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South Island Nature Trail

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South Island Nature Trail

The wonderful journey starts from Christchurch and includes many attractions in New Zealand’s South Island region. Enjoy a drive across the stunning Canterbury Plains, explore rich wildlife in Dunedin, or admire diverse vistas of the Catlins region. The tour includes a drive to Te Anau via the Southern Scenic Route. Enjoy Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise to the core while the tour ends in Queenstown.

 

Tour Nights

  • Christchurch: 1 nights
  • Dunedin: 2 nights
  • The Catlins: 1 nights
  • Stewart Island: 2 nights
  • Te Anau: 1 nights
  • Doubtful Sound: 1 nights
  • Queenstown: 1 nights
  • Tour CodeTour code: AWNZ05
  • Accommodation GradeAccommodation Grade
  • Private TourPrivate Tour

Tour At a Glance

  • Enjoy a scenic drive along the beautiful Canterbury Plains
  • Take in the breathtaking views of the Southern Alps
  • Spot interesting flora & fauna in Dunedin and Coastal Otago
  • Marvel at the fascinating landscape and enthralling wildlife in the Catlins region
  • Enjoy the ferry ride to Stewart Island and half day guided tour to Ulva Island
  • Be a part of Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
  • Explore the beauty of Manapouri en route to Queenstown

Itinerary details

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  • Day 1 Arrive Christchurch
    south-island-nature-trail-01

    Meet and greet service with rental car pick up at Christchurch Airport.

  • Day 2 Christchurch - Dunedin (363 km)
    south-island-nature-trail-02

    Straight flat roads lead through to the patchwork fields of the Canterbury Plains before you travel over a network of braided rivers with the Southern Alps as a scenic backdrop.

  • Day 3 Dunedin
    south-island-nature-trail-03

    Day at leisure. Dunedin and Coastal Otago is often referred to as the eco-capital of New Zealand. It is a region of natural beauty overlaid with a fascinating cultural history. On Dunedin’s doorstep you will find incredible wildlife including the world’s rarest penguins and the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross.

  • Day 4 Dunedin - The Catlins / Invercargill (111 km)
    south-island-nature-trail-04

    The Catlins region is rugged, remote and endowed with large tracts of native rainforest. It has abundant wildlife, is sparsely populated and is very scenic and unspoilt. Here, close to the rich Sub-Antarctic feeding grounds, can be found some of the world’s rarest marine animals - three penguin species, Hooker's Sea Lions, Hector's Dolphins, Elephant Seals, as well as New Zealand Fur Seals. Notable seabirds include : Mollyhawks, Shags, Gannets and millions of Titi (Sooty Shearwaters). Rocky platforms carved by the sea, secret coves and swee ping beaches of gleaming, wave-combed sand are all part of the exhilarating variety of coastal scenery. Read More

  • Day 5 The Catlins –Bluff (149 km) - Stewart Island
    south-island-nature-trail-05

    Continue through the Catlins and on to Bluff. On arrival in Bluff, catch the ferry to Stewart Island (small additional charge for car storage in Bluff). Largely untouched by humans, Stewart Island provides an excellent habitat for native and endangered birds Residents on the island share their gardens with native birds and summer evenings resound with the melody of Kākā and cheeky Weka strut around Oban township.

  • Day 6 Stewart Island
    south-island-nature-trail-06

    Today’s half day guided tour takes you to Ulva Island, an open bird sanctuary. Covered in unspoilt forest, the island is home to birds including the native Tui, Kaka, Rifleman and Fantail, as well as the endangered South Island Saddleback.

  • Day 7 Stewart Island – Bluff - Te Anau (180 km)
    south-island-nature-trail-07

    This morning catch the ferry back to the mainland and collect your rental car. Travel to Te Anau is via the Southern Scenic Route, a drive featuring a myriad of landscapes shaped by natural processes in New Zealand’s young but varied geological history.

