Sping Escape
Unmatched Beauty
The ideal time to travel and soak up South Island New Zealand in all its majestic beauty.
Southland is renowned for its unmatched beauty which provides a natural playground – no matter what your passion. As New Zealand's ultimate nature and wildlife destination, its dramatic scenery spans pristine rainforests, fertile farmlands and rugged coastlines.
Together we uncover the true Gems of the Deep South including the Te Anau Glow Worms, Doubtful Sound, Stewart Island, The Catlins, Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula.
With highlights around every corner we invite you to come and explore this beautiful part of NZ with us.
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Duration
Dates
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Departing from*
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Tour highlights
Itinerary
Home - Christchurch
Home (Tuesday 20th October)
Depart Whanganui Racecourse at 9am and make our way to Palmerston North to catch our flight to Christchurch.
Departing from another destination
If you are joining the tour from another destination you will receive a personalized itinerary to have you meeting the group either in Wellington or Queenstown.
Christchurch
Once landed your tour leader will help you collect your luggage and load up the coach. Make our way into town for lunch then check in to our excellent accommodation. We’ll head out on a city tour to take in some local highlights before meeting for a delicious group meal.
Accommodation: Scenic Cotswold Christchurch
Christchurch - Middle Rock
Christchurch (Wednesday 21st October)
Wake up refreshed and after breakfast we make our way in the Canterbury High Country.
Middle Rock
Middle Rock offers the opportunity to be guests of a New Zealand farming family in a relaxed environment amidst the stunning high country scenery of the Lake Coleridge area.
On arrival we are welcomed by the family. A brief history of Middle Rock is given before we travel by coach out onto the property. Guided by Charlotte various aspects of the farm’s operation are explained including a dog mustering demonstration and discussion on current issues that NZ farmers face. Lunch is served with the family in the homestead kitchen.
The afternoon sees us visiting the renowned Benlea Station for another look around their stunning farm and garden while being blown away by the sheer scale of the land around us. Have some afternoon tea then hit the road back to Christchurch.
Christchurch
A real treat for tonight as we head out on the dinner tram for an incredible 3 course meal on-board the tram soaking up the city at night.
Accommodation: Scenic Cotswold Christchurch
Christchurch - Geraldine
Christchurch (Thursday 22nd October)
A relaxed start to the morning we head south through the Canterbury Plains into Ashburton for a garden tour and lunch at Trotts Garden. Trott’s Garden is renowned and recognised for its significance amongst garden experts worldwide.
After lunch and wander around the garden we continue onto Geraldine.
Geraldine
We’ll explore this quaint little town together, browse the various shops then check into our accommodation for another two night stay.
Tonight we head out to a local restaurant for a scrummy dinner together.
Accommodation: Andorra Motel
Geraldine - Mesopotamia
Geraldine (Friday 23rd October)
Today will be a day you’ll never forget as after breakfast we get set to tour Mesopotamia.
Mesopotamia
We meet our amazing guides and after introductions, enjoy a short interpretive bush walk to the Big Tree, lasting about 20 minutes; an easier track is also available. From Peel Forest to Mesopotamia, one guide joins our coach to share insights into the area's history, stations, and landscape features along the way. Stop at Mount Peel Church near the historic homestead for 15 to 20 minutes—the church is open to the public.
Upon arrival at Mesopotamia Station, our guide leads you to either the school or shearers' quarters where lunch and refreshments are served. Afterward, there's a talk on the history of Mesopotamia School before splitting into two groups. One group stays with the coach and guide to visit the Mesopotamia graveyard—the resting place of Doctor Sinclair, who drowned crossing the Rangitata River while exploring with Julius Haast in the 1860s.
Meanwhile, the other group travels by 4WD vehicles with guides/drivers along station tracks, reaching viewpoints over the upper Rangitata River, the Garden of Eden Glacier Field, Erewhon, and Mount Potts Station. This group ascends to a high point, approximately 900 meters above sea level, overlooking the Rangitata Valley and Mesopotamia Station. Here, guides discuss the station’s history, current farming practices versus the past, and how tenure review has impacted the station in the last decade.
