Our first stop of the day is Geraldine. Arriving in time for morning tea, enjoy a coffee at a local cafe (at own expense) and a brief stroll through the local shops. This small South Canterbury town is also home to Barker's of Geraldine. Here, you can sample their delicious jams, chutneys, sauces, and syrups from their food store and pantry and even purchase a jar (or two...or three!) to take home. Our team's favourite? Strawberry Jam...and their famous Chocolate Sauce!

Nestled in the charming farming township of Fairlie, this stop is always popular with guests. It is especially stunning in autumn as the trees lining the streets and Burkes Pass turn a vibrant orange. It is here that you can enjoy a famous Fairlie Bakehouse pie. Our personal recommendation is the classic steak and cheese!

Next, we stop at Lake Pukaki. With its shifting colours ranging from ice to deep blue depending on the weather, this glacier-fed lake stands out from other alpine lakes in the region. On clear days, enjoy uninterrupted views of Aoraki rising from the lake’s edge. Framed by the mighty Southern Alps, you are guaranteed to capture some breathtaking photos.

MT JOHN (please note that the location of this stop is Mt John; not the track itself) Home to Mt John Observatory (also a field station for Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha: University of Canterbury), the summit offers incredible views over Lake Tekapo, Lake Alexandrina, and the Mackenzie Basin. While we will not have access to go inside the Observatory itself, on fine days, the views from the top give a greater appreciation for the district's rugged beauty.

While some may choose to simply explore the area on foot (local shopping/Cowan's trail), other activities can be booked separately and on request to ensure your spot within the tour timings. These are subject to availability/requirement of minimum numbers (please note that only one of the below activities will be available to you during the allotted time). Dark Sky Indoor Stargazing Experience (45 minutes to 1 hour) - This indoor interactive astronomy tour is a great option for those learning more about world of tatai aroraki (Māori astronomy). MacKenzie Horse Trekking (30 minute or 1 hour trek options available - available on request; availability is limited so please contact us in advance for terms and conditions). Please note that the minimum age is 6 years. Scenic flights available - please contact us directly for more information.