Te Anau to Dunedin Via The Catlins Small-Group Tour (One-Way)

Invercargill, NZ
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (6 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Bottled water
  • inclusion
    Snacks
  • inclusion
    Hotel Drop off in Dunedin (central locations only)
  • inclusion
    Hotel pickup in Te Anau (Select locations only)
  • inclusion
    Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Lunch
  • exclusion
    Accommodation

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
Aden Motel
Alpine View Motel
Amber Court Motel
Anchorage Motel Apartments
Arran Motel
Asure Explorer Motel Te Anau
Bella Vista Motel Te Anau
Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau
Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
Edgewater Motel
Fiordland Hotel/Motel
Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments
Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau
Lakefront Lodge
Lakeside Motel & Apartments
Parklands Motel
Radfords on the Lake
Red Tussock Motel
Tasman Holiday Parks
Te Anau Lakefront B&B
Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers
Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels
Te Anau Lodge
Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park
The Village Inn
- Pickup offered from listed locations only. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. - Pick-ups begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside by this time. - Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance. - Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. To ensure a timely departure, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late guests. - You will receive an email with important pickup information the day prior, please read this information.

What to expect

1

Invercargill

A brief stop in Invercargill offers a chance to stretch your legs or join/disembark the tour. Guests from the city can begin or end their journey here at approximately 9:00 AM.

Duration 30 minutes
2

Curio Bay

Step onto the fossilised remains of a 180-million-year-old petrified forest at Curio Bay (visible at low tide). Keep watch for yellow-eyed penguins and Hector’s dolphins that frequent the shoreline. ***Alternative: If tides allow, we may visit the stunning Cathedral Caves—towering sea caverns accessible via a scenic walk (entry fee applies).

Duration 90 minutes
3

Papatowai

We stop in the quiet Catlins village of Papatowai for lunch and a chance to visit the unique Lost Gypsy Caravan, a whimsical gallery of kinetic art, curiosities, and handmade wonders that never fail to surprise.

Duration 60 minutes
4

Purakaunui Falls Walk

Take a short, easy walk through lush native forest to reach one of New Zealand’s most photographed waterfalls—Purakaunui Falls. Its tiered cascade makes for a peaceful and photogenic stop.

Duration 30 minutes
5
Nugget Point Lighthouse

A gentle coastal walk leads us to the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse, where panoramic views and dramatic sea stacks await. Spot fur seals, seabirds, and the raw power of the Southern Ocean from this spectacular lookout.

Duration 60 minutes
6

Dunedin

We conclude our journey in Dunedin with drop-offs at your central accommodation. Known for its Scottish heritage, vibrant student life, and stunning architecture, Dunedin is a great place to end your southern adventure—or begin the next one.

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
  • Additional information
    Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, a moderate amount of walking is involved.
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Remaining hours will be allotted for the travel time between locations
  • Additional information
    Specialized infant seats are available
  • Additional information
    Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

What our experts say

  • icon
    Visit nearby Cathedral Caves if tides permit.
  • icon
    Try the unique art at Lost Gypsy Caravan.
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    Catch yellow-eyed penguins at Curio Bay.
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    Bring a camera for stunning waterfall views.
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    Dress in layers for variable weather.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Te Anau to Dunedin via the stunning Catlins region on this small-group one-way tour. Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of New Zealand's untouched landscapes, from ancient forests to dramatic seascapes, and rare wildlife encounters.

What to expect?

Travelers can anticipate a small group experience with a maximum of 15 guests, ensuring an intimate and personalized exploration of key highlights such as Curio Bay, Purakaunui Falls, and Nugget Point. Enjoy guided storytelling, scenic stops, and a leisurely pace throughout the journey, with inclusions like bottled water, snacks, and convenient drop-offs at central Dunedin accommodations.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and adventurers seeking to discover the hidden gems of the Catlins region. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group of friends, this experience offers a unique opportunity to explore New Zealand's natural beauty in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

Why book this?

Experience the magic of the Catlins with a knowledgeable guide leading the way, providing insights into the region's history, culture, and wildlife. From the fossilized forest at Curio Bay to the whimsical lunch stop at the Lost Gypsy Caravan, every moment on this tour is filled with wonder and discovery.

Good to know

Travelers should be prepared for a full-day adventure with scenic drives, short walks, and opportunities for wildlife sightings. Remember to bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes, and layers for changing weather conditions. With hotel pickups in Te Anau and drop-offs in Dunedin, convenience and comfort are prioritized throughout the journey.

Reviews

Travelers who have experienced this tour rave about the picturesque landscapes, knowledgeable guides, and personalized nature of the small group experience. Many highlight the unique stops, including the lunch at the Lost Gypsy Caravan and the breathtaking views at Nugget Point Lighthouse, making this journey a truly memorable and enriching experience.

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