Dunedin to Te Anau via Catlins Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the stunning Catlins coastline
- Visit the famous Nugget Point Lighthouse
- Discover hidden waterfalls and pristine beaches
- Spot native wildlife like sea lions and penguins
- Learn about the rich Maori heritage of the area
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour through the Catlins region
- Transportation in a comfortable vehicle
- Expert commentary on local history and wildlife
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
A short walk takes us to the spectacular Nugget Point Lighthouse, perched above wave-battered sea stacks known as “The Nuggets.” Keep an eye out for seals sunning on the rocks and seabirds soaring above the ocean below.
A quick and easy forest walk brings you to this stunning multi-tiered cascade. One of the most photographed waterfalls in the country—and for good reason.
We stop in the peaceful Catlins village of Papatowai for lunch and to explore the wonderfully quirky Lost Gypsy Caravan, a handcrafted gallery of kinetic art and oddities that’s sure to spark your imagination.
At Curio Bay, step back in time as you walk across the remains of a 180-million-year-old petrified forest (visible at low tide). You may also see endangered yellow-eyed penguins or Hector’s dolphins nearby. Alternative: If tides allow, we may visit the Cathedral Caves, two dramatic sea caverns accessible via a short forest and beach walk (entry fee applies).
A short stop in Invercargill offers a chance to stretch your legs and have a quick bite to eat before we continue our journey
Important information
Know before you book
- Confirm the tour departure time and location upon booking.
- Inform the operator of any dietary restrictions or special requirements in advance.
- Be aware that the tour involves walking on uneven surfaces; ensure you're comfortable with this level of activity.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife encounters.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as conditions can vary throughout the day.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- 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
- Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, a moderate amount of walking is involved.
- Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
Traveler reviews
Explore the Catlins - a great option to travel from Dunedin directly to Lake Te Anau.
This one day trip provided us with a wonderful scenic experience of the Catlin region. Our options to access Lake Te Anau directly from Dunedin were limited. This was a fine alternative. Our guide and driver, Jason, was very knowledgeable about the area and made a huge effort to ensure we saw as much of the beautiful attractions as possible. A big day but well worth it!
Great tour! Highly recommend!!
Highlight tour!! This was my first time ever seeing south nz and Jason the tour guide made sure it was unforgettable. We had numerous stops throughout the day and were able to see gorgeous scenery as well as tons of wildlife. Jason was a great guide, sharing special facts about the countryside and ensuring that my trip was amazing. He went as far to return to my hotel after I had been dropped off and the tour had ended to deliver a raincoat as the weather was predicted to rain a lot. I would highly recommend this to trip and Jason to everyone!
Fantastic experience - unmissable
This was a fantastic tour - a must-do for anyone visiting the South Island. Jason was a fantastic tour guide and really tailored the experience for our small group, incorporating more stops as we the had time. The tour incorporates some of the most unmissable, stunning sights I saw during my time in NZ.
Long tour but GREAT DAY
I really enjoyed this tour. Our guide/driver was Jason who made the day extra special with his lively and informative commentary along the way. He even made things that I wasn't really looking forward to (ie The Petrified Forrest) really interesting which now makes me want to learn a bit more about it. He started the day as a good and professional tour guide but by the end of the day we parted feeling more like friends - even though we did give him a bit of cheek along the way but that goes with the name on the bus. Would definitely book another tour if I make it over here again.
Excellent tour of the Catlins with tour guide and driver Jason
Having a scenic drive from Dunedin to Te Anau was excellent. It was the first time in the Catlins for us. It was a lot of driving so it was nice to sit back and enjoy. My husband and I have a wonderful tour with Jason. We were fortunate to be the only couple on the tour up until Invercargill. It helped that it was a beautiful still day too. Jason looked after us well, explaining lots of things along the way and he was also great company. Jason took us to see the main sights and a few others as Cathedral Caves was unavailable. We enjoyed the addition of Slope Point.