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- English
Explore the stunning landscapes and unique wildlife of New Zealand's Deep South on a 5 day journey from Queenstown. This tour features a scenic ride on the historic Taieri Gorge Train, wildlife encounters on Stewart Island, and a cruise through the breathtaking Milford Sound, complete with lunch. Enjoy the dramatic cliffs and waterfalls of the Catlins Coast, stay in premium accommodations, and travel in comfort with small group luxury transport. Experience the best of New Zealand without the planning hassles, guided by passionate locals.
- 5day loop tour from Queenstown, visiting Dunedin, Invercargill, and Milford Sound
- Includes scenic Taieri Gorge Train ride and guided Ulva Island experience
- All transportation and entrance fees covered, with hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Relax in luxury accommodations and small-group settings for personalized experiences
What's Included
Lunch
Meeting and pickup
*Pick-ups begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 5 minutes prior to this time.
*Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. To ensure a timely departure, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late guests.
Itinerary
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1Queenstown
Begin your adventure with pickup from your Queenstown hotel. Travel through the Gibbston wine region and the dramatic Kawarau Gorge, where gold rush history meets raw natural beauty.
Admission ticket free -
2
Pass along the sparkling waters of Lake Dunstan and the heritage town of Cromwell, steeped in gold mining history and surrounded by mountain views.
Admission ticket free -
3
Pause for morning tea at Dunstan House, a charming 1898 hotel once frequented by gold prospectors. Its elegant interiors and welcoming atmosphere make it a favourite stop.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Stop for photos at the 1880 suspension bridge spanning the Manuherikia River, a classic piece of Otago history framed by stunning scenery.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Explore the ghost town of St Bathans, famous for its hauntingly beautiful Blue Lake and preserved gold rush buildings that tell stories of a bygone era.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Arrive at this remote highland outpost and board the legendary Taieri Gorge Train for the next leg of your journey. Bid farewell to your guide and prepare for breathtaking rail views.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
Travel through deep canyons, over towering viaducts, and through ancient tunnels on this iconic heritage railway, a true highlight of the Otago region.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
8
Disembark at Dunedin’s grand Edwardian railway station and step into a city of Scottish charm, rich culture, and architectural beauty.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9
Your adventure begins with a pickup from your Dunedin accommodation. Sit back and enjoy the changing scenery as the coast opens up before you.
Admission ticket free -
10
Take a short walk to this iconic lighthouse perched high above the Pacific. Spot seals on the rocks below and seabirds gliding through the sea breeze.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
11
Stroll through lush native forest to reach one of New Zealand’s most photogenic waterfalls, a multi-tiered cascade surrounded by tranquil greenery.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
12
Pause in the peaceful village of Papatowai for lunch (own expense) and a wander through The Lost Gypsy Caravan, an enchanting collection of handmade art and curiosities that will make you smile.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
13
Walk across a 180-million-year-old petrified forest and, if you’re lucky, spot yellow-eyed penguins or playful Hector’s dolphins nearby. When tides allow, the alternative stop is the awe-inspiring Cathedral Caves (entry fee applies).
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
14
Your journey ends in Invercargill around 4pm, with drop-off at your central accommodation. Relax and reflect on a day filled with stories, scenery, and southern charm.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
15Stewart Island
Enjoy a full-day RealNZ adventure including coach transfers, ferry crossings, and Stewart Island Village & Bays Tour, plus a guided tour of Ulva Island’s predator-free sanctuary. All transfer details will be provided after booking.
8 hours • Admission ticket free -
16
Spend a relaxed day in Invercargill before travelling north about 4:30pm, to lakeside Te Anau, gateway.
Admission ticket free -
17Te Anau
Arrive in Te Anau and enjoy drop off at your accommodation
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
18Te Anau
tour begins in the tranquil lakeside town of Te Anau, home to New Zealand’s second-largest lake. We head to Te Anau Downs, the starting point of the famous Milford Track, where you’ll hear captivating stories and admire stunning lake views.
Admission ticket free -
19Eglinton Valley
We enter Fiordland National Park and make first major stop at Eglinton Valley. With glacier-carved landscapes that look straight out of a movie, this valley sets the scene for the dramatic journey ahead
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
20Mirror Lakes Walk
A short walk leads us to Mirror Lakes, where on a calm day, the reflections of the Earl Mountains in the still waters are so perfect they seem surreal.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
21Lake Gunn
Next, we visit Lake Gunn, a peaceful alpine lake named after an early explorer. The scenery is ideal for a photo stop and to enjoy a moment of quiet among the mountains.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
22
We continue alongside the roaring Hollyford River, stopping to admire Falls Creek and the impressive, thundering waterfall that feeds it.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
23Monkey Creek
As we ascend into the Darran Mountain range, we'll stop to take in the awe-inspiring views and hopefully spot a Kea, New Zealand’s clever and cheeky alpine parrot.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
24Homer Tunnel
We pass through the remarkable, hand-carved Homer Tunnel. Emerging on the other side, be prepared for jaw-dropping views and (on rainy days) hundreds of temporary waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs.
Admission ticket free -
25Milford Sound
We arrive at world-renowned Milford Sound, where you’ll embark on a boutique cruise with Cruise Milford. Enjoy a more intimate and informative experience on a smaller boat, getting up close to fur seals, towering cliffs, and spectacular waterfalls.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
26Pops View Look Out
After your cruise, we begin the return journey. Our first stop is Pop's View, offering panoramic views of the Southern Alps near the start of the Routeburn Track. Your guide will share ancient Māori stories connected to these lands
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
27Te Anau
We return to Te Anau for a short break before continuing our scenic drive toward Queenstown
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
28
As we follow the shores of Lake Wakatipu, we encounter the winding Devils Staircase, a dramatic stretch of road with epic views perfect for photography
Admission ticket free -
29Lake Wakatipu
The drive continues along Lake Wakatipu, offering sweeping vistas of the lake and The Remarkables mountain range. Several photo stops are included to capture the majestic beauty
Admission ticket free -
30Queenstown
Your journey concludes in the adventure capital of New Zealand – Queenstown. Your guide will point out highlights as we arrive in the vibrant lakeside city.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Queenstown to Dunedin via Taieri Gorge Train
Dunedin to Invercargill via the Catlins
Stewart Island & Ulva Island Wildlife Experience
Invercargill to Te Anau Transfer
Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound
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
- This package is made up of several small group day tours
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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
- This package is made up of several small group day tours
- Guests can bring 1 large & 1 small piece of luggage each
- Tour duration includes travel time between locations
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress accordingly
- This is not one continuous group tour. You’ll join different scheduled tours each day, so your fellow travellers may change along the way. We take care of all the details—accommodation, transport, and activities—so you can relax and enjoy New Zealand’s stunning Deep South.
- Please allow up to 24 hours for us to confirm your booking. Once done we will be in touch with further details for each day of the journey.
- Dietary requirements must be advised at least 24 hours prior to departure, these cannot be changed of amended within 24 hours.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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