The Southern Alps and turquoise glacial lakes
Around Canterbury you'll find the Southern Alps and turquoise glacial lakes. Ask your guide about whale and wildlife watching — it's the kind of thing that turns a transfer into a day you remember.
Waikato → Canterbury
Set out from Otorohanga towards Prebbleton and the landscape starts telling its own story well before you arrive.
Prebbleton sits in Canterbury — braided rivers and patchwork plains running up to the Southern Alps. Travel privately with a local driver-guide and the day becomes yours: stop for the view, take the short walk, and let someone else handle the wheel.
Canterbury
A taste of what a day around Prebbleton can hold.
Around Canterbury you'll find the Southern Alps and turquoise glacial lakes. Ask your guide about whale and wildlife watching — it's the kind of thing that turns a transfer into a day you remember.
Around Canterbury you'll find alpine passes and high-country stations. Ask your guide about stargazing — it's the kind of thing that turns a transfer into a day you remember.
Around Canterbury you'll find a rebuilt garden city with street art everywhere. Ask your guide about scenic rail journeys — it's the kind of thing that turns a transfer into a day you remember.
Around Canterbury you'll find whale-watching and volcanic harbours on the coast. Ask your guide about alpine hiking — it's the kind of thing that turns a transfer into a day you remember.
Ways to travel between Otorohanga and Prebbleton.
A big day out with your own guide — viewpoints, short walks and the landmarks that pull people to the South Island in the first place.
Move between towns the slow way, stopping at lake edges, passes and lookouts that most travellers drive straight past.
Guided time on foot, from gentle lakeside strolls to a genuine day walk, matched to your fitness and the conditions.
String several highlights together in one private vehicle, with the flexibility to linger where it's worth lingering.
Premium vehicle, a hand-picked guide and a day shaped around cellar doors, private walks and quiet corners.
The road between Otorohanga and Prebbleton threads through the kind of country people fly across the world to see — braided rivers and patchwork plains running up to the Southern Alps.
Going private means the day belongs to you: no fixed departure times, no coach-load of strangers, and no rushing past something you wanted to photograph.
Prebbleton sits in Canterbury, which means the Southern Alps and turquoise glacial lakes and alpine passes and high-country stations are both within reach on the same outing.
Make the most of both ends of your journey.
Before you set out, Otorohanga is a good place to slow down — Waikato is known for limestone caves lit by glowworms and small-town cafés and country gardens.
Once you arrive, Prebbleton opens up alpine hiking, scenic rail journeys and stargazing in and around the wider Canterbury area.
Tell us what you'd like to do and we'll come back with a private itinerary and a clear quote.