South Island Heritage & Historical Tours

Oamaru Heritage Tour(November) 3 Days

Mt Cook / Waitaki Valley / Oamaru Heritage Weekend Second Weekend in November

Day 1 – Christchurch to MacKenzie Country
Departing Christchurch we head for Ashburton, then through to Geraldine to take in The Berry Barn, home of “Barkers” locally produced jams, jellies, wines and juices. We also take in the sights, sounds and fun of the Geraldine annual market day. All sorts of crafts from home-made cheeses and delicious fudges, to fizz-balls for the bath. We then travel on for a stop-off at St Anne’s Anglican Church, Pleasant Valley (oldest church in South Canterbury still on its original site, and still used for its original purpose). The walls are pitsawn timber and lined with cob which gives the church a simple rustic charm. We will provide you with historic information as we travel. The afternoon takes us through Fairlie, Burkes Pass, and Tekapo, stopping at sights along the way. We spend the first evening in the MacKenzie Country.

Day 2 – MacKenzie Country to Oamaru via Waitaki Valley
Saturday morning allows for optional activities, e.g. scenic flight if you wish. We then head for Twizel, visiting the oldest single span iron bridge in New Zealand (one of the spots the big buses don’t go). Afternoon travels take us through Omarama and down the majestic Waitaki Valley, taking in Benmore and Aviemore Dams. We will also stop to view some of the Waitaki Valley (Lost World) fossils. Our accommodation on Saturday night is the Brydone Quality Hotel, Heritage listed, built in 1881, with modern guest rooms and in-house dining.

Day 3 – Oamaru Heritage Festival
Today is very much a historic day. You are free to wander the streets of Oamaru taking in the excitement and atmosphere of the Oamaru Heritage Festival – this is the culmination of an exciting week where locals dress up in period costume, ride penny-farthing cycles, and generally take part in heritage based activities. You will love it! We depart Oamaru at 3pm for our return to Christchurch.

Tour includes:
Free pick up within Christchurch metropolitan area.
Travel and accommodation costs
Picnic style morning and afternoon teas
Entry fee to Oamaru Heritage Celebrations

Extras you will need to budget for:
Travel costs to and from Christchurch.
Any extra nights you may wish to stay in Christchurch.
Meals and Café extras (special coffees etc)
Helicopter or scenic flight if you wish
Spending at Geraldine Market Day and Oamaru Heritage Festival