[ Image: Larnach Castle ]

Experience the highlights, history and beauty of Stewart Island, The Catlins, Invercargill and 
Dunedin.

On this amazing tour we explore Dunedin, the Otago Peninsula and south through the wild Calins, right to the southernmost point of New Zealand. All this plus a stay on Stewart Island (Rakiura) and touring through Southland.

Join us on an expedition to discover the beautiful, the remote and beautiful Catlins region and Stewart Island to experience the stunning scenery, flora and fauna, plus visits to Manderville Aviation Centre and Transport World in Invercargill.

Being this far south you may (dependent upon season and conditions) see the Aurora Australis, a sensational light phenomenon otherwise known as the Southern Lights. This region has incredibly clear skies with little or light pollution to speak of. This makes it a perfect place to see the effect of solar winds hitting the Earth’s magnetic field.

Includes

  • Accommodation: 7 nights
  • Meals as per final itinerary: B = Breakfast, D = Welcome and other dinners
  • Museum entries
  • Stewart Island return flights
  • Ulva Island tour (subject to conditions)
  • Stewart Island, Catlins and Invercargill

Excludes

  • Optional and discretionary purchases.
  • Meals and drinks other than as specified as included.
  • Gratuities for driver.
  • Non prepayable fees.

N.B: The order and inclusion of visits to attractions or locations is subject to variation due to changes outside
of our control. 

 

Register for this tour

Day 1: Auckland to Dunedin
We depart Auckland and fly to DUNEDIN. On arrival we transfer to hotel in central Dunedin. There’s time to relax before we enjoy a shared meal together tonight. D

Day 2: Larnach Castle and The Otago Peninsula
After breakfast we visit New Zealand’s only Castle, built in 1871 by William Larnach, merchant baron and politician, for his beloved first wife Eliza. It took more than 200 workmen three years to complete the Castle shell and master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior. Larnach spared no expense on his dream home, which features the finest materials from around the world. The Castle is still privately owned and cared for by the Barker family who purchased it as their home in 1967. B,D

Day 3: Owaka and The Catlins
After breakfast we travel south to start our expedition on the SCENIC SOUTHERN route. Explore the attractions of the quaint OWAKA Township, take a stroll at Nugget Point where there are spectacular coastal views. We will overnight at our accommodation where there is a dining and bar complex in the heart of the rugged and beautiful Catlins. B,D

Day 4: Catlins to Invercargill
Depart after breakfast to see more scenic points of interest on our way to Invercargill, like SLOPE POINT, the southernmost point of the South Island, and the fossilized forest at CURIO BAY, as we follow the southern coastal route to Invercargill. Get a bite of lunch before strolling around at the BILL RICHARDSON TRANSPORT MUSEUM – one man’s passion started it all. Experience a legacy that has become the largest private automotive museum of its type in the world. We then continue to our accommodation and evening meal. B,D

Day 5: Gore, vintage aircraft
After breakfast we drive to Gore with visits to the Eastern Southland Art Gallery and MANDAVILLE HERITAGE AVIATION MUSEUM, which houses mostly aircraft from the 1920s and 30s, including an extensive collection of de Havilland aircraft. It is unique in that nearly all of the aircraft on display are airworthy. B,D The classic Stewart Island, Catlins, Dunedin and Invercargill small group tour. SIC25ITIN100625

Day 6: Invercargill, Stewart Island
Free morning for you to explore Invercargill today. Check out some of the following options… THE WORLD’S FASTEST INDIAN: Most Kiwis will know the famous story of Burt Munro whose life was immortalised in the great film ‘The World’s Fastest Indian’. He was a local motorcycle racer who famously set an under 1,000cc land speed record in 1967. He was 68 years old at the time and his record still stands to this day. His modified Indian Scout
motorbike known as the “Munro Special” can be seen on display at E Hayes and Sons, hardware store, along with about 50 other classic.

ART GALLERY: Invercargill Art Gallery (previously known as the Anderson Park Art Gallery) has a comprehensive collection of important visual art. It’s housed in the exquisite Anderson House, a homestead that has been one of the most impressive residences since the 1920s.

WATER TOWER: Invercargill is also blessed with some iconic landmarks which includes the Invercargill Water Tower. Constructed before the turn of the 20th Century. It’s a great example of Victorian architecture at its best.

QUEENS PARK: If you’re looking for a lovely scenic spot to take a stroll then Queens Park, in the heart of the city, is a great place to head to. It includes botanical gardens, an aviary and some great statues and sculptures too. This afternoon we transfer to the airport for our flight to STEWART ISLAND. B,D

Day 7: Stewart Island
After breakfast we enjoy a minivan tour exploring landmarks and hear the history of OBAN, then free time exploring, or just absorbing the islands tranquillity. Optional visit to ULVA ISLAND subject to availability. This evening we experience true southern hospitality with dinner at our accommodation. B,D

Day 8: Stewart Island to Auckland
Enjoy breakfast with views of native bush and the friendly kaka, before our flight back to Invercargill and onwards to Auckland.

THIS ITINERARY IS THE PROPERTY OF THE TOUR COMPANY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Available dates: November to May on request 
Pricing: Email info@travlink.net or within NZ call 0800 99 77 88 for more about this unique tour