  • Day 8 Te Anau – Manapouri (22 km) - Doubtful Sound
    south-island-nature-trail-08

    Today’s Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise takes you into the wilderness of one of New Zealand’s most spectacular and pristine fiords. With stunning views of waterfalls, rainforest and mountains it is home to bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins. Dedicated nature guides provide specialist knowledge of the region’s history, flora and fauna and kayaking and exploring by tender craft is offered. Please note: As the overnight cruise does not operate over winter it will be replaced with a day cruise including lunch and additional night i n Te Anau . Read More

  • Day 9 Doubtful Sound – Manapouri - Queenstown (172 km)
    south-island-nature-trail-09

    A memorable trip through some of the most magnificent scenery in New Zealand. Rivers and mountains provide endless photo opportunities enroute to New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown.

  • Day 10 Depart Queenstown
    south-island-nature-trail-10

    Tour concludes with the return of your rental car to Queenstown city or airport depot.

Hotels

  • The Classic Villa
    The Classic Villa
    Star Rating Christchurch
  • Stewart Island Lodge
    Stewart Island Lodge
    Star Rating Stewart Island
  • Dunluce Bed & Breakfast
    Dunluce Bed & Breakfast
    Star Rating Te Anau
  • Doubtful Sounds Cruise
    Doubtful Sounds Cruise
    Star Rating Doubtful Sound
  • Camp Estate
    Camp Estate
    Star Rating Dunedin
  •  Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
    Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
    Star Rating Queenstown
  • Beersheba Estate
    Beersheba Estate
    Star Rating The Catlins

The Classic Villa Star Rating

Christchurch
  • The Classic Villa

The Classic Villa is located along Worcester Boulevard, a pedestrian-only street, and adjacent to the Botanic Gardens in Christchurch, New Zealand. Ten kilometers from the Wildlife Willow Bank and the Antarctic Centre, the pr

More info

Stewart Island Lodge Star Rating

Stewart Island
  • Stewart Island Lodge

Stewart Island is located at the southern tip of New Zealand, and is easily accessible by Stewart Island Experience ferry from Bluff to Oban (1 hour) and by small plane from Invercargill Airport (20 minutes). Stewart Island L

More info

Dunluce Bed & Breakfast Star Rating

Te Anau
  • Dunluce Bed & Breakfast

Dunluce Bed & Breakfast is just 166 kilometers away from Queenstown Airport Frankton, Zealand.

More info

Doubtful Sounds Cruise Star Rating

Doubtful Sound
  • Doubtful Sounds Cruise

Travel with us to the heart of Fiordland National Park and take in the beauty and vastness of remote Doubtful Sound on our Wilderness Cruise. It will take your breath away as you experience its deep wilderness.

Camp Estate Star Rating

Dunedin
  • Camp Estate

Camp Estate hotel is situated 500 metres from Larnach Castle, the spacious lobby and marble staircase gives this unique venue a luxurious feel. Also nearby are Boulder Beach and NZ Marine Studies Centre and Aquarium.

More info

Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel Star Rating

Queenstown
  •  Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel

Located in Central Queenstown and Two minutes walk across the park to town and Lake Wakatipu.

More info

Beersheba Estate Star Rating

The Catlins
  • Beersheba Estate

Beersheba Estate is tucked away on a semi-rural property on the outskirts of Invercargill, New Zealand’s southernmost city. A destination in itself, Beersheba is the perfect place to unwind. Alternatively, Beersheba is the id

More info

What's Included?

  • Meet and Greet services.
  • Collect rental car from the Airport depot.
  • Co-Pilot will be handed over by the Meet & Greet Representative on arrival.
  • Accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
  • Meals on Breakafast basis. Dinner while on overnight in Doubtful Sounds Cruise.
  • Unlimited kms, Standard Motor Vehicle Insurance, Excess Reduction to a NIL Excess, Airport/Whaf Fees, GPS Unit, GST.

What's not Included?

  • International flights
  • Visa fees.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephones calls, hard & soft drinks, meals other then specified, beverages and mineral water etc.
  • Still and video camera fee at monuments and game parks.
  • Tips to drivers, porters, bellboys, guides & waiters etc.
  • Any other services not mentioned in the itinerary and inclusions.

Additional Information

Prices above are per person in pounds sterling (£) based on twin sharing.
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