Middlemarch to Queenstown tour: St Bathans & Kawarau Gorge

Travel from Middlemarch to Queenstown through gold rush history and river gorges

A one-way small-group tour from Middlemarch to Queenstown covering six hours and four named stops through Central Otago. You visit the ghost town of St Bathans with its Blue Lake, cross the 1880-built Ophir Bridge, pass through Clyde and Cromwell, then travel the Kawarau Gorge before ending at your Queenstown hotel. A live guide shares stories of the gold rush and the region's pioneering past throughout the journey.

Step-by-step itinerary

Middlemarch to Queenstown tour highlights

• Visit ghost town of St Bathans
• See Blue Lake gold mining site
• Photo stop at Ophir Bridge
• Pass through historic town of Clyde
• Pass through vibrant town of Cromwell
• Travel through Kawarau Gorge
• Enjoy views of Lake Dunstan and Gibbston
• Arrive in Queenstown

The experience

If you've arrived in Middlemarch or are heading south from the North Island, this tour solves the transfer to Queenstown by making the route itself the point. The six-hour drive follows the gold rush trail through Central Otago, stopping at places most travelers miss when they drive it alone. St Bathans is the centerpiece: a preserved ghost town where gold mining created the surreal Blue Lake, and you walk the quiet streets to see what remains. The Ophir Bridge, built in 1880, spans the Manuherikia River and stands as a photo stop that frames the engineering ambition of 19th-century Otago.

The tour moves through Clyde, a charming historic town, then Cromwell at the confluence of two rivers, where the heritage precinct and local produce tell the story of the region's evolution. The Kawarau Gorge closes the day: steep cliffs, turquoise water, and views of Lake Dunstan and the Gibbston wine region unfold as the guide talks through the landscape. You travel in a Mercedes-Benz with a maximum of 15 guests, so the group stays small enough to stop and linger without the rhythm of a larger coach.

Water and snacks travel with you. Afternoon tea is available at Dunstan House in Clyde if you want to add it. The tour ends with hotel drop-off in central Queenstown, so you arrive ready to settle in rather than navigating a rental car or waiting for a shuttle.

What’s included

• Small group of up to 15 guests.
• water and snacks throughout the journey.
• afternoon tea available for purchase at Dunstan House in Clyde.
• hotel drop-off at central Queenstown hotels.
• space for one large and one small bag per person.
• live English-speaking guide sharing gold rush stories and regional history.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and WednesdayDeparts at 13:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Is this one for you?Groups of up to 15 keep the pace relaxed and the stops unhurried, so this tour suits travelers who want to see the gold rush country between Middlemarch and Queenstown without driving themselves or sitting on a full-size coach.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is St Bathans and why is it worth visiting on the drive to Queenstown?

St Bathans is a preserved ghost town from the gold rush era, frozen in time with its original streets still standing. The Blue Lake, formed by gold mining operations, sits at its center: a striking turquoise body of water in an otherwise eerie landscape. The tour includes time to walk through the town and see the lake, making it a singular stop you would not encounter on a standard transfer.

What happens at the Ophir Bridge and why is it on the route?

The Ophir Bridge, built in 1880, is a historic suspension bridge spanning the Manuherikia River. It is a photo stop that showcases the pioneering engineering of 19th-century Otago and marks a visual landmark in the Central Otago landscape as you travel south.

Is lunch included, or do I need to arrange food during the tour?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. Water and snacks are provided, and afternoon tea is available for purchase at Dunstan House in Clyde if you want a sit-down meal during the journey.

Does the tour drop me at my hotel in Queenstown, or at a central location?

The tour includes hotel drop-off at central Queenstown hotels, so you arrive directly at your accommodation rather than at a depot or town center.