About the trip
Let Southland take your breath away whilst you are exploring New Zealand’s most southern locations. Start in stunning Dunedin and make your way to Aotearoa’s third island, Stewart Island. With Kiwi outnumbering residents, it makes this a great place to spot these large flightless birds, also only 2% of Stewart Island is inhabited, so it is an absolute paradise for nature lovers. Moving from the Deep South to the captivating Milford Sounds with its countless waterfalls, it will surely amaze you how beautiful New Zealand is. Kick back and enjoy the landscape!
Meals
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Max. Group Size
20
Guide Languages
English
Meals
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Accommodation
3 Star Accommodation
Included in the price
Stewart Island
- - 3* Accommodation - Private Room & Breakfast
- - Transportation from Dunedin to Invercargill
- - Return Transportation from Invercargill to Bluff
- - Return Ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island
- - Transportation from Invercargill to Te Anau
- - Return Transportation from Te Anau to Milford Sound
- - Transportation from Te Anau to Queenstown
- - Kiwi Spotting Tour
- - Milford Sound Cruise
- - Ulva Island Guided Walk
Stewart Island
- - 3* Accommodation - Private Room & Breakfast
- - Transportation from Dunedin to Invercargill
- - Return Transportation from Invercargill to Bluff
- - Return Ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island
- - Transportation from Invercargill to Te Anau
- - Return Transportation from Te Anau to Milford Sound
- - Transportation from Te Anau to Queenstown
- - Kiwi Spotting Tour
- - Milford Sound Cruise
- - Ulva Island Guided Walk
Day-wise Itinerary
ExpandDay 1: Discover Invercargill
- Known for its Scottish heritage and Victorian architecture, wildlife and culture, Dunedin is a real New Zealand treasure.
- This morning you could take a trip to Sandfly Bay and check out the local sea lion colony. Or if you’re after a spot of heritage, visit Larnach Castle - New Zealand’s only castle and offers fantastic harbour views, as well as offering an insight into NZ’s history.
- For lunch, you could sample one of the delightful cafes, before departing Dunedin at 14:30 to travel to Invercargill, utilising the public bus network. You’ll arrive into Invercargill at 18:30.
- Invercargill is the regional capital of Southland and New Zealand’s southernmost city. Tonight you’ve got time to discover Invercargill’s city centre and prepare for tomorrow’s journey. If you fancy going for dinner pre-book a table at Buster Crabb’s or Louis Tapas Bar, two of the finest food spots in Invercargill!
- **Inclusions**
- - Bus transportation from Dunedin to Invercargill
- - Accommodation in Invercargill
- **Local Tips**
- - A must-visit in Dunedin is Baldwin Street. This street is famous for being the steepest street in the world so tackle it if you dare!
- - Take a walk along the St Clair Beach, Dunedin - a stunning white, sandy beach Great for surfing, walking and swimming, just 15 minutes from central Dunedin.
Day 2: Explore Steward Island
- Ready for today’s adventures? After breakfast, jump on the shuttle bus at 08:45am from Invercagill to Bluff the ferry, then hop on the ferry to Stewart Island at 09:45am. The crossing takes around one hour and if you’re lucky you may spot a few cheeky dolphins jumping in and out of the waves. Upon arrival take a breather and let your sea legs settle.
- Rakiura (Stewart Island), is best known for its kiwi spotting and unspoilt lush landscape, with only 2% of the Island being inhabited. From rainforest to ocean, it certainly offers a special experience, leaving the rushed lifestyle of the mainland behind.
- When you arrive you could head for hike a section of the Rakiura Track - one of NZ’s Great Walks, relax on the beach or jump on a fishing charter.
- Tonight you’ve got the chance to see the famous wingless birds for yourself and join a small-group Kiwi Spotting Tour. The tour departs 30 minutes after dark so will vary depending on the time of the year you’re travelling.