Geraldine
Both groups reconvene and swap activities. At the end of the day, another guide joins the coach and provides new perspectives during the return journey to Peel Forest. After an unforgettable day we’ll head out for dinner.
Accommodation: Andorra Motel
Geraldine - Danseys Pass
Geraldine (Satuday 24th October)
More stunning scenery awaits today as we have breakfast and pack our bags ready to hit the road.
Today we explore McKenzie Country in all its glory! Weave our way into Tekapo to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, admire the lake and grab a coffee before moving onto the picture perfect Lake Pukaki. View all the man made canals and stop in at High Country Salmon for lunch.
Travel through Omarama the gliding capital of NZ and into McCaw country to check out Kurow before tackling the rugged Danseys Pass road heading for the historic hotel. Thought you knew the meaning of getting away from it all? You might want to think again.
Ranfurly
Nestled in the heart of Central Otago, between the stunning mountain ranges and rivers. Dansey’s Pass Hotel is a historic pub with hotel accommodation built in 1862. Stop here for an early delicious dinner and maybe a wee tipple to truly enjoy the evening before a short drive to our overnight accommodation in Ranfurly.
Accommodation: Hawkdun Hotel
Ranfurly - Cromwell
Ranfurly (Sunday 25th October)
Rise and shine for breakfast then bid farewell to this historic area. We’ll make our way into Clyde. This historic town is located at the foot of a river gorge and sparked a gold rush in the late 1800s. We’ll visit the Clyde Dam before making our way into Bannockburn for a look around another historic town and stopping here for a rather swanky lunch.
Board the bus and make our way to Jacksons Orchard where we hop on the little yellow electric bus and tour this magnificent orchard - you’ll even get a chance to sample some of the fresh fruit.
Cromwell
After this enjoyable tour it's time to put our feet up and enjoy a real treat as we check into our lake side apartment accommodation overlooking the water - soak it all up, relax and enjoy this stunning location.
Dinner will be at a highly rated local restaurant.
Accommodation: Lakes Resort by Marsden
Cromwell - Queenstown
Cromwell (Monday 26th October)
Relax a little this morning and after a casual breakfast we’ll get on the road for the short drive through to the adventure capital of NZ - Queenstown.
First stop this morning is the Goldfields Mining Centre. After learning about the history, we watch as the California sluice gun is fired up to reveal its awesome water pressure used to dislodge gold bearing ore. Next, the stamper battery will be demonstrated how it was used to crush gold-bearing rock.
The tour will conclude with our guide demonstrating Gold panning, and you then have the chance to try your luck.
Queenstown
Next up we visit Ayrburn for lunch. Ayrburn is Queenstown’s most delicious destination — a delightfully daring food and wine playground. You’ll also have some time today in Arrowtown before we check into our central accommodation where you’ll have time to explore Queenstown before meeting for dinner.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Queenstown
Queenstown
Queenstown (Tuesday 27th October)
After a great breakfast we team up with our 4x4 expedition friends to explore the Nevis Valley!
This expedition takes us south from Queenstown to the small country town of Garston where we say good bye to sealed roads and head for the hills.
With varied terrain including river flats and tussock grasslands in the high country, huge rock tors and the spiked native spear grass plants covering the mountain saddles, this expedition provides a great day out exploring the remote Nevis Valley, this expedition showcases what Central Otago has to offer. You’ll have more time this afternoon to explore Queenstown by relaxing down by the lake, finding a watering hole or browsing the shops!
Tonight we head out on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak for a Gourmet BBQ buffet dinner that you’ll never forget!! Bring your singing voice for the way back to Queenstown as we join the sing-a-long as we cross back over the lake.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Queenstown
Queenstown – Home
Queenstown (Wednesday 28th October)
After breakfast, we board the coach and head out to Queenstown airport to catch our respective flights.
Home
If you are returning to Wanganui you catch a mid morning flight to Palmerston North, where another coach will transport you back home.
*If you are travelling to other parts of the country all arrangements will be made for you.
Photos from the road
Check out what we got up to last time
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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.
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.
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.
Still have questions?
Get in touch with our friendly staff
What our customers say
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