Central Otago Gold Tour with Koru Scenic Tours
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable with multiple hours of walking on uneven surfaces and able to handle moderate daily physical activity.
Overview
Journey into New Zealand’s storied Central Otago goldfields with Koru Scenic Tours. This three-day trip combines rugged landscapes, historic mining towns, and alpine vistas—all guided with insight and comfort.
Central Otago Gold
All ages • For Groups of 2+, Priced per Group • 3 Days • Explore Otago's gold mining heritage
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About This Adventure
Join us for a loop around Central Otago, and the heart of the late 19th and early 20th century gold mining activities in the South Island.
Duration
3 Days
About
A three day epic tour exploring the Central Otago Gold area, beginning with the run down to the Lindis Pass and on into Lake Wanaka for a bit of exploration around the area before heading for Queenstown and Alexandra. We couldn’t possibly forget some of the smaller settlements either; places like St Bathans and Naseby, right in the heart of Gold Country
Itinerary:
Day 1:
Today we depart Christchurch early and make our way south and then in-land at Rangitata to travel through the picturesque towns of Geraldine and Fairlie before arriving at Omarama in time for lunch. After lunch we head for Wanaka via the always scenic Lindis Pass. Arriving in Wanaka, we explore the shorelines and local areas before settling in for the night.
Day 2:
Today we head for Queenstown via the amazing Crown Range, and the quaint township of Arrowtown. Arriving in Queenstown in time for lunch we explore the area taking in some of the many sights including the famous Devil’s Staircase, just a short drive down the side of Lake Wakatipu. Backtracking, we then make our way to Cromwell via the Gibbston Valley, and ever spectacular Kawarau Gorge. After exploring the area around Cromwell, we then head for the town of Alexandra and our accommodation for the night.
Day 3:
Departing Alexandra, we head for the settlement of Saint Bathans, and explore the area around the man-made Blue Lake, before arriving in nearby Naseby for morning tea. Then we tackle the spectacular Danseys Pass. through to Duntroon for lunch. Alternatively, if Danseys Pass is closed due to seasonal and weather conditions, we carry on down to Palmerston, and then North to Oamaru for lunch. In either case, after lunch we work our way north via the towns of Timaru, and Ashburton before arriving back in Christchurch late afternoon
Inclusions:
- Pickup from some of the main hotels within Christchurch, or alternately from the Canterbury Museum
- Expert, knowledgeable guide
- Activities and Permits
- Photography tuition (if required)
- Late model, air conditioned transport
- All meals including lunch, dinner, breakfast*
- Accommodation*
- Snacks, beverages, and drinks
- Scenic stops
*Meals & Accommodation are available on Premium only. Please select "Premium" when booking
Adventure Tips
Pack layered clothing
Central Otago’s weather is highly variable; layers help you stay comfortable through alpine chills and midday sun.
Bring sturdy footwear
Uneven terrain and historic mine sites require solid shoes with good traction.
Stay hydrated
With long days and dry air, carry a water bottle and refill regularly during stops.
Photography prep
Charge batteries and carry extra memory cards to capture changing light and scenery across the varied stops.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- New Zealand falcon (Kārearea)
- Australasian crested grebe
History
Central Otago was New Zealand’s first major gold rush region in the 1860s, reshaping the landscape and settlement patterns extensively.
Conservation
Efforts focus on preserving fragile alpine ecosystems while maintaining access to historic sites, with careful visitor management to limit environmental impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Christchurch
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket
Protects against spring rains and high-altitude winds.
spring specific
Sunhat and sunscreen
Essential for shielding from strong summer UV rays in alpine environments.
summer specific
Hiking boots
Provides stability and protection on rugged and historic mining terrain.
Camera with extra batteries
Captures the rich landscapes and unique heritage of Central Otago Gold country.