Wilderness & Nature
Wildlife Havens of the South
The far south of New Zealand has some of the most remote and wildlife-rich landscapes in the country. The Otago Peninsula is famous for marine life, penguins, seals and albatross, and for bird lovers. The drive through the Catlins with a stop at a Curio Bay to see Hectors Dolphins surfing and then to Stewart Island which is a must and will be your best chance to see kiwi in the wild. The Fiordland experiences included here are some of the best with a an overnight cruises on Doubtful Sound and a guided mountain hike. You can add this journey or elements from it to most of our journeys further north.
We recommend slow travel, if you have time, add extra nights or extra stops along the way.
- Add to My Holiday
- Download PDF for full Itinerary.
Join this journey in Dunedin, either fly into Dunedin Airport or drive from Christchurch or Queenstown.
Day 1 Travel to Dunedin. Select accommodation and activities from our Collection.
You can either stay in the city of Dunedin and explore the historic centre, ornate railway station, or choose an accommodation on the Otago Peninsula, closer to the Albatross colony and nature tours.
Day 2 Dunedin
Select one of more of the excellent nature tours and explore the Otago Peninsula.
Day 3 Travel the Catlins. Select accommodation and activities from our Collection.
This is one of the least populated stretches of road with some enchanting beaches with penguin viewing or stop to watch Hectors Dolphins surfing.
Day 4 Travel to Stewart Island. Select accommodation and activities from our Collection.
Drive to Invercargill and catch the plane or take a ferry to Stewart Island. Step back in time to a slower pace of life, a bird watchers and hikers′ paradise.
Day 5 Stewart Island
Take a tour to Ulva Island or a kiwi spotting trip.
Day 6 Travel to Te Anau Select accommodation and activities from our Collection.
Return to the Mainland and drive to Te Anau.
Day 7 Overnight Boat Trip Select accommodation and activities from our Collection.
Day 8 Te Anau
Enjoy another night in Te Anau and spend the day hiking, cycling, fishing or playing a round of golf.
Day 9 Journey's End
Drive to Queenstown Airport for flights within New Zealand and also Australia. Or continue up the West Coast or across Central Otago on another of our Itineraries.
Day 1 - EAST SOUTH ISLAND
Day 2 - EAST SOUTH ISLAND
Day 3 - EAST SOUTH ISLAND
Day 4 - Oban, Stewart Island
Day 5 - Oban, Stewart Island
Day 6 - Te Anau, Fiordland
- Stay
- High Leys Lodge
Day 7 - Te Anau & Doubtful Sound
Day 8 - Te Anau, Fiordland
- Stay
- High Leys Lodge
- Add to My Holiday
- Download PDF for full Itinerary.
At a glance
Duration: 9 days, 8 nights
Connection points:
Dunedin airport
Queenstown airport
Activity level: moderate
Best season: November-April
Driving times
Dunedin - Curio Bay: 2 hours 20 minutes
Curio Bay - Invercargill: 1 hour
Invercargill - Stewart Island: ferry/plane 30-60 mins
Invercargill - Te Anau: 2 hours 30 minutes
Indicative Price from $4,190
Price is for accommodation only and excludes meals, ground or air transport unless stated. Contact one of our Travel Agents or use My Holiday to contact the operators and book direct.
Wild havens of the Far South
Pure Nature
South Island