POS-19 Central

Small Town Charm and Family-owned Farms

Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand the youngest country on earth.

New Zealand’s diverse and dramatic landscape draws many visitors to our shores. From fiords to rainforests, ocean beaches to volcanic cones, the relatively untouched landscape is breathtaking, but what makes the visit so special for many is the people they meet.

Māori people believe in the concept of ‘Manaakitanga’ this loosely translates as ‘hospitality’ – a concept that Kiwi people have embraced as part of the New Zealand experience. Kiwis are a friendly bunch and the care, engagement and hospitality we show our guests is based on pride and a genuine belief that this country offers something of everything.

New Zealand is regularly rated as one of the world’s preferred destinations not just because of its dramatic scenery, wide open spaces, extreme adventure, clean air, enticing food and wine, creativity and flair but also because of the ‘can do’ attitude.

Haere Mai. Welcome and enjoy your stay.

Customs and MAF requirements On arrival you will need to complete both customs and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) requirements before you can officially enter New Zealand. MAF is responsible for agriculture, horticulture and forestry, safe food, a protected environment, the wise use of the land and the creation of clean, green product. MAF protect farms and wildlife from imported pests and diseases by minimising the number of foreign pests and diseases entering New Zealand.

You will be required by law to declare any food or organic material you are carrying. It is important not to ignore this as significant fines can be given to those who do.

IMPORTANT: Please use the final itinerary provided in your media pack on arrival in New Zealand. This will include any adjustments and additional contact details crucial to your itinerary

The arrangements shown in this itinerary have been made especially for you with the generous support and co-operation of Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs), Air New Zealand, accommodation and product suppliers as detailed.

Tourism New Zealand will cover the costs of your accommodation, transport and sightseeing activities and meals as outlined in the itinerary. Please pay all minibar, telephone expenses and laundry yourselves, prior to check out from your accommodation.

NOTE: check in for a domestic flight is 40 minutes before departure and requires photo identification. Baggage allowance is 20 kilograms. Excess baggage for film equipment only, will be charged back to Tourism New Zealand with prior arrangements.

Please remember that the operators will be expecting you. Please be punctual and phone ahead should you be running late.

Regional Tourism Operators Contact Details

Tourism Contact: Alison Mason Tourism Manager Marketing Address: 1 Dunorling Street PO Box 353 ALEXANDRA DDI: 03 440 0637 Tel: 03 440 0637 Fax: 03 440 0606 Mob: 0274320689 Email: [email protected] Web: www.centralotagonz.com

POST - 3 nights/4 days: Saturday 12 Nov to Tuesday 15 Nov, 2011

Central Otago: Small Town Charm and Family-owned Farms An inland region in the , Central Otago has a colorful gold mining past, a continental climate and terrain that produces world-class pinot noir wines. Once crowded with miners during the gold rush, relatively untouristed Central Otago is now characterized by wide-open spaces and a sparse population. It is also home to the , a recreational track created along the former railway line that guides walkers, cyclists or horse-riders through 151 kilometers (94 miles) of scenery including old bridges and tunnels (and no steep climbs).

Itinerary We’ll spend a day exploring a few of the celebrated wineries of the Cromwell and Bannockburn region, and stop by Old Cromwell Town Historic Precinct, the reconstructed main street of an 1860s gold town, now home to local artisans and small cottage industries. Spend a morning on the Rail Trail, enjoying easy cycling over viaducts and through tunnels, set against the expansive Otago landscape. Take a cruise on the mighty , journeying to isolated reaches of the historic Roxburgh Gorge mining sites. In the quaint town of Naseby we’ll try our hand at curling on ice with the locals, just one of many opportunities we’ll have to meet some of Central Otago’s colorful characters. Finish with a trip on the Taieri Gorge Train, traveling the rugged gorge to . Throughout, accommodations will be in small inns, with the group split into two or three locations nightly.

Difficulty Rating: EASY

Story angles: • Otago Central Rail Trail—a multi-day cycling route through dry, gentle countryside. Relatively unknown outside New Zealand, the Trail is also noteworthy for having helped revive a rural farming region with small-scale, low- impact tourism. The Rail Trail is a precursor to Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail, a major tourism initiative coming online over the next two years. • Central Otago represents a Kiwi breadbasket, with a variety of fruit and other produce plus highly respected wines, especially Pinot Noirs. • Farm life in New Zealand, with visits to huge “stations.” • Gold mining and 19th-century history of New Zealand. • The B&Bs of Central Otago, representative of other Kiwi rural regions. • Affordable touring options in New Zealand.

Unique photography opportunities presented: • Central Otago is the driest part of New Zealand, receiving minimal rainfall and frequent clear skies; November represents the greenest season. • Photogenic wineries and small historic towns. • Cycling the Rail Trail through tunnels and over bridges. • The Taieri Gorge Train.

Components requiring some exertion: • Only the cycling, which is optional. The 20-km (12.4-mile) trip from Auripo Road to Omakau is generally flat or slightly downhill, but entirely on graded gravel. A 12-km option (7.5-mile) will be available. No advanced cycling experience necessary. • Curling is comparable to (but easier than) bowling.

Special clothing or gear participants must bring: • Sunscreen. • Comfortable shoes for cycling; cycling clothes (shorts), would be handy but are not a prerequisite.

Saturday 12 November Wellington to Cromwell / Bannockburn

0700 Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and check out in time to meet your hotel pick up listed below

0740 Pick up from InterContinental Hotel

0805 Pick up from Amora Hotel

0825 Pick up from Museum Hotel and transfer to Wellington Airport

0900 Arrive Wellington Airport for check in

0940 Wellington – Queenstown on NZ5403 (1 hour 55 minute flight time)

1135 Arrive in Queenstown and transfer by road to Central Otago – approximately 45 minutes drive Alison Mason from Tourism Central Otago will meet you at the Airport - and be your driver guide for the next 3 days.

Central Otago This golden heartland is an expansive dry land of continental climatic extremes, dramatic landscapes, breathtaking colour, and abundant flavours.

Walk, cycle or horse-ride the country's first Rail Trail, past productive farmlands, spectacular gorges, awesome schist rock and magnificent mountains. Retrace the steps of hardy pioneers, through goldfields, historic sites, museum collections, and small towns with stone architecture. Stop by orchard stalls of succulent summer fruits, and take a wine trail to fledgling vineyards of international repute. Admire the first wildflowers of spring, and the stunning shades of autumn. Try the ancient winter ice sport of curling, and visit the many exceptional art and craft galleries.

Tourism Central Otago Contact: Alison Mason Marketing Officer DDI: 03 440 0637 Tel: 03 440 0637 Mob: 0274320689 Email: [email protected] Website: www.centralotagonz.com

1230 Wooing Tree Vineyard The Wooing Tree, a local landmark, sits prominently in the middle of the vineyard. The tree has long been a popular place for locals to woo their lovers and it if could talk would have many a story to tell. It is fast becoming a popular place for marriage proposals and weddings. Enjoy a wine tasting in this stunning setting – The winemaker may join us dependant on vineyard demands.

Contact: Steve Farqurharson Address: Shortcut Road Cromwell Tel: 03 445 4142 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wooingtree.co.nz

1300 Enjoy lunch at Mt Difficulty Winery

Mt Difficulty Winery The Cellar Door and Restaurant share space in a contemporary building nestled high above the winery on Templars Hill. The excellent food and service are only surpassed by the venue’s dramatic views of rugged rock and thyme landscapes, mountains and vineyards.

Contact: Emma Lawton Address: 73 Felton Road, Bannockburn Tel: 03 445 3445 ext 1 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mtdifficulty.co.nz

1500 Old Cromwell Town Historic Precinct Situated on the shores of Lake Dunstan, this unique heritage attraction has original and reconstructed buildings from the old main street of the 1860’s gold town of Cromwell. The buildings are home to local artisans and small cottage industries where you can find that special memento of your holiday. Wander through the old bakehouse or view the Mud brick cottage, visit the art gallery or enjoy a good cup of coffee at the café.

Contact: Barbara Emmitt Address: Melmore Terrace, Cromwell Tel: 03 445 1746 Email: [email protected] Web: www.oldcromwelltown.co.nz http://www.centralotagonz.com/S/S_ov=4664_.html

1600 Enjoy wine and food match at The Shed

Northburn Station was recently awarded the 2011 Central Otago Tourism Award.

Northburn Station – The Shed Among the vines on Northburn Station is a glorious cellar door and function venue affectionately known as "The Shed". The impressive hay loft and stable style building, modelled on the Northburn Station Homestead and adjacent historic woolshed of the 1850's, is home to the first cellar door operation in Central Otago to offer a food and wine match option. A farm gate shop sells merino meat cuts from the farm, whitebait when available, produce from the garden and pre-prepared meals to take home.

Contact: Tom and Jan Pinkney Address: 45 Northburn Station Road, Cromwell Tel: 03 445 1743 Email: [email protected] Web: www.northburn.co.nz

1730 Check into accommodation

Carrick Lodge Our accommodation complex has been designed with style, comfort and quality in mind. Ideally situated opposite the Cromwell Town centre, all units are furnished to a high quality, decorated in warm, earthy natural tones to compliment the striking surrounding landscape and mountains. Rich sumptuous woollen carpets together with super comfortable king & queen size beds complete the rustic and natural look.

Contact: Joan and Rob Luke Address: 10 Barry Avenue, Cromwell Tel: 03 445 4519 Email: [email protected]

Web: www.carricklodge.co.nz

1830 Dinner

Feast Bar and Dining winners of the NZ Beef and Lamb cuisine awards

Cromwell’s finest restaurant is conveniently located in the centre of the Cromwell Mall, recognised by the red chairs outside the black building. Feast provides a relaxed environment inside or out, even the wee ‘nook’ out the back for the intimate outdoor dining. Whether you prefer a wine at the bar, a snack or a meal you're guaranteed the freshest seasonal cuisine and friendly service.

Contact: Josh Hill Address: 1 The Mall, Cromwell’ Tel: 03 445 3020 Web: www.centralotagonz.com/Cromwell- Bannockburn/Cromwell/Restaurants/Feast_ov=4257_.html

Stay Carrick Lodge

Sunday 13 November Alexandra – Rail Trail and River Cruise

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation and check out.

0900 Depart Cromwell for Clyde (30 minute travel time)

1030 At Trail Journeys Depot you will be fitted out with your cycle and then transferred to Auripo road where you begin your cycle.

Cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail Auripo Road to Omakau – approximately 20- km (12.4-mile), 2–2.5 hrs.

Alternate Option A shorter version of the ride will be available by ending at Lauder, approximately 12-km (7.5-mile), 1–1.5 hrs.

Today you’ll enjoy one of the most spectacular sections of the Otago Central Rail Trail from Auripo Road to Lauder or as far as Omakau, mostly gentle downhill. The Auripo Road to Lauder section passes through two tunnels, the Poolburn Gorge and crosses the 37-meter (121-foot) high Poolburn Viaduct. Enjoy the amazing gorge scenery as you pass from one valley to the next. The gorge is also home to the rare New Zealand Falcon – Karearea.

Plenty of photo opportunities!

Note: As you will be cycling today, it is important that you are prepared. Please wear good walking / riding shoes (gym shoes / trainers are ideal); comfortable layerable clothing (no jeans / loose legged long pants or skirts); a wind / rain proof jacket, hat and gloves; a small day pack if you have one.

Trail Journeys Trail Journeys operate from both ends of the Otago Central Rail Trail at Clyde and Middlemarch providing all the services required to cycle or walk the trail. We provide bike hire, transport, and bag transfer and can arrange your accommodation.

Contact: Neville Grubb Address: Cnr State Highway 8 and Springvale Road Clyde Tel: 0800 724 587 Email: [email protected] Web: www.trailjourneys.co.nz

At the completion of your cycle you will be transferred back to Clyde.

1245 Lunch at The Bank Café Clyde hosted by Tourism Central Otago

Enjoy great coffee and food in the original Clyde Bank building dating back to the gold rush.

Time permitting you may like to take advantage of the opportunity to stroll around the historic precinct of Clyde and visit Touch Yarns – the beautiful yarn company and Gourmet Galleria – showcasing the finest of Central Otago and beyond.

1430 Clutha River Cruise (2 hr 30 min)

Explore the mighty Clutha River. Journey the isolated reaches of the stunning and historic Roxburgh Gorge. Marvel at some of New Zealand's most well known examples of European and Chinese gold mining. View the mining sites of Doctors and Butchers Points and see the rock huts that the miners existed in all those years ago. Take in some of the most spectacular scenery that only Central Otago can offer.

Contact: Steve Toyer Address: 7E Blyth Street, Clyde Tel: 03 449 3155 Email: [email protected] Web: www.clutharivercruises.co.nz

1730 Check into accommodation and time to freshen up before dinner.

1900 Enjoy dinner at Speargrass Inn

Speargrass Inn Speargrass Inn offers a place of unspoilt beauty. Experience a slice of Otago’s history, savour local cuisine and fresh produce at our cafe and farmers markets, and enjoy comfortable boutique accommodation. Established in 1869 as the Speargrass Hotel, this beautiful historical building served the hungry and thirsty gold miners who flocked to the region in search of gold.

Contact: Jacqui van der Voort Address: 1300 Fruitlands – Roxburgh Highway, SH8 Tel: 03 449 2192 Email: [email protected] Web: www.speargrassinn.co.nz

Stay

Olivers Starting life as a general store supplying the prospectors during the gold mining boom, Olivers comprises of a collection of stunning buildings which include the old stone store, stables, coach sheds, smoke house and a gracious home (Olivers Lodge). All were built out of local schist stone in the 1860s and 1870s. These NZ Historic Places Trust category 1 listed buildings and their surrounding gardens provide a unique setting for an unforgettable experience.

After a great night’s sleep, enjoy breakfast served in a 140 year old schist dining

room or alfresco in a large stonewall enclosed private courtyard for guests.

