Animal Encounter Otago

This tour combines several of New Zealand’s most coveted destinations into one action-packed day. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that little bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget! 

Highlights and inclusions:

• Small group size
• Picture perfect scenery and panoramic views
• Ōmārama’s famous Clay Cliffs
• Cardrona
• WiFi and USB charging
• Commentary
• 100% Kiwi as experience
  

Itinerary:

Aoraki Mt Cook National Park - Departing the Mt Cook Village, we pass Lake Pukaki, framing the alps and rugged Mackenzie country. This is just a taster of some of the scenery that is yet to come!

The Salmon Stop (time dependent activity) - The Mackenzie District is famous for its host of premium salmon. Depending on time, we will stop at a local farm where you will have the opportunity to learn more and purchase some delicious freshwater salmon for yourself.

Ōmārama Clay Cliffs (10-15 minutes) - Departing Mt Cook National Park, we return down State Highway 80 to Ōmārama; this time stopping for a quick photo opportunity at the town’s famous clay cliffs. These unique structures are the product of repeated ancient glacial flows, which over time, have built up to the craggy pinnacles you see today. Please note that this stop is omitted on bad weather days where it is deemed unsafe and if the tour is delayed.

Lindis Pass - Returning back through the Lindis Pass, we stop at a scenic lookout. The breathtaking tussocked valleys are a sight to behold year round, warranting a photo stop. With many stations in the area running Merino sheep, keep your eyes peeled as it is not uncommon to see these on route. 

Wānaka - We return home via Wānaka to drop off our fellow Wānaka based travellers, before turning towards the famous Crown Range. 

Cardrona (5 minutes) - Our final stop of the day is at the iconic Cardrona Hotel. Established in 1863 to service Otago’s famous Gold Rush, the historic building still carries its unique charm thanks to restoration efforts during the 1980s through to the early 2000s, facilitating its gradual re-opening. In addition to being a popular bar, restaurant, and hotel, the Cardrona Hotel remains a popular photo stop for locals and tourists alike.

Crown Range - As the highest main road in Aotearoa, this spectacular range offers amazing views. Similar to the landscape of the Lindis, the Crowne Range is tussocked and jaw dropping year-round. We will make a stop at a popular lookout point overlooking Queenstown and the Remarkables, giving perspective as to the magnitude of the work that went into engineering this iconic Kiwi road. After a quick photo opportunity, we continue into the Wakatipu Basin and head for home.

Queenstown - As we make our way to New Zealand’s adrenaline capital, sit back and relax after a wonderful day exploring Wānaka, Ōmārama, and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. With your camera roll full, this trip will definitely be something to brag about!

Please note additional stops are taken into consideration for toilet breaks.

We at Cheeky Kea Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey, and all those little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complimentary refreshments, and many other fun surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. 

See More, Do More, Spend Less.

This tour combines several of New Zealand’s most coveted destinations into one action-packed day. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that little bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget!


Highlights and inclusions: Small group size Picture perfect scenery and panoramic views Ōmārama’s famous Clay Cliffs Cardrona WiFi and USB charging Commentary 100% Kiwi as experience



Itinerary:


Aoraki Mt Cook National Park - Departing the Mt Cook Village, we pass Lake Pukaki, framing the alps and rugged Mackenzie country. This is just a taster of some of the scenery that is yet to come!


The Salmon Stop (time dependent activity) - The Mackenzie District is famous for its host of premium salmon. Depending on time, we will stop at a local farm where you will have the opportunity to learn more and purchase some delicious freshwater salmon for yourself.



Ōmārama Clay Cliffs (10-15 minutes) - Departing Mt Cook National Park, we return down State Highway 80 to Ōmārama; this time stopping for a quick photo opportunity at the town’s famous clay cliffs. These unique structures are the product of repeated ancient glacial flows, which over time, have built up to the craggy pinnacles you see today. Please note that this stop is omitted on bad weather days where it is deemed unsafe and if the tour is delayed.


Lindis Pass - Returning back through the Lindis Pass, we stop at a scenic lookout. The breathtaking tussocked valleys are a sight to behold year round, warranting a photo stop. With many stations in the area running Merino sheep, keep your eyes peeled as it is not uncommon to see these on route.


Wānaka - We return home via Wānaka to drop off our fellow Wānaka based travellers, before turning towards the famous Crown Range.


Cardrona (5 minutes) - Our final stop of the day is at the iconic Cardrona Hotel. Established in 1863 to service Otago’s famous Gold Rush, the historic building still carries its unique charm thanks to restoration efforts during the 1980s through to the early 2000s, facilitating its gradual re-opening. In addition to being a popular bar, restaurant, and hotel, the Cardrona Hotel remains a popular photo stop for locals and tourists alike.


Crown Range - As the highest main road in Aotearoa, this spectacular range offers amazing views. Similar to the landscape of the Lindis, the Crowne Range is tussocked and jaw dropping year-round. We will make a stop at a popular lookout point overlooking Queenstown and the Remarkables, giving perspective as to the magnitude of the work that went into engineering this iconic Kiwi road. After a quick photo opportunity, we continue into the Wakatipu Basin and head for home.


Queenstown - As we make our way to New Zealand’s adrenaline capital, sit back and relax after a wonderful day exploring Wānaka, Ōmārama, and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. With your camera roll full, this trip will definitely be something to brag about!


Please note additional stops are taken into consideration for toilet breaks.
We at Cheeky Kea Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey, and all those little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complimentary refreshments, and many other fun surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.
See More, Do More, Spend Less.