Dunedin's Stay and Play, Heritage Homes & Castles.

Itinerary

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DAY ONE                                                                D

Today will be spent travelling to our destination for the next six days. Prepare for a journey that transcends the ordinary as you fly into Dunedin. Upon arrival you will be transported to the Distinction Hotel located in Central Dunedin where you can settle in and relax. Tonight, we’ll enjoy our first meal together at the hotel’s onsite restaurant and as the sun sets, enjoy the facilities the hotel has on offer.

DAY TWO                                                                B, L, D

This morning enjoy your breakfast onsite, a prelude to the day's activities. This morning, we will be driving to Harrington Point to witness the grace of albatross during the Albatross Classic Tour, this will include a 60 minute fully guided tour, short film, presentation on the albatross breeding cycle, short walk up the hill for viewing from our exclusive glassed observatory to view the albatross and any other wildlife. After this we’ll have a short break to enjoy the onsite Toroa Café and gift store. From here our journey will continue onto Larnach Castle, situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, Larnarch Castle is one of New Zealand’s premier visitor attractions. The Castle and surrounding grounds are the heart of the Dunedin visitor experience. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of the castle and grounds then a catered lunch at the Ballroom Cafe. You will have some more time after lunch to visit the shop and explore the gardens setting. This afternoon you will have some free time with the option of visiting Central Dunedin for a spot of shopping the choice is yours. This evening, we will be dining offsite at the Speight’s Ale House this is an iconic place to visit when in Dunedin.

DAY THREE                                                            B, D

This morning after breakfast we’ll open another door to Dunedin's rich history with the Olveston Historic Home Tour. Olveston is an authentic and original historic home depicting the life of a wealthy merchant family in the early part of the twentieth century. From here we’ll take our time to view the steepest street globally, Baldwin Street. We’ll then continue on a scenic drive that unfolds the coastal gems through to Port Chalmers. Upon arrival we’ll take some time to stretch our legs and enjoy the area. Coming up next our scenic drive takes you to St Kilda and St Claire to view these lovely seaside villages. After this we’ll stop for lunch at Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, then onto a self-guided audio tour at the tranquil Lan Yuan Chinese Garden. We’ll cap the day with our final dinner that captures the spirit of Dunedin at Distinction Hotel.

DAY FOUR                                                              B, L, D

Today's itinerary is fluid depending on conditions. Discover the best of the Catlins on a scenic day exploring dramatic coastlines, wildlife encounters, and ancient natural wonders. Begin with a coastal walk to Nugget Point Lighthouse, where sweeping ocean views set the tone for the day. We continue to a relaxing morning tea stop in Owaka before heading to Surat Bay for a gentle beach walk, often shared with New Zealand sea lions resting along the sand. Enjoy a forest-fringed lunch at Purakaunui Falls, where an accessible track leads to the iconic three-tiered cascade. A brief stop at Florence Hill Lookout reveals the breathtaking curve of Tautuku Bay. At Porpoise Bay, keep an eye out for Hector’s dolphins playing in the surf. Conclude at Curio Bay, home to a 180-million-year-old petrified forest visible at low tide, before returning to Dunedin after a day filled with nature, wildlife, and unforgettable southern landscapes. 

DAY FIVE                                                                 B, L, D

Start your day with breakfast onsite at the hotel, after this we’ll make our way to the Moeraki Boulders, where the surreal meets the shore. From here our journey continues and the time arrives for us explore the whimsical Riverstone Castle, this is the creation of Dot and Neil Smith. Surrounded by a lake and set on the Smith’s dairy farm behind Riverstone Kitchen. Built from local Oamaru stone, Riverstone Castle makes for a dramatic backdrop to the rest of the Riverstone complex. We’ll enjoy a lovely catered lunch at Riverstone Kitchen Restaurant located by the castle and an opportunity to visit the store and the garden. Upon departure we will stop back in Oamaru. Here we can immerse ourselves in the eclectic world of steampunk at Oamaru's Victorian Precinct. To conclude our day, we’ll return to Distinction Hotel for dinner at the hotel. 

DAY SIX                                                                    B

 This morning, we embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the iconic Taieri Gorge Railway, departing from the historic Dunedin Railway Station and travelling to Pukerangi. This spectacular excursion winds through rugged Otago landscapes, revealing towering viaducts, hand-carved tunnels, and panoramic vistas that highlight the region’s rich history and natural beauty. Relax in comfort as the train navigates dramatic terrain, sharing stories of the Gorge’s past and showcasing one of New Zealand’s most remarkable scenic routes. After our rail adventure, we enjoy free time in Mosgiel for lunch and a spot of last-minute shopping before heading to the airport for our homeward flights.