5 Day 4 Night New Zealand’s South Southern Highlights Tour

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5 Day 4 Night New Zealand’s South Southern Highlights Tour

By Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
5d
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup

Overview

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

Activity location

Queenstown
- Queenstown, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

Queenstown
- Queenstown, New Zealand

Check availability

5 Day 4 Night New Zealand’s South Southern Highlights Tour

5d
English

Pickup included

Travelers

Language options: English

Starting time: 6:30AM

Price details

$1,403.86 x 1 Adult$1,403.86

Total

Until Sat, Apr 18

What's included, what's not

Taieri Gorge Train ticket
Village & Bays tour and Ulva Island experience with RealNZ (coach transfers, ferry, and guided tour)
Lunch on day 5 - Milford Sound cruise & picnic lunch
Four nights’ accommodation at Distinction Hotels
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Queenstown (select locations only)
Lunch on day 3 - dietary requirements must be advised, no changes within 24 hours of departure
lunch on days 1, 2 & 4

Know before you book

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
The tour itinerary may operate in reverse depending on availability. You will be advised accordingly.
Please allow up to 48 hours for us to confirm your booking. Once done we will be in touch with further details for each day of the journey.
This package is made up of several small group day tours. You’ll join different scheduled tours each day, so your fellow travellers may change along the way.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress accordingly
Guests can bring 1 large & 1 small piece of luggage each
Dietary requirements must be advised at least 24 hours prior to departure, these cannot be changed of amended within 24 hours.

Activity itinerary

Day 1: Queenstown to Dunedin via Taieri Gorge Train

8 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Overnight: Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Queenstown

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.

Lake Dunstan

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

Dunstan House

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.

Ophir Historic Bridge

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

St. Bathans

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.

Pukerangi

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.

Dunedin Scenic Train Tours | Home of the Taieri Gorge Railway

2h
Admission ticket included

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

Dunedin Scenic Train Tours | Home of the Taieri Gorge Railway

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

Day 2: Dunedin to Invercargill via the Catlins

6 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Overnight: Distinction Invercargill Hotel

Dunedin

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

Nugget Point Lighthouse

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.

Purakaunui Falls Walk

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

Papatowai

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.

Curio Bay

1h 30m

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).

Invercargill

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.

Day 3: Stewart Island & Ulva Island Wildlife Experience

1 stop
Meals: lunch
Accommodation: Overnight: Distinction Invercargill Hotel

Stewart 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.

Day 4: Invercargill to Te Anau Transfer

2 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Overnight: Distinction Te Anau Hotel

Invercargill

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

Te Anau

Arrive in Te Anau and enjoy drop off at your accommodation

Day 5: Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound

13 stops
Meals: lunch
Accommodation: Not included

Te 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.

Eglinton 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

Mirror 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.

Lake 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.

Falls Creek Falls

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

Monkey 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.

Homer 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.

Milford 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.

Pops 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

Te Anau

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

Devils Staircase

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

Lake 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

Queenstown

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.

Location

Activity location

Queenstown
- Queenstown, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

Queenstown
- Queenstown, New Zealand

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