Artists tour of QUEENSTOWN

The tour starts at 4.00pm on Wednesday 19 March, at the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Hotel.

The tour ends at after breakfast on Wednesday 26 March, at the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Hotel.

Nestled amidst New Zealand’s spectacular alpine landscapes, Queenstown is home to talented artists, artisans, and adventure seekers. After meeting in the hotel lobby in the late afternoon, we enjoy a leisurely walk through town before ending the day with dinner together along the lakeside. Overnight Queenstown (D)

One of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand, Arrowtown is a charming legacy of the 1860s Otago gold rush. A short coach journey this morning brings us to historic gold-mining town, nestled by the Arrow River in a wooded valley among mountain peaks. Here we have the whole day to immerse ourselves in the hills and rivers that once teemed with gold miners, and find numerous spots of inspiration for sketching and painting. The main street of Arrowtown, Buckingham Street, is filled with heritage gold-rush era buildings now home to cafes and shops, and the street stretches into a tree-lined avenue of tiny miners’ cottages from where you can explore the wider town. Upon our return to Queenstown in the late afternoon, we have an evening at leisure. Overnight Queenstown (B)

A spectacular drive from Queenstown over the magnificent Crown Range brings us to the quiet lakeside enclave of Wānaka. Centered around the base of a cerulean alpine lake, with a charming village filled with coffee shops and restaurants, our day of sketching and painting the amazing scenery here is set to be a highlight of the tour. Be sure to keep an eye out for New Zealand’s most famous tree, also known as ‘That Wanaka Tree’ – a 100-year old willow that stands alone in the cool water of the lake at Roys Bay. We break our day with lunch at the nearby Cardrona Hotel, one of only two remaining buildings from the Cardrona Valley gold rush, today restored to its former glory with a legendary beer garden. The evening is at lesiure on our return to Queenstown. Overnight Queenstown (B, L)

The Cromwell Basin is like a postcard come to life, with rolling hills, clear lakes and dramatic mountains in each direction. This morning our coach brings us to the picturesque Cromwell Gorge, where the rocky and rugged hillsides cut by the winding Clutha River provide the perfect backdrop for a morning of sketching and painting. Afterwards we head to the southern end of the Cromwell Basin for a leisurely lunch at Mt Difficulty Winery, where the cellar door is known as much for its dramatic views of rugged rock and thyme landscapes as it is for its single vineyard wines. Afterwards, we should have some time to sketch and paint the surrounding views which take in the old gold workings and crumbling stone houses of nearby Bannockburn. We return to Queenstown in the late afternoon, with the cosy pubs and vibrant clubs in full swing on a Saturday night. Overnight Queenstown (B, L)

Situated on the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu, and set against a background of native beech forest and towering mountain ranges, the rustic town of Glenorchy is nothing short of awe-inspiring – forming the backdrop for films like Narnia, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. A scenic coach journey from Queenstown along the edge of Lake Wakatipu brings us to Glenorchy this morning for a day of sketching and painting. John’s tuition here will ensure we capture the true ‘Middle-earth magic’ of its soaring peaks, pristine lakes and ancient forests. There will be free time for lunch in town, and our return to Queenstown will take in frequent stops to enjoy the iconic views of Lake Wakatipu. Overnight Queenstown (B)

A relaxed morning in Queenstown allows you to consolidate the work you have done to date. We then switch gears for a cruise aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw. Restored to its original 1912 form, this coal-fired steamship will take us back along the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where enjoy a guided walking tour of the farm, followed by a gourmet BBQ lunch and even a sheepdog show! Afterwards, there will be time to explore the homestead’s award-winning gardens and find a spot to unpack the paints for an afternoon of capturing the beautiful surrounds. We return to Queenstown aboard the TSS Earnslaw, with the evening at leisure on arrival. Overnight Queenstown (B, L)

One of Queenstown’s most iconic mountains, Coronet Peak is best known as an alpine adventure playground. Today, however, it will provide plentiful opportunities and inspiration for sketching and painting throughout the day. This morning our coach takes us up to Coronet Peak, where a further gondola ride takes us to just below the summit for views over the Wakatipu Basin. We then journey back down to Skippers Lookout, offering a great view to sketch or paint The Remarkables, and onto the picturesque village of Arthurs Point. Here the iconic Edith Cavell Bridge will serve as our subject, framed by the brilliant blue river below and jagged rock walls on either side. We return to our hotel in the early afternoon, with time to pack away our week’s works, followed by farewell drinks and dinner this evening in one of Queenstown’s excellent restaurants. Overnight Queenstown
(B, D)

Our tour ends after breakfast this morning. Before departing for the airport, you might like to join your fellow travellers for a ride on the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest cable car! Taking you 480m up to the top of Bob’s Peak, you’ll be met with spectacular views at the top, looking across to Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak and, of course, Queenstown. (B)