Southland & Stewart Island
From $3150.00 per person
Discover the deep south a rugged and ever-changing landscape; rocky bluffs, enchanting forests, beautiful sandy beaches, a wealth of wildlife and spectacular views. This is a world where nature dominates a land secluded and untouched.
Day 1 - DUNEDIN (D) Today we fly from Auckland to Dunedin where we on arrival we will be met by our touring coach and driver who will then take us on a brief orientation tour of Dunedin city before arriving at your hotel. Founded in 1848 by Scottish settlers Dunedin was envisaged as the "Edinburgh of the South". The influence of its Scottish heritage is still strongly evident. She is a city of gracious dignity and charm, characterised by the permanence of many handsome stone buildings and historical monuments. This evening we have dinner together at our hotel. Victoria Hotel, Dunedin
Day 2 - DUNEDIN - INVERCARGILL (BD) We travel south to Balclutha then travel through the Southern Scenic route of the Catlin’s. We visit Kaka Point and Nugget Point which is great for wildlife viewing (take binoculars on your walk if you have them) including seals, sea lions and penguins. Here also is the historic lighthouse which was built in 1869 and is still working today, although now automated. Continuing on we visit Pounawea, and the most photographed Purakanui Falls situated amongst lush podocarp and beech forest, which cascade 20 metres over three distinct tiers. We visit Curio Bay and walk amongst the Petrified Forest before arriving in Invercargill where we will stay for the next 2 nights. Kelvin Hotel, Invercargill – 2 nights
Day 3 - INVERCARGILL (B) Sightseeing around Invercargill City area we visit Southland Museum and Art Gallery. Visit the unique Roaring 40’s Galley featuring the Sub-Antarctic Islands, and the Burt Munro exhibition - a tribute to a Southern legend and land speed record holder. It is also home to the successful Tuatara Breeding Programme which has over 80 tuatara and wonderful museum items and varying art exhibitions. This magnificent Museum will keep you enthralled. Lunch can be purchased here allowing more time to explore in the afternoon or to walk around the Botanical Gardens in Queens Park at the rear of the Museum. As an option this afternoon those interested may wish to visit Richardson’s Truck Museum, others may like to browse around the shopping area.
Day 4 - INVERCARGILL - STEWART ISLAND (BD) We travel to Bluff where we board the catamaran to Stewart Island. Upon arriving we will be met and taken to our accommodation. Time this morning to visit the DOC headquarters to view the information available on the area. After lunch we board the coach for the Village and Bays Tour. Travelling in modern mid-sized coaches, there is a comprehensive commentary by a local guide providing an insight into Stewart Island’s community, history and environment. Highlights include the Rakiura National Park entrance at Lee Bay, Halfmoon Bay and Horseshoe Bay and views of Paterson Inlet from Observation Rock. Guides share their local knowledge and there is time available for photo stops. Bay Motel, Stewart Island – 2 nights
Day 5 - STEWART ISLAND (BD) Today we visit Ulva Island - a renowned wildlife sanctuary where many rare and endangered native species of birdlife and plants flourish in a predator free protected environment. During the easy 45 minute guided walk through native podocarp forest with a specialist nature guide you will be able to view diverse plant species and abundant bird life. The island is home to such wildlife as native Weka, Robins, rare Saddlebacks and Yellowheads among other species, even Kiwi are known to wander around in the area. Any free time today can be for relaxing or going for a walk around the Island.
Day 6 - STEWART ISLAND - QUEENSTOWN (BD) We board the early morning ferry back to Bluff where we reboard our coach and travel to Queenstown via Winton, Lumsden and Arrowtown. Arrowtown is one of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand, and sits alongside the gold-bearing Arrow River. The town was established in 1862, during the height of the Otago gold rush. This evening we will enjoy a cruise over Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a scrumptious meal at the Colonel’s Homestead. Copthorne Hotel, Queenstown
Day 7 - QUEENSTOWN – HOME CITIES (B) This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Auckland.
Day 2 - DUNEDIN - INVERCARGILL (BD) We travel south to Balclutha then travel through the Southern Scenic route of the Catlin’s. We visit Kaka Point and Nugget Point which is great for wildlife viewing (take binoculars on your walk if you have them) including seals, sea lions and penguins. Here also is the historic lighthouse which was built in 1869 and is still working today, although now automated. Continuing on we visit Pounawea, and the most photographed Purakanui Falls situated amongst lush podocarp and beech forest, which cascade 20 metres over three distinct tiers. We visit Curio Bay and walk amongst the Petrified Forest before arriving in Invercargill where we will stay for the next 2 nights. Kelvin Hotel, Invercargill – 2 nights
Day 3 - INVERCARGILL (B) Sightseeing around Invercargill City area we visit Southland Museum and Art Gallery. Visit the unique Roaring 40’s Galley featuring the Sub-Antarctic Islands, and the Burt Munro exhibition - a tribute to a Southern legend and land speed record holder. It is also home to the successful Tuatara Breeding Programme which has over 80 tuatara and wonderful museum items and varying art exhibitions. This magnificent Museum will keep you enthralled. Lunch can be purchased here allowing more time to explore in the afternoon or to walk around the Botanical Gardens in Queens Park at the rear of the Museum. As an option this afternoon those interested may wish to visit Richardson’s Truck Museum, others may like to browse around the shopping area.
Day 4 - INVERCARGILL - STEWART ISLAND (BD) We travel to Bluff where we board the catamaran to Stewart Island. Upon arriving we will be met and taken to our accommodation. Time this morning to visit the DOC headquarters to view the information available on the area. After lunch we board the coach for the Village and Bays Tour. Travelling in modern mid-sized coaches, there is a comprehensive commentary by a local guide providing an insight into Stewart Island’s community, history and environment. Highlights include the Rakiura National Park entrance at Lee Bay, Halfmoon Bay and Horseshoe Bay and views of Paterson Inlet from Observation Rock. Guides share their local knowledge and there is time available for photo stops. Bay Motel, Stewart Island – 2 nights
Day 5 - STEWART ISLAND (BD) Today we visit Ulva Island - a renowned wildlife sanctuary where many rare and endangered native species of birdlife and plants flourish in a predator free protected environment. During the easy 45 minute guided walk through native podocarp forest with a specialist nature guide you will be able to view diverse plant species and abundant bird life. The island is home to such wildlife as native Weka, Robins, rare Saddlebacks and Yellowheads among other species, even Kiwi are known to wander around in the area. Any free time today can be for relaxing or going for a walk around the Island.
Day 6 - STEWART ISLAND - QUEENSTOWN (BD) We board the early morning ferry back to Bluff where we reboard our coach and travel to Queenstown via Winton, Lumsden and Arrowtown. Arrowtown is one of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand, and sits alongside the gold-bearing Arrow River. The town was established in 1862, during the height of the Otago gold rush. This evening we will enjoy a cruise over Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a scrumptious meal at the Colonel’s Homestead. Copthorne Hotel, Queenstown
Day 7 - QUEENSTOWN – HOME CITIES (B) This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Auckland.
