3-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Queenstown to Cromwell

Collect your car from the airport and depart for your first stop today, historic Arrowtown. Known for its picturesque charm and gold mining history, Arrowtown is well worth a visit, grab a glass of hot chocolate or a pint of something cooling and soak up the small-town magic. Next, it’s time to drive to Cromwell, the stone fruit capital of New Zealand. Pass the Kawarau Gorge and pull in to Mrs Jones’ Family fruit stall to sample some of the freshest fruit this region has to offer. Afterwards, drive to Mount Difficulty for lunch (12pm-3:30pm) and enjoy a delicious platter of gourmet cheeses, meats and mussels on the outdoor terrace. Why not treat yourself to a glass of Central Otago Pinot Noir to toast to the first day of your tour. When you’re ready, drive to your accommodation for the night at the Central Park Apartments. The accommodation is a 4-star qual mark rated complex featuring garden views and all the modern comforts of home. Have a hearty dinner before turning in for an early night in preparation for the day tomorrow.

Stay: Cromwell Central Park Apartments

Meals: Lunch platter and drinks at Mt Difficulty Winery Restaurant (The time for this experience can vary depending on your flights or preference)

Day 2: Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail

Be sure to eat a hearty breakfast this morning before getting ready to start your e-bike cycling day through the newly opened Lake Dunstan Trail from Cromwell Highlands Park. The trail begins just outside of Cromwell and you’ll be cycling approx. 35 km to Clyde along Lake Dunstan, past the Kawarau River and along the mighty Clutha River Mata-au. You’ll see the Historical Precinct in Cromwell, man-made landscapes, the rich Maori and early pioneer history and abundant vineyards and cellar doors in Bannockburn. Enjoy the scenery while travelling on a mixture of compacted cycle trail, clip-on trails and suspension bridges. There are five bolt-on sections/bluff bridges along this track with the third bluff bridge stretching close to 200m. Also, keep a lookout for the floating coffee shop! You can take this ride at a leisurely pace if you prefer, just make sure you arrive in Clyde in time for your 3pm (Jun-Sep) / 5pm (Oct-May) shuttle back to Cromwell.

Stay: Cromwell Central Park Apartments

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Cromwell to Queenstown

After an incredible few days exploring this scenic part of Aotearoa, it’s time to head back to idyllic Queenstown. Take your sore muscles to the Onsen hot pools for a luxurious soak or perhaps stretch them out with a hike up Queenstown Hill to see the views of the gorgeous Remarkables Mountains and the stunning Lake Wakatipu. This evening you might want to take a cruise on the legendary Steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, or simply have dinner and drinks at one of Queenstown’s many eateries.

Meals: Breakfast

5-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Queenstown to Cromwell

A town like no other, Queenstown is the perfect blend of stunning natural wonders and a great local vibe with plenty of eateries and bars. Collect your car from the Airport and head straight off to your first stop today, historic Arrowtown. Known for its picturesque charm and gold mining history, Arrowtown is well worth a visit, grab a glass of hot chocolate or a pint of something cooling and soak up the small-town magic. Next, it’s time to drive to Cromwell, the stone fruit capital of New Zealand. Pass the Kawarau Gorge and pull in to Mrs Jones’ Family fruit stall to sample some of the freshest fruit this region has to offer. When you’re ready, drive to your accommodation for the night at the Central Park Apartments. Have a hearty dinner before turning in for an early night in preparation for the day tomorrow.

Stay: Cromwell Central Park Apartments

Day 2: Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail

Get an early start this morning and drive or walk across the road to the Highlands Motorsport Park to see the team of Trail Journeys bike hire and get fitted for your electric bicycle. You’ll begin the trail to Clyde from here along Lake Dunstan, past the Kawarau River, and along the mighty Clutha River Mata-au. You’ll see man-made landscapes, the rich Maori and early pioneer history, and abundant vineyards and cellar doors in Bannockburn. You have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take this ride at a leisurely pace if you prefer. When you’re ready to head back to the Apartments, call the team at Trail Journeys and they will collect you and take you back to Cromwell.

Stay: Cromwell Central Park Apartments

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Cromwell to Queenstown

Have a leisurely morning in Cromwell today before you drive back to Queenstown. Enjoy an early lunch at the gorgeous Mount Difficulty Winery where you’ll be treated to a delicious platter of gourmet cheeses, meats, and mussels on the outdoor terrace. Why not treat yourself to a glass of Central Otago Pinot Noir to celebrate a successful trip? Heading back to Queenstown you’ll have incredible views of towering mountains rising out of deep glacial lakes. Today you’re staying at the Heritage Hotel, which is crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar. After you’ve checked in, take an evening stroll along the lakefront and sample one of the many restaurants in town for dinner.

Stay: Heritage Hotel Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch platter and drinks at Mt Difficulty Winery Restaurant

Day 4: Queenstown Full Day Exploration

Wake up this morning to a free day to spend in idyllic Queenstown. Take your sore muscles to the Onsen hot pools for a luxurious soak or perhaps stretch them out with a hike up Queenstown hill to see the views of the gorgeous Remarkables Mountains and the stunning Lake Wakatipu. This evening you might want to take a cruise on the legendary steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, or simply have dinner and drinks at one of Queenstown’s many eateries.

Stay: Heritage Hotel Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Queenstown departure day

After an incredible few days exploring this scenic part of Aotearoa, it’s officially time to head back home.

Meals: Breakfast