south and you reach Invercargill and your short flight over to Stewart Island. Stewart Island Air not only fly from the mainland, they also operate flights within Stewart Island and Masons Bay is one of the only places you can have a daytime kiwi encounter.
Day 9 - Oban, Stewart Island
Join your hosts for a guided walk and water taxi ride to see some of Stewart Island's beautiful remote countryside and birds on Ulva Island.
Day 10 - Journey's End
On arriving back at Invercargill Airport you can connect to the domestic flight network.
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- Download PDF for full Itinerary.
At a glance
Duration: 10 days, 9 nights
Connection points:
Christchurch or Dunedin airport
Invercargill airport
Activity level: active
Best season: November-April
Driving times
Christchurch - Oamaru: 3 hours
Oamaru - Dunedin: 1 1/2 hour
Dunedin - Te Anau: 3 1/2 hours
Te Anau - Invercargill: 2 hour
Indicative Price from $4,600
Price is for accommodation only and excludes meals, ground or air transport unless stated. Contact one of our Travel Agents or use My Holiday to contact the operators and book direct.
SOUTHERN EXPLORER
Body & soul
SOUTH ISLAND