If you’re looking for the chance to get out of New Zealand’s adventure capital, and into the super scenic and very relaxed Catlins Region of the South Island, the impressive Milford Sound and historic Dunedin, then this is the tour for you.
This tour takes it all in. Experience the adrenalin rush in Queenstown, the history of Dunedin (The Edinburgh of the South) and the Catlins wildlife and wonders. When visiting the Catlins, you’ll hopefully get to see New Zealand Sea Lions, Yellow Eyed Penguins, waterfalls and a fossil forest. Oh and don’t forget little old Milford Sounds – this tour takes in the breathtaking scenery of the Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound.
You can rest assured knowing that our guides have heaps of experience and plenty of stories and legends to pass on about this unique part of NZ. This is the only tour that takes you south from Queenstown and lets you do it in your own time. Curio Bay caught your eye and you want to explore it? No worries – stick around a little longer. As we are regularly completing the loop it is easy for us to pick you up next time we are heading through. There are so many stops on the way down through the Catlin’s that you will end up spending more time off the bus than on it.
Number of Days 3
Starts: Queenstown Finishes: Queenstown
Tour Type: Hop on Hop Off Bus Pass
We kick it all off in Queenstown, we have a mid morning start heading west to Dunedin.
Following the mighty Kawarau River we pass through Clyde and it’s hydro-electric dam, Lawrence the gold-rush birthplace and the Milton Hilton (really a prison).
On arrival in NZ’s most vibrant student town – Dunedin, we take in some city highlights including Baldwin Street (world’s steepest street), for a quick sprint to the top.
Central hostel.
Optional Paid Activities: Speights Brewery Heritage Tour, Cadbury Chocolate World
On day 2 we are off in the direction of Antarctica! First scenic stop for the day is Nugget Point, home of seabirds, fur seals and stunning coastal vistas.
We then head towards the Catlins Coastal Rain Forest, taking in some wicked beach views, bush walks and waterfalls including Surat Bay or Cannibal Bay, both home to NZ Sea Lions.
Curio Bay is pretty much at the bottom of New Zealand and a true gem of a place. New Zealand’s native Hectors Dolphin, Yellow Eyed Penguins and a 180 million year old fossilised forest all call Curion Bay Home.
On to Bluff with a chance to snatch a photo under “that”sign post and optional ferry connections to Stewart Island.
Rakiura National Park is a must if you are in to the following; fishing, bush walking, spotting some of NZ’s rare and native birds (including the evasive Kiwi), or just chilling out in a very peaceful laid back place (only 28km of road on the whole island!). Also the best Blue Cod and Chips we’ve ever had.
Final stop is Invercargill for the evening at completion of this huge day.
Central hostel.
Nugget Point, Owaka, chance to see sea lions.
Heading out of Invercargill nice and early we move north up to Mossburn where you jump on to the Milford Explorer bus for your trip to Milford Sound.
Learn about NZ’s largest national park and some of our most spectacular scenery. Photo stops are taken in the best spots, the Eglington Valley, Upper Hollyford and the Chasm to name a few.
On arrival into Milford Sound you join a cruise for a tour of the fiord with full commentary provided.
After the cruise, it’s on the bus for the trip back to Te Anau and then Queenstown.
Cruise on majestic Milford Sound.
Starts In: Auckland
Finishes In: Auckland
Number Of Days: 24
Starts In: Auckland
Finishes In: Wellington
Number Of Days: 9
Starts In: Queenstown
Finishes In: Queenstown
Number Of Days: 3