3 Day 2 Night New Zealand’s South Southern Highlights Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Queenstown to Dunedin via Taieri Gorge
8 stops
1
Queenstown
Begin your adventure with a hotel pickup in Queenstown — New Zealand’s adventure capital. As you depart, journey east through the renowned Gibbston wine region and the rugged Kawarau Gorge, where dramatic landscapes and tales of the gold rush come to life.
Admission ticket free
2
Travel alongside the tranquil shores of Lake Dunstan to Cromwell, a town steeped in gold mining heritage and perfectly situated where the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers meet.
Admission ticket free
3
Take a break for morning tea (available for purchase) at Dunstan House, a lovingly restored 1898 hotel that once welcomed gold prospectors and weary travelers. With its timeless character and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a charming stop on your journey.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
4
Pause for photos at the historic Ophir Bridge — an elegant 1880 suspension bridge spanning the Manuherikia River. This beautifully preserved structure offers a glimpse into the region’s pioneering past.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
5
Step back in time in the enchanting ghost town of St Bathans. Discover its well-preserved heritage buildings and admire the surreal Blue Lake, a man-made marvel created from old gold mining operations.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
6
Arrive at the remote highland station of Pukerangi, where you’ll bid farewell to your guide and board the iconic Taieri Gorge Train. Settle in for a spectacular rail journey through some of New Zealand’s most striking and untouched scenery.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
7
Enjoy an unforgettable ride on this historic railway, winding through steep canyons, crossing towering viaducts, and passing through hand-cut tunnels — all while taking in breathtaking views of the Otago high country.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
8
Your adventure concludes at the grand Dunedin Railway Station, an architectural gem and one of New Zealand’s most photographed landmarks. Step off the train and into Dunedin — a city celebrated for its Scottish roots, artistic culture, and stately heritage.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Dunedin to Te Anau via the Catlins
7 stops
9
Begin your day with pickups your accommodation before setting out along the stunning southern coastline. As the city fades behind, enjoy the ever-changing scenery of one of New Zealand’s most pristine and untouched regions.
Admission ticket free
10
Take a short, scenic walk to the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse, dramatically perched above rugged cliffs and sea stacks known as “The Nuggets.” From this breathtaking vantage point, look for fur seals lounging on the rocks below and seabirds gliding on the ocean breeze.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
11
Wander through lush native forest to one of New Zealand’s most photographed natural wonders. The multi-tiered Purakaunui Falls tumble gracefully through the greenery — a serene spot that perfectly captures the beauty of the Catlins.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
12
Pause in the tranquil coastal village of Papatowai for lunch and a visit to the delightfully eccentric Lost Gypsy Caravan. This whimsical gallery of handmade kinetic creations and curiosities offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
13
Step into the past at Curio Bay, where the remains of a 180-million-year-old petrified forest are revealed at low tide. Keep your eyes peeled for rare wildlife, including yellow-eyed penguins and playful Hector’s dolphins that frequent the area. Alternative: When tide and timing allow, we may visit the awe-inspiring Cathedral Caves — vast sea caverns reached via a short forest and beach walk (entry fee applies).
1 hour 35 minutes • Admission ticket free
14
Enjoy a brief stop in Invercargill, the southernmost city in New Zealand.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
15
Te Anau
Reach Te Anau in the early evening and settle into your central accommodation. Set beside the shimmering waters of Lake Te Anau and bordering Fiordland National Park, this charming lakeside town is the ideal base for your next adventure with Cheeky Kiwi Travel.
Admission ticket free
Day 3
Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound
12 stops
16
Te Anau
Your adventure begins in the peaceful lakeside town of Te Anau, nestled beside New Zealand’s second-largest lake. Enjoy a brief exploration and the chance to spot native birdlife before travelling to Te Anau Downs — the starting point of the world-famous Milford Track. Here, your guide will share fascinating stories of the area while you take in breathtaking lake and mountain views.
Admission ticket free
17
Eglinton Valley
Entering the heart of Fiordland National Park, we make our first major stop at Eglinton Valley. Shaped by ancient glaciers, its sweeping plains and towering peaks create an unforgettable introduction to the wild beauty of Fiordland.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
18
Mirror Lakes Walk
Take a short walk to the tranquil Mirror Lakes, where the reflection of the Earl Mountains dances perfectly across the still surface — a natural mirror that seems almost too beautiful to be real.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
19
Lake Gunn
Pause at the serene Lake Gunn, an alpine gem surrounded by lush beech forest and majestic peaks. It’s an ideal spot for photos and a moment to absorb the quiet grandeur of Fiordland’s wilderness.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
20
Follow the path of the rushing Hollyford River, admire the tumbling waters of Falls Creek. This thundering cascade showcases the raw, untamed power of the region’s waterways.
Admission ticket free
21
Homer Tunnel
Travel through the remarkable Homer Tunnel, a feat of engineering carved through solid rock by hand. On emerging, prepare to be wowed by the breathtaking views — and, if it’s been raining, countless waterfalls streaming down the cliffs.
Admission ticket free
22
Milford Sound
Arrive at the legendary Milford Sound and board your 1.5 hour boutique Cruise Milford experience. A smaller, more personal vessel allows you to get closer to the action — gliding beneath waterfalls, alongside fur seals, and beneath towering granite cliffs.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
23
Pops View Look Out
After your cruise, begin the journey back with a stop at Pop’s View Lookout. From here, enjoy sweeping views over the Southern Alps and the Routeburn Valley as your guide shares captivating Māori legends tied to the land
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
24
Te Anau
Return to Te Anau for a brief rest stop before continuing toward Queenstown.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
25
Journey along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, following the winding Devil’s Staircase — a spectacular section of road offering dramatic views and photo opportunities around every bend.
Admission ticket free
26
Lake Wakatipu
Continue along the edge of Lake Wakatipu, with multiple stops to capture the breathtaking contrast between the glistening lake and the rugged peaks of The Remarkables mountain range.
Admission ticket free
27
Queenstown
Your journey concludes in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. As you arrive, your guide will point out local highlights and landmarks, welcoming you to this vibrant lakeside destination.
Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own

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