This 9-day tour is perfect for people wanting to explore the lower South Island in comfort and style. It includes a 2-night stay on Rakiura / Stewart island with a wild kiwi encounter and Ulva island cruise, a day trip to the majestic Milford Sound and a leisurely cruise on Lake Wakitup onboard the famous TSS Earnslaw. It's an exciting time on this very popular Deep South Tour!
New Zealand small group tour
This suggested tour costs from NZD$4,950 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Auckland, finishes in Queenstown
9 days/8 nights
Hotel 4 star
Pre and post tour options? YES
Viewed 12 times in the last 7 days
Day 1: Meet, greet and explore Dunedin
Accommodation: Fable Dunedin (or similar)
Day 2: Head to Invercargil via the beautiful Catlins
Accommodation: Ascot Park Hotel (or similar)
Day 3: Wonder at the marvels of the Bill Richardson Transport World before flying to Stewart Island
Accommodation: South Sea Hotel, Stewart Island (or similar)
Day 4: Enjoy a full day on Rakiura/Stewart Island and an afternoon cruise to Ulva Island
Accommodation: South Sea Hotel, Stewart Island (or similar)
Day 5: Head back North to Te Anau
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau (or similar)
Day 6: Spend a day in the grand glacier-carved fiords of Milford Sound
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau (or similar)
Day 7: Learn about the Te Anau Glowworm Caves and then journey to picturesque Arrowtown
Accommodation: Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown (or similar)
Day 8: Explore Queenstown and cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamboat
Accommodation: Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown (or similar)
Day 9: Time to say farewell
A flight or coach connection to Dunedin is not included in your tour but can easily be added by one of our expert sales team. If you are struggling to coordinate this or would just rather someone else managed your booking then please get in touch for support and advice
Meet at Dunedin Airport this morning and depart the airport at 1 pm. This afternoon, enjoy a comprehensive tour of Larnach Castle and Gardens and Olveston Historic Home before you check in to your hotel for your overnight stay.
Tonight, you will all meet for your first dinner together at the hotel.
Your accommodation: Fable Dunedin (or similar)
Located in the centre of Dunedin, Fable Hotel is within walking distance of shopping, cafes and restaurants and the central focus of the Octagon. Beautifully appointed accommodation and a chic restaurant and bar are augmented by contemporary touches throughout.Meals included: Dinner
Depart Dunedin this morning and travel the route through the Catlins, and onto Invercargill. See Curio Bay, Fossilised Forest, the Lost Gypsy Caravan (if open), Purakaunui Falls, Owaka and more. Arrive in Invercargill this afternoon and transfer to your overnight accommodation.
The evening is at leisure.
Your accommodation: Ascot Park Hotel (or similar)
The Ascot Park Hotel is Invercargill's largest hotel. Set in park like surrounds its a great base for a visit to the southern city of Invercargill.Meals included: Breakfast
No visit to Invercargill is complete without visiting the Bill Richardson Transport World and Classic Motorcycle Mecca, a wheeled collection that has taken nearly 50 years to amass. Starting out as one man's passion and further developed by his family, it now includes two world-class automotive museums which house hundreds of classic cars, vintage trucks and motorcycles. Enjoy a tour this morning, followed by free time for exploration.
After lunch, make your way to Invercargill Airport where you join your mid-afternoon flight to Stewart Island. Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner together this evening.
Your accommodation: South Sea Hotel, Stewart Island (or similar)
The South Sea hotel offers hotel and motel style accommodation in the heart of Halfmoon Bay and the onsite restaurant is a great place to try the local seafood.Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
You have a full day to enjoy this natural wonderland. Over 85% of the island is National Park and it is a prime destination for birdwatchers and those wishing to catch a glimpse of the famous Aurora Australis which often appears in these southern skies. Starting with a morning at leisure after the late-night yesterday, discover Stewart Island from the water on a leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet and a guided walk in Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary. The cruise will showcase some of Paterson Inlet's stunning scenery with its hidden coves and unspoilt beaches. You will hear fascinating stories of early Maori history and European settlement from your guide as you pass various landmarks. While on board, keep a lookout for fur seals and penguins known to frequent this area
Your accommodation: South Sea Hotel, Stewart Island (or similar)
The South Sea hotel offers hotel and motel style accommodation in the heart of Halfmoon Bay and the onsite restaurant is a great place to try the local seafood.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning enjoy a morning Village and Bays tour. Gain an entertaining insight into New Zealand's southernmost community and learn about the history and environment of Stewart Island. Highlights include a visit to the gateway to Rakiura National Park at Lee Bay and Observation Rock with its stunning views of Paterson Inlet.
