Page 28 of New Zealand Island Discoveries Shore Tours by P&O Cruises

dunedin natural dunedin guided bush hike approximate duration 3 hours dunedin pc3-k great houses of dunedin approximate duration 41/2 hours pc3-l this historic tour explores one of dunedin s great houses as well as a restored edwardian cottage what you visit olveston house dunedin businessman david theomin filled this 35-room edwardian mansion with treasures collected during his travels around the world built between 1904 and 1906 olveston house is surrounded by an acre of gardens a gift to the city of dunedin from theomin s daughter the mansion contains its original collections your guide recounts the history of the house and its treasures larnach castle banker w.j.n larnach built his castle on the crown of a wooded hill overlooking otago harbour designed in scotland the neo-gothic castle required three years to build and another 12 to complete the castle boasts english tile work italian marble venetian glass and exotic hardwoods from around the world the 40,000-square-foot house required 46 servants the 3,000-square-foot ballroom was a 21st birthday present to larnach s daughter your tour around the castle is fully guided refreshments morning or afternoon tea will be provided at larnach castle shopping gift stores are located at both larnach castle and olveston house where you can browse for a keepsake of your trip to new zealand you have the option to be dropped off in town at the conclusion of the tour should you wish to explore the city centre on your own should you do so you are responsible for making your own way back to the ship what you see along the way departing the pier in port chalmers you will drive the coastal road to dunedin on arrival in the city you will pass elegant victorian buildings to reach olveston house continuing your drive to larnach castle take in panoramic views of port chalmers and central dunedin there will be a brief orientation of dunedin city at the conclusion of the tour where you will have the option to be dropped off in town to shop and browse the local stores at your own pace mount cargill is the most prominent peak above dunedin your bush hike unfolds outstanding vistas both north and south along the coast along with the ultimate panoramic views of otago harbour dunedin city and the otago peninsula your hiking adventure commence your steady climb up through secondary growth forest to encounter spectacular views of the upper harbour mihiwaka mount kettle blueskin bay and the silver peaks continue your hike into mount cargill s native bush home to broadleaf tree fuschia pepperwood mountain cedar and emergent totara and ferns you will stop to see the amazing organ pipes 10-million year old columnar jointed basalt plugs formed during the same volcanic eruptions that formed otago s harbour once past the organ pipes the growth becomes sub-alpine in nature as you ascend for more spectacular views wander through manuka kanuka and dracophyllum bush and the sculptural remnants of burnt out mountain cedar to finally emerge onto buttars peak at 617 metres above sea level where you will be rewarded with stunning 360-degree vistas refreshments you ll stop to take a break for a hot or cold beverage at a point during your walk you should also bring along bottled water from the ship what you see along the way you ll transfer from the pier in port chalmers by mini-coach taking in views of residential pastoral and forested areas to reach the top of the mount cargill road and to the start of the walkway notes order of tour stops may vary the ground floor at olveston house is not accessible for those with wheelchairs there is no elevator to access the upper floors for those remaining downstairs a dvd of the upper floor contents may be viewed larnach castle is fitted with neither ramps nor elevators wheelchair confined passengers would therefore be only restricted to visiting the castle s gardens notes this tour is recommended only for the fit and agile dress appropriately wear good hiking/walking shoes and layered clothing a waterproof jacket sun hat sunglasses and sunscreen lotion dunedin 52 53 dunedin

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