Scenic Catlins Journey: Invercargill to Dunedin
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the stunning Catlins region
- Visit picturesque waterfalls and beaches
- Spot native wildlife in their natural habitat
- Enjoy a fully guided experience with local experts
- Travel in comfort with a small group of up to 15 guests
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Hotel pickup in Invercargill (select locations)
- Central hotel drop-off in Dunedin
- Fully guided tour by local experts
- Accommodation
Itinerary
Our first major stop is at Curio Bay, where you’ll walk across the fossilised remains of a 180-million-year-old petrified forest—visible at low tide. Keep an eye out for rare yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho) and playful Hector’s dolphins in the surf. Alternative stop: If tides allow, we may visit Cathedral Caves, a stunning pair of massive sea caverns accessible via a short forest and beach walk (entry fee applies).
We pause in the quiet Catlins village of Papatowai for lunch (own expense) and a visit to the delightfully quirky Lost Gypsy Caravan, a gallery of handmade kinetic art and curiosities that’s sure to amuse and inspire.
Take a short, easy walk through lush native bush to reach Purakaunui Falls, one of New Zealand’s most photographed waterfalls. This beautiful multi-tiered cascade is a tranquil highlight in the heart of the Catlins.
Next, we make our way to the dramatic Nugget Point Lighthouse, perched high above the ocean. Enjoy a short scenic walk to the viewpoint, where you can spot seals sunbathing on the rocks and seabirds soaring above the iconic “nugget” sea stacks below.
Pass by: We conclude the journey in Dunedin with drop-offs at your central accommodation. Rich in heritage and surrounded by natural beauty, Dunedin is a vibrant southern city – and a perfect place to continue your South Island adventure.
Important information
Know before you book
- Hotel pickup is available from select locations in Invercargill; confirm your pickup point upon booking.
- Lunch is included; inform the operator of any dietary restrictions in advance.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible; please consider your mobility when booking.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for various terrains.
- Bring a light jacket or sweater, as weather conditions can change.
- Pack a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- 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
- Guests can bring 1 large & 1 small piece of luggage each
- Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, a moderate amount of walking is involved.
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
Traveler reviews
Good one
It was a good experience overall in spite of the long wait for the replacement van. Thanks to our saviour Peter who drive us even for a short notice. This is my second time with Cheeky Travel and as always, the tour is great!
Great day out
This tour was the highlight of my short trip to New Zealand. I was staying in Dunedin for the week but decided I needed to check out the highly recommended Catlins area and decided to do this trip from Invercargill to Dunedin. Jason was our driver and tour guide on this tour and there were only two others in the group so we had the whole day to explore and visit some amazing places. We witnessed beautiful scenery, wildlife, waterfalls and lighthouses, all with great commentary from our very knowledgeable guide. We were lucky to have great weather along the way but had to brave the gusty winds up on Nugget Point which was a bit of fun being nearly blown away. This is a one way tour (going either way on alternate days) and I would highly recommend it if you don't have a vehicle. Thanks again Jason, I really enjoyed the day.
Amazing...
We enjoyed our trip. Jason is a great tour guide, and we look forward to another trip with him next year. From: Radhika and Parag Mehta
Visit the stunning Catlