Discover the Deep South
Experience the South Island’s most scenic spots on a spectacular two-week tour.
There’s a reason why many consider the South Island to be the ‘‘mainland’’ of New Zealand. From stunning snowy peaks and clear blue lakes to rugged coastlines and charming historic towns, the Sunday Star-Times is giving readers a chance to experience the best of the South on a unique rail and coach tour, travelling in a refurbished 94-seat Silver Fern railcar.
Here are some of the highlights.
Taieri Gorge
Stretching from Dunedin to Middlemarch, the Taieri Gorge Railway is New Zealand’s longest tourist railway and boasts breathtaking panoramic views over Otago. You’ll depart from the beautiful Dunedin Railway Station, which earned architect George Troup the nickname ‘‘Gingerbread George’’ when it opened in 1906.
Queenstown
Cruising Lake Wakatipu aboard the iconic steamship the TSS Earnslaw is one of the best ways to experience Queenstown’s celebrated scenery. Disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm for a classic southern experience – a gourmet barbecue lunch in a stunning lakeside setting.
Arrowtown
Autumn is the perfect time of year for visiting the historic hamlet of Arrowtown, famous for its striking fall foliage. The town was established on the banks of the Arrow River in 1862, during the height of the Otago Gold Rush, and you can still see many original miners’ cottages lining the streets today.
Fiordland
Fiordland is one of the South Island’s most dramatic destinations, and you’ll have a choice of visiting two of its famous fiords, Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound. Milford Sound is a photographer’s dream with the majestic Mitre Peak, while Doubtful Sound enchants visitors with its abundant wildlife, including New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins.
Stewart Island
Few take the time to make the trip across the Foveaux Strait to New Zealand’s third-largest island, but those who do are rewarded with stunning seascapes and a relaxed pace of life. Be sure to stop by the South Sea Hotel, a Stewart Island icon, for a feed of fresh blue cod.
Dunedin
You’ll find culture, heritage and wildlife all on your doorstep in this lively southern city. Tour the lavish Olveston Historic Home, occupied by the Theomin family in the early 1900s. Then wind around the coastal road to Otago Peninsula, where you can explore the magnificent Larnach Castle and witness the only mainland colony of albatross in the Southern Hemisphere.
West Coast
The final days of your journey will see you head north before cutting across the country via Arthur’s Pass, one of the most scenic routes in New Zealand. You’ll emerge on the West Coast, where highlights include the impressive blow holes and pancake rocks at Punakaiki, and world-famous whitebait fritters in Westport.