Join a 1.30 pm return flight to Invercargill mid-afternoon, before rejoining your coach for the drive to Te Anau.
Before dinner at a lovely local restaurant, see the Ata Whenua – Shadowland movie at the Fiordland Cinema. A 30-minute film showcasing the unique beauty and remote wilderness of Fiordland from the air to the screen for all to enjoy!
Your accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau (or similar)
The perfect base for all your Fiordland travel, Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides comfortable accommodation right in the heart of Te Anau.Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Milford Sound is the most famous and accessible of the grand glacier-carved fiords scattered along New Zealand's south-western coast. The road to Milford is one of the world's finest alpine drives and is an easy drive from Te Anau. The road follows the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, then through the Homer Tunnel where you will meet Mitre Peak, towering from the glassy waters of Milford Sound. Join your cruise at 1 pm and relax as you soak in the close-up views of awe-inspiring scenery. These cruises are often accompanied by playful dolphins and seals basking on rocks are a common sight. Return to Te Anau with the evening at leisure.
Your accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau (or similar)
The perfect base for all your Fiordland travel, Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides comfortable accommodation right in the heart of Te Anau.Meals included: Breakfast
This morning join a tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. The tour begins with a cruise to the western shores of Lake Te Anau - at the entry to the caves at Cavern House, view the informative displays and learn about this geological wonder before joining your guide underground. On the tour of the caves, friendly guides will point out the highlights and share their knowledge of the caves and its history. Deep inside the caves, beyond the roar of the water, you will be taken by a small boat into a silent hidden grotto inhabited by hundreds of glowworms, unique to New Zealand. In the subterranean darkness, they produce a glittering display that is nothing short of extraordinary. (NB: Some bending is required at the entrance of the cave and steps are involved).
At the conclusion of the tour, rejoin your coach and enjoy a leisurely drive through to Arrowtown, arriving late afternoon. Home for the next 2-nights is the stunningly beautiful Millbrook resort. Enjoy dinner together at the resort this evening.
Your accommodation: Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown (or similar)
This 175 room boutique hotel is situated on 500 acres of golf course and grounds. Surrounded by mountains the resort offers everything you need but is also close enough to Arrowtown and Queenstown to enjoy the region to its fullest.Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, visit the Chantecler Gardens, a 40-acre property that includes 12 acres of mature gardens and nestled in the heart of the Wakitipu Basin. At midday, set off on a cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw across to Walter Peak High Country Farm (approx. 45-minutes) for lunch. Once at the lakeside Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, savour the delicious aromas as the chef has the best of local produce sizzling away on the grill. Overlooking Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown's alpine scenery, the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak High Country Farm is the perfect place to spend a few hours. Its colonial architecture and sweeping grounds evoke the elegance of a bygone era. An entertaining farm demonstration is also included, or you can explore the beautiful lakeside gardens. The rest of the afternoon is free prior to meeting for your final group dinner of the tour.
Your accommodation: Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown (or similar)
This 175 room boutique hotel is situated on 500 acres of golf course and grounds. Surrounded by mountains the resort offers everything you need but is also close enough to Arrowtown and Queenstown to enjoy the region to its fullest.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Bid your fellow tour members farewell today as you transfer to Queenstown airport to join your flight home.
Starts | Status | Twin/Double (2 people sharing) | Single occupancy | You save | |
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Nov 10, 2022
(Thursday) |
NZD$4,950
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NZD$6,600
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NZD$0pp
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7 days, from Auckland to Auckland
8 days, from Wellington to Auckland
7 days, from Queenstown to Auckland
8 days, from Christchurch to Queenstown
19 days, from Auckland to Christchurch
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