Southland & Stewart Island New Zealand Small Group Tour
From Dunedin To Kaka Point, Nugget Point, Pounawea, Purakaunui Falls, The Catlins, Invercargill, Bluff, Stewart Island, Queenstown. - 6 Nights

Package Details

Overview

Discover the deep south with its rugged and ever-changing landscapes; rocky bluffs, enchanting forests, beautiful sandy beaches, and a wealth of wildlife and spectacular views. This is a world where nature dominates a land secluded and untouched. Explore the sights, sounds and welcoming communities of Southland and Stewart Island.

Details

Day 1              Thursday 22 September 2022
ARRIVE DUNEDIN          (D)
Our tour commences today with our flight from Auckland to Dunedin. Founded in 1848 by Scottish settlers Dunedin was envisaged as the “Edinburgh of the South” and the city’s development was accelerated by the discovery of gold in 1861. This led to the establishment of New Zealand’s first University, Otago University built of bluestone. A feature of the city is the number of towers, spires and turrets that rise above it and also large numbers of solid, gracious stone buildings. Upon arrival we will be met by our coach and driver and have a brief orientation tour of the city before checking in to our centrally located hotel. Tonight we’ll enjoy a group dinner at our hotel.
Accommodation: The Victoria Hotel, Dunedin

Day 2              Friday 23 September 2022
DUNEDIN – INVERCARGILL          (BD)
After breakfast this morning, we travel south to Balclutha then travel through the Southern Scenic Route of the Catlins. The Catlins offers a glimpse of rural New Zealand set amid native forests, fringed by high cliffs and golden beaches. This spectacular coastal stretch is home to an array of marine life – sea lions are regular beach visitors while dolphins frolic in the shallows. The Catlins also boasts a variety of sea and forest birds. We will travel through this area with multiple stops along the way, including a visit to Pounawea, and Purakaunui Falls situated amongst lush podocarp and beech forest, which cascade 20-metres over three distinct tiers. We also visit Curio Bay and walk amongst the Petrified Forest before arriving in Invercargill where we will stay for the next two nights. Tonight we’ll enjoy a group dinner at our hotel.
Accommodation: Kelvin Hotel, Invercargill – 2 nights

Day 3              Saturday 24 September 2022
INVERCARGILL         (B)
Today we will enjoy some of the sights of Invercargill. Our first stop is Bill Richardson Transport World. This is the largest private collection of its type in the world. Housed in over 15,000sqm of exquisite ‘sheds’ are over 300 vehicles including retro Kombi’s, Henry Ford Letter Cars, Model T’s, stunning 1930’s V8’s and over 200 vintage petrol pumps. There is an onsite café to purchase lunch (own cost). This afternoon, you will have time to explore the Queens Gardens, a beautiful park in the centre of the city sprawling across 80-hectares of beautifully kept gardens. Highlights include a beautiful and varied rose garden, a rhododendron dell, an azalea garden, Japanese garden, dramatic tree lined walkways, bush paths through a selection of native plants and rock and herb gardens. For those who are interested, there will be time to visit Motorcycle Mecca (at own cost), which displays solo, sidecar and even three wheeled automobiles and machinery from 1902 onwards. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. For dinner tonight, you have the option to dine at one of the local restaurants.

Day 4              Sunday 25 September 2022
INVERCARGILL – STEWART ISLAND          (BD)
This morning we travel to Bluff where we board a catamaran to Stewart Island. Upon arriving we will be met by a representative from our motel who will transfer our luggage to our accommodation. We then return to Oban Village and visit the DOC headquarters to view the information available on the area. There will also be time to purchase lunch (own cost).  After lunch we enjoy the Village and Bays Tour. During this highlights tour our friendly guides will provide an insight into Stewart Island’s community, history and environment. Unspoiled, incredibly beautiful and steeped in stories of Maori legend, Stewart Island is well worth this informative introduction. There is plenty of time to get off the bus for photo stops and short walks along the way. Highlights include the Rakiura National Park entrance at Lee Bay, Halfmoon and Horseshoe Bays and views of Paterson Inlet from Observation Rock. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight we’ll enjoy a group dinner at the iconic South Sea Hotel.
Accommodation: Bay Motel, Stewart Island – 2 nights

Day 5              Monday 26 September 2022
STEWART ISLAND          (BD)
This morning we walk over the hill to Golden Bay Wharf and depart by boat for a half-day excursion to the bird sanctuary of Ulva Island.  Join a local expert guide for a half-day walking tour of this picturesque forested island, which is predator free and has become an open sanctuary for species of native birds.  There are recently released rare South Island saddlebacks and the threatened South Island Robin as well as tui, bellbird, fantail, kaka, weka and parakeet.  At the conclusion of our visit to Ulva Island we return to Golden Bay Wharf, then walk back to Oban, where the remainder of the day can be for relaxing or going for a walk. Dinner tonight will be at the South Sea Hotel.

Day 6              Tuesday 27 September 2022
STEWART ISLAND – QUEENSTOWN          (BD)
We board the early morning ferry back to Bluff and reboard our coach. We drive down to Stirling Point, located at the beginning (and end) of State Highway 1. Stirling Point is famous for its signpost, depicting distances to major cities in the world. Don’t miss getting a photo here! We then commence our travel to Queenstown via Winton, Lumsden and Arrowtown. One of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand, Arrowtown sits alongside the gold-bearing Arrow River. The town was established in 1862, during the height of the Otago gold rush. On arrival in Queenstown, we’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour of the area before checking into our accommodation. This evening we will enjoy a cruise over Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a scrumptious meal at the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peal High Country Farm.
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront, Queenstown 

Day 7              Wednesday 28 September 2022
DEPART QUEENSTOWN          (B)
Today our tour concludes with our flight from Queenstown to Auckland.

Inclusions

• 6 nights accommodation, twin/double rooms (single rooms available with surcharge), all with private facilities
• Touring in modern, air conditioned coach
• Auckland to Dunedin and Queenstown to Auckland flights with Air New Zealand – other ports on application
• Admission to Bill Richardson Transport World
• Return catamaran ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island
• Village & Bays Tour
• Ulva Island Guided tour including return water taxi transfers
• Cruise on TSS Earnslaw and dine at the Colonel’s Homestead
• 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners included

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