- **Inclusions**
- - Breakfast
- - Shuttle bus from Invercargill to Bluff
- - Ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island
- - Kiwi Spotting Tour (90 minutes)
- - Accommodation on Stewart Island
- **Local Tips**
- - Stewart Island has a number of fantastic beaches, including Bathing Beach - a popular and sheltered swimming beach.
- - There are no banks on Stewart Island. Some businesses only accept cash but many now have EFTPOS facilities and accept major credit cards. Mobile phone coverage is also limited.
- N.B. If the weather is unfavourable tonight, the trip can be postponed to tomorrow night.
Day 3: Visit Te Wharwhara/ulva Island
- Wake up to the sound of birds and get ready for the day! Today you will enjoy a short ferry ride to Te Wharwhara/Ulva Island - one of the few pest-free sanctuaries in Aotearoa. With its lush and unspoilt rainforests, you have the opportunity to spot rare birds such as the tieke (saddleback), toutouwai (Stewart Island Robin) and the South Island kākā. Your passionate guide will introduce you to Ulva’s unique habitat and history.
- Then back on Stewart Island, you still have the rest of the day at your leisure. Rent a bike and cruise around or simply enjoy the waterfront and relax.
- **Inclusions**
- - Breakfast
- - Ferry to Te Wharwhara/Ulva Island
- - Te Wharwhara/Ulva Island Guided Walk
- **Local Tips**
- - Sample a local delicacy with fish & chips on the beach. We hear Kai Kart on Ayr Street has good recommendations!
Day 4: Transfer To Te Anau
- This morning you’ll catch the 08:00am ferry back to the South Island and then catch the 10:45am public bus transport to the next scenic destination, Te Anau.
- Nestled at the edge of the South Island’s largest lake, Te Anau is the gateway to Milford and Doubtful Sounds. There are plenty of options here to explore the great outdoors - from kayaking to glowworm caves, Te Anau has something for everyone!
- **Inclusions**
- - Breakfast
- - Ferry from Stewart Island to Bluff
- - Bus shuttle from Bluff to Invercargill
- - Bus transportation from Invercargill to Te Anau
- - Accommodation in Te Anau
- **Local Tips**
- - For those wishing to really stretch your legs, there are plenty of day walks on offer in this area.
- - If you’re keen to check out more of the local wildlife, then Te Anau Bird Sanctuary & Wildlife Centrewould be worth a visit.
Day 5: Explore Milford Sound
- Camera ready? Let’s go! Today you head to depart Te Anau at 10am and enjoy a scenic drive to Milford Sound.
- You’ll arrive at Milford Sound at approximately midday and jump straight onto a spacious boa, offering unobstructed views through full-height windows, and cruise around the stunning fjords. Experience the extraordinary landscape and get up close with nature. Count the many waterfalls thundering down the mountains and be awed by the surroundings of Milford Sound.
- You’ll arrive back in Te Anau around 5pm, so you can relax before venturing into town to enjoy the last night of your trip at one of the eateries in town.
- **Inclusions**
- - Breakfast
- - Return Transportation from Te Anau to Milford Sound
- - Milford Sound Cruise including complimentary tea & coffee onboard
- **Local Tips**
- - If you’re a pizza fan, why not grab a bite at Ristorante Pizzeria Paradiso (a firm favourite of ours!).
Day 6
- Today’s journey brings you to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. Catch the 11.30am bus from Te Anau and arrive in Queenstown at 5pm.
- All good things must come to an end, with this being the final day of your tour. Although if you’re keen to explore Queenstown, choose to add on a couple of extra nights here.
- From local hikes, to adrenaline-fuelled activities, wineries and shopping, Queenstown has something for everyone! Nearby towns such as Glenorchy and Wanaka are also worth a visit.
- **Inclusions**
- - Breakfast
- - Bus transportation from Te Anau to Queenstown
- **Local Tips**
- - Take advantage of the many activities Queenstown offers – Sky Gondola, luge, or jet boat!
- - For a coffee and cake stop, you can’t go wrong with Vudu Larder, The Exchange or Balls and Bangles !
