Southern South Island Highlights 5-Day Small-Group Tour

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Queenstown to Dunedin via Taieri Gorge Train⌄

   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.

   Pass along the sparkling waters of Lake Dunstan and the heritage town of Cromwell, steeped in gold mining history and surrounded by mountain views.

   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.

   Stop for photos at the 1880 suspension bridge spanning the Manuherikia River, a classic piece of Otago history framed by stunning scenery.

   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.

   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.

   Travel through deep canyons, over towering viaducts, and through ancient tunnels on this iconic heritage railway, a true highlight of the Otago region.

   Disembark at Dunedin’s grand Edwardian railway station and step into a city of Scottish charm, rich culture, and architectural beauty.

   Overnight: Overnight: Distinction Dunedin Hotel

2. 2Dunedin to Invercargill via the Catlins⌄

   Your adventure begins with a pickup from your Dunedin accommodation. Sit back and enjoy the changing scenery as the coast opens up before you.

   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.

   Stroll through lush native forest to reach one of New Zealand’s most photogenic waterfalls, a multi-tiered cascade surrounded by tranquil greenery.

   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.

   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).

   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.

   Overnight: Overnight: Distinction Invercargill Hotel

3. 3Stewart Island & Ulva Island Wildlife Experience⌄

   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.

   Meals: Lunch: Dietary requirements must be advised. We cannot add or amend dietary requirements within 24 hours.

   Overnight: Overnight: Distinction Invercargill Hotel

4. 4Invercargill to Te Anau Transfer⌄

   Spend a relaxed day in Invercargill before travelling north about 4:30pm, to lakeside Te Anau, gateway.

   Arrive in Te Anau and enjoy drop off at your accommodation

   Overnight: Overnight: Distinction Te Anau Hotel

5. 5Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound⌄

   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.

   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

   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.

   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.

   We continue alongside the roaring Hollyford River, stopping to admire Falls Creek and the impressive, thundering waterfall that feeds it.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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

   We return to Te Anau for a short break before continuing our scenic drive toward Queenstown

   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

   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

   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.

   Meals: Lunch: Picnic lunch - please specify any dietary requirements per person