Epic 4 x 4 Adventure
The ultimate off the beaten track
Embark on daily adventures filled with discovery and wonder. Explore destinations like no other in the world.
This unique tour has it all!! From roads less travelled to some of the most stunning destinations and scenery in NZ. Whenever possible we will venture off main roads finding different routes to reach our destination. This Epic tour showcases the South Island in all its majestic glory with a large variety of tours and activities - Highlights include Danseys Pass, the Dart River, McKenzie Country, Queenstown, Wanaka, Mt Cook, Tasman Glacier, Lake Pukaki, Tekapo, Akaroa, some very special farm and garden visits in between.
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Tour highlights
Itinerary
Home - Station Peak
Home (April 28th)
If departing from Whanganui, meet at the Whanganui Racecourse for a 7:30am departure and travel to Palmerston North Airport to catch our flight to Christchurch at 10:10am.
Departing from another destination
For those departing from another destination we will arrange for you to meet the group in Auckland depending on your location.
Station Peak
Once we arrive in Christchurch we commence our journey South. We will stop for a scrummy lunch before making our way through to Station Peak where the land owners are relatives of our bus driver Julz so we become part of their family in this truly special part of the country. We will tour around their impressive farm before settling in for the night. Dinner is onsite at the homestead.
Accommodation: Station Peak Homestead
Station Peak - Danseys Pass
Station Peak - Danseys Pass (April 29th)
We rise for breakfast and at our leisure look to hit the road. First stop is Duntroon to view the Elephant Rocks and some other local attractions before lunch at the impressive Duntroon Hotel.
Danseys Pass
With full bellies we then tackle the spectacular Danseys Pass. Originally built for the owners of large sheep runs and used for gold mining traffic. It was named after William Heywood Dansey, a North Otago run holder. The first road through the pass was built in 1862. This will be an unforgettable drive and just as memorable will be our accommodation tonight where we dine and stay at the Danseys Pass Hotel. Off the beaten track and a road unlikely travelled by most this will be an experience you won’t forget!
Accommodation: Danseys Pass Hotels
Danseys Pass - Queenstown
Danseys Pass (April 30th)
Our adventure continues after breakfast as we make our way through to Naseby for another new experience where you will participate in curling. Its suitable for all ages and abilities so we’ll have plenty of fun trying out this popular sport with prizes up for grabs. After a fun filled morning and no doubt a few laughs we’ll make our way through more stunning countryside to Alexandra for lunch at the stunning Orchard Gardens. An opportunity here to wander the gardens and soak up this lovely location.
Queenstown
Board the bus and stop in for a wee stroll around the historic town of Clyde and then grab some fruit in Cromwell before continuing onto our lakeside accommodation in the adventure capital of world for the next two nights - Mighty Queenstown! Dinner tonight is on-site at the hotel.
Accommodation: Novotel Queenstow
Queenstown
Queenstown (May 1st)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and get set for some excitement today amongst some of the best scenery NZ has on offer. Today we tackle the Dart River by Jet Boat! Enjoy a stunning drive out to Glenorchy then board the boat for an ultimate wilderness Jet boat adventure! Taking you on an unforgettable journey along the braided, glacier-fed Dart River. Experience the unique combination of breathtaking scenery and an exhilarating ride as you go deep into Mount Aspiring National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Area. This 2 hour boat ride will be a real highlight and rest assured we will make sure you are wrapped up nice and warm so you can really enjoy the experience. You will also have half the day to explore Queenstown at your leisure, book in another activity or simply just kick back and relax before we meet again for dinner.
Accommodation: Novotel Queenstow
Queenstown - Wanaka
Queenstown (May 2nd)
Let's have a relaxing start to the day before we pack our bags and head down for breakfast. We’ll casually load the bus and make our way though to Arrowtown where you’ll have a chance to wander the shops or grab yourself a coffee.
Cadrona
We’ll then look to tackle the Crown Range Road on our Epic South Island Journey and stop for lunch at the historic Cardrona Hotel.
Following a lovely meal we head over to the Cardrona Distillery for a tour.
You will discover the secrets to Cardrona’s artisan spirits. See where the malt is milled, mashed, fermented, distilled and matured before embarking on a tutored tasting. Yummo!
Wanaka
Then cruise on into Wanaka with a visit to ‘that Wanaka Tree’ before pulling up to our accommodation for another lovely meal and rest our heads for the night.
Accommodation: Wanka Hotel
Wanaka - Aoraki Mt Cook
Wanaka (May 3rd)
After breakfast we’ll once again board the bus and enjoy more of the majestic South Island scenery as we tackle the Lindis Pass making our way through to Aoraki Mt Cook. There will be plenty of chances to stop for photos along the way and we’ll break for lunch along the way. Stops include Omarama, Twizel, the Canals and Dams of the area and of course the gorgeous Lake Pukaki. Soak up all the McKenzie Country has to show you while understanding the importance of this region that assists in servicing a massive portion of our country.
Aoraki Mt Cook
We’ll get you into your accommodation with some time to relax this afternoon so you can head out for a short walk or just enjoy the incredible surroundings while you stay underneath our highest mountain!
Dinner is buffet style on site tonight.
Accommodation: Mt Cook Lodge
Mt Cook - Lake Tekapo
Mt Cook (May 4th)
Enjoy a casual breakfast then we get ready for another magical day out visiting some very special kiwis who have Lake Pukaki as a view 365 days a year. We hug this stunning lake by bus and make our way around to Braemar Station. A working station, farming perendale sheep, beef cattle and deer. Meet the owners and be blown away by vast and spectacular views of Mt Cook, the Southern Alps and Lake Pukaki.
Braemar Station
We have lunch with the team before heading out on the bus exploring this amazing farm and getting an understanding of the challenges they face in various months and the methods they use to overcome what the weather can throw at them. This is a great kiwi experience and it's always great rubbing shoulders with the locals who call this magnificent area home.
Lake Tekapo
From here it's just a short drive into Lake Tekapo and spend some time lakeside and at the Church of the Good Shepard then spend the night and have another superb meal together.
If you’d like to have a soak in the Lake Tekapo Hot Pools, We will arrange this for you. (own expense).
Accommodation: Peppers Bluewater Lake Resort
Lake Tekapo - Akaroa
Lake Tekapo (May 5th)
After breakfast we load the bus and start heading towards the East Coast.
We will stop for a look around Geraldine where you will be able to find some goodies to put in your suitcase or grab a coffee and look about town before we make our way through to Ashburton.
Once we arrive you have the choice to either visit the local Art Gallery or the Aviation Museum before we meet up again for lunch.
We then spend the afternoon in the bus travelling through to the lovely village of Akaroa where we will spend the final two nights of our tour.
Akaroa
We will check into our accommodation and have a spot of downtime before we head out for dinner. Have a good rest tonight as tomorrow is going to be a beauty!
Accommodation: Tresori Motor Lodge
Akaroa
Akaroa (May 6th)
There’ll be no hurry to get underway today and after a leisurely breakfast we’ll board the bus and make our way to the Giants House. It’s become a part of Akaroa’s folklore, earning its name when a small child, gazing up at the imposing home from the valley below, declared it must belong to a giant, since it was so big. View the house and garden before heading for lunch.
This afternoon we head out on the water for a Harbour Cruise. Encounter world’s smallest and rarest Hector’s dolphin, often swimming alongside the vessel and delighting with acrobatic jumps. Be awed by the majestic volcanic sea cliffs, fur seals colonies, marine birds, and immerse yourself in Akaroa’s captivating history.
You will have some time to wander around Akaroa this afternoon before we meet up for our final night group dinner and raise a glass to an incredible trip!
Accommodation: Tresori Motor Lodge
Akaroa - Home
Akaroa (May 10th)
It’s time to pack our bags for the final time and head home. There’s no huge hurry as we don't fly out until 12:55pm so we’ll have breakfast and make our way towards the airport. There will be time there if you want grab something further to eat then once landed in Palmerston North the bus will collect us and it’ll be time to head for home after a truly amazing time exploring the South.
Home
There will be time there if you want grab something further to eat then once landed in Palmerston North the bus will collect us and it’ll be time to head for home after a truly amazing time exploring the South.
Come join us - IT'LL BE EPIC!!
Photos from the road
Check out what we got up to last time
Optional extras
Optional extras
Meet your tour guide
Jason Granville
After years in the broadcasting industry, Jase hung up his headphones to run Take It Easy Tours. With now over a decade behind the wheel Jason ensures every tour will leave you with a lifetime of memorable expereinces.
Reserve your spot
There is limited availability for this tour. Please contact us to find out more.
Frequently asked questions
Can I earn Air New Zealanad airpoints on my flights?
Yes, you can earn airpoints with Take It Easy Tours when we are using Air New Zealand flights. All you need to do is get in contact with us and let us know your airpoints number for each time you wish to earn points.
Can you collect me from my door?
Yes, it would be our pleasure. We can arrange for you to be picked up and returned to your front door at the conclusion of any tour.
How about travel insurance?
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. It just puts your mind at ease. Remember to make sure you are covered for and loss of personal possessions, sickness, accidents or travel delays. Feel free to ask us for any tips to make this quick and easy for you.
How active are your tours?
We are called Take it Easy for a reason as we like to do just that. Do as much or as little as you like - after all it's your holiday! However, there is walking and various activities on each tour that require various levels of fitness. Please check with us if you are unsure about anything and relax knowing that there's always another option for you if you would rather miss out on any activity. We always have a back up plan.
I have some dietary requirements?
Please just let us know in advance and we will sort everything for you. Chefs are used to all sorts now when it comes to diet so as long as we know - we’ll have you covered.
What happens if I have to cancel?
Cancellation charges do apply so again we recommend travel insurance. Our cancellation policy is clearly outlined for each tour so make sure you cast your eye over it and please feel free to ask any questions.
What kind of accommodation do we stay in?
Having a good night's rest after a day out touring is very important so we personally choose all of our accommodation. Generally, four star accommodation when available - with all the comforts you need for a relaxed night.
What types of transport do we use?
Our buses are quality touring coaches that are very comfortable and fully air conditioned. They range in size from 19-28 seats ensuring that we can easily access all those secret spots off the beaten track. All vehicles are regularly serviced as your safety is our priority.
Coaches and luggage trailers are always locked and secure but we recommended you take any valuables with you when staying overnight.
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