Visit some of the most remote and spectacular mountain summits in Central Otago and view some of the most unique alpine flora, found no where else in the world. 

New Zealand's wildflowers comprise both native and introduced plants.  The native plants are mainly unique to New Zealand and have existed here and developed on their own for millions of years.  The introduced plants have been brought to New Zealand from all over the world, although mostly deliberately from Europe,  during the 19th and 20th centuries.  The majority of our native species are white flowering, a few have yellow flowers, with occasional pale blue. 

In Central Otago,  down in the valleys and on the lower slopes,  native plants have been mainly replaced by the introduced species.  As we climb the mountains,  native flora become more obvious while the alpine zone is nearly all native. Some of these alpine plants are themselves endemic to these Central Otago mountains while one or two species can now only be found in single alpine zones. 

From late spring through to late autumn,  Safari Excursions runs half day / day guided tours and walks,  taking you to most of the Cental Otago mountains to view the flowers,  the lichen,  the insects and the bird life.  Close to Alexandra are the Old Man Range and Dunstan Mountains while further away,  the Rock and Pillar Range,  Old Woman Range,  Pisa Range,  the greywacke scree slopes of  the St Bathans Range or to the schist scree slopes of The Remarkables.   Access to other mountains may also be arranged. 

Most of these mountain tops are now or are soon to become Crown Reserve,  administered by the Department of Conservation. Grazing is being progressively eliminated in the high altitude regions. 

Once the snow clears in late spring,  the first flowers appear emerging from the snowbanks and along the mountain stream banks.  In certain years,  some slopes or cushion fields can be found fully covered in one of the many mountain daisy species.  These are magic moments.  Right through summer and into autumn, various species will always be found flowering. 

The peak flowering time for the higher altitude plants is mid January-February.  Also this is the most active time for the alpine moths, butterflies and insects to be out flying or crawling. It is also during this period and right through to May that the weather is at its best as well as most of the previous winter snow has now gone.  However snow blizzards can happen at any time over summer. 

If and when the mountain weather is unsuitable,  lowland walks can be arranged around Alexandra or to Flat Top Hill - a Department of Conservation Reserve with its representation of a Central Otago dryland - or to the Sutton Salt Lake Scenic Reserve near Middlemarch. 

Safari Excursions also offer all year round a range of general scenic and historic tours of Central Otago.  On these tours / walks you will visit historical towns,  goldfields, or else to see the fascinating landscape of Central Otago or to the vineyards / orchards / gardens around Alexandra.