DAY 1:

Visit a traditional working farm nestled in the foothills of Four Peaks mountain range, near Geraldine. All our farms are family owned and run - meet the people and share their stories; see the dogs hard at work with sheep, cows and other animals … you might even get the chance to try your hand at shearing a sheep!

After morning tea with your hosts, we go to historic Four Peaks Lodge for a private lunch and chance to explore the beautiful natural surroundings of one of our grand old country estates. Set amid rolling park-like grounds near the Te Moana river gorge, Four Peaks Lodge is once again a family home. Its architecture and charm will stay with you for ever.

And now, for a real insight into the pioneer way of life, it’s time for afternoon tea at a high country shepherd’s hut. A short 4-wheel drive along the Te Moana river and into the back high country brings us to the Pleasant Gully Hut, part of the original Four Peaks Station run. A day to remember before delivering you back to your homestay hosts for dinner, bed and breakfast.

DAY 2:

We start the day by visiting some of our tiny, old rural churches in Peel Forest, Woodbury and Pleasant Valley. You’ll love the architecture and be enthralled by their histories and those of the early settlers who built them. They remain a beautiful and natural part of the countryside and today’s worshippers love them too.

After morning tea in a friendly village café/deli, we take the scenic pioneer trail to lunch at historic Opihi Vineyard Café. With its spectacular natural setting and original limestone cottage, lunch here is an experience to savour. Opihi, the Maori name for the region, means ‘good growth’, and you’ll see why this is appropriate.

The afternoon sees us enjoying a sight-seeing drive as we go off the beaten track to follow the stories of some of our most memorable pioneers, including sheep-stealing local hero James Mackenzie, after whom the high country is named, and pioneer aviator Richard Pearse, believed to have flown before the Wright Brothers.

And a highlight: We also visit ancient Maori rock art sites – a chance to learn something of  these beautiful, mysterious drawings and the people who created them.

DAY 3:

We begin by sampling the delights of some of our arts & crafts galleries, featuring many of our renowned artists and artisans – South Canterbury has a wealth of talented painters, potters, glass and ceramic crafts people, weavers and sculptors.

After morning tea in a friendly village café/deli, we take the spectacular drive over the hills and into the high Mackenzie Country. We’re bound for Lake Tekapo, famous for its amazing colour, the tiny church perched on the lakeside, dog statue dedicated to the working dogs of the high country, and the clearest skies you’ll ever see.

Plenty of time for lunch, a chance to stroll around the village and see the sights and, weather permitting, we’ll go a little further to view Mt Cook/Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest mountain.