Contact: David and Andy Ritchie Address: 34 Sunderland Street Clyde Tel: 03 449 2600 Web: www.oliverscentralotago.co.nz

Monday 14 November The Maniototo and Curling

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation and check out.

Today we will explore the spectacular Maniototo valley, and the quaint town of Naseby – 2000ft above worry level.

Drive to the small village of Oturehua (approx 50mins) allowing for morning tea / coffee stop en-route if required

Mid morning Hayes Engineering Works

New Zealand’s farming community is indebted to Ernest Hayes, a farmer and flour miller who began producing and selling farm tools from his Oturehua property – Hayes Engineering Works. Visitors to this New Zealand Historic Places Trust property will see the works appear much as they did when in operation.

Contact: Helen Cameron Address: Hayes Road, RD 2, Oturehua Tel: 03 444 5817 Email: [email protected] Web: www.historic.org.nz www.centralotagonz.com/Maniototo/Oturehua/Heritage-Museums/Hayes- Engineering-Works_ov=4362_.html

Late Morning

Wedderburn Cottages – Farm Tour

Join us on a tour of Penvose Farms, a 4,500-acre high country farm owned for 4 generations by the Duncan family. Take in the spectacular views, and learn about the history of our farm and the wider Maniototo plains. This is a unique opportunity to see New Zealand farming life as it truly is.

Contact: Lorraine and Alison Duncan Address: 7145 State Highway 85, Wedderburn Tel: 03 4449194 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wedderburn.net.nz

Lunch

Wedderburn Tavern

Located directly across the road from Wedderburn Cottages. Experience a true kiwi BBQ lunch and relax with the locals.

Contact: Steve and Cheryl Cormack Address: 7148 Wedderburn – Becks Road, SH 85 Wedderburn Tel: 03 444 9548 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wedderburntavern.co.nz

Following lunch at this historic country pub we will drive to Naseby

Mid Afternoon

Maniototo Curling International – Naseby

Try your hand at the ancient ice sport of curling – if you are not familiar think lawn bowls on ice. Curling, the fastest growing winter sport in the world, is enjoyed by everyone from children to the elderly and people with disabilities. Naseby has become the country’s ice sports capital, including indoor curling and the winter only activities of outdoor ice skating/ hockey/ curling, plus the completion of the Southern Hemispheres only Natural Ice Luge track.

Contact: Sam Inder Address: Channel Road, Naseby Tel: 03 44 9878 Email: [email protected] Web: www.curling.co.nz

Check into your accommodation

Stay Danseys Pass Coach Inn

Built in 1862, the Coach Inns of Central Otago are unique. Of the few that remain, Danseys Pass Coach Inn stands out. The essential elements of a 19th century Coach Inn have been retained, and sensitive, authentic refurbishing has allowed the utmost comfort while maintaining the character and atmosphere of the goldrush era

Contact: Adrian Hood Address: 781 Kyeburn Diggings Road Danseys Pass Tel: +64 3 444 9048 Email: [email protected] Web: www.danseyspass.co.nz

Dinner Danseys Pass Coach Inn – dine in-house

Tuesday 15 November Pukerangi to Dunedin

0800 Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation and check out.

0830 Option 1 For members wanting more cycling on the Rail Trail you will depart Danseys Pass Coach Inn and transfer to Kohonga Lodge to start your cycle from Kokonga Lodge to Hyde or Rock and Pillar - 14.5 kms (9 miles) or 28.5 kms (17.7 miles) respectively.

NB: Those wishing to take up this option would need to confirm prior to tour so as to ensure cycles are transferred and ready at Kokonga.

Option 2 Free time at Dansey’s Pass Coach Inn until departure on the Taieri Gorge train.

1000 Transport departs accommodation in Naseby – with pickups in Kokonga at 1015 and Hyde 1030 en-route to Pukerangi (approx 1 hour drive plus time for stops)

1145 Depart Pukerangi

Taieri Gorge Train – Pukerangi to Wingatui.

Takes you on a journey through the rugged and spectacular Gorge, across wrought iron viaducts and through tunnels carved by hand more than 100 years ago. With full commentary, photographic stops and on board refreshments the train offers year round, all-weather entertainment Web: www.taieri.co.nz

Note: Morning Departure ex Pukerangi 1145 – Arrives Wingatui 1315. Required to be in Pukerangi 1130.

Lunch will be served ‘lunchbox’ style on board the Taieri Gorge Train. Sit back, relax and enjoy your lunch while taking in the spectacular scenery.

1315 Arrive Wingatui and transfer to Dunedin Airport before 1445 flight to Auckland.

1445 Dunedin – Auckland via Christchurch on NZ5054 and NZ532 (3 hour 5 minute travel time).

1750 Arrive at Auckland Airport.

We hope you enjoyed your stay in Aotearoa New Zealand

Ka kite ano! See you again!

Thursday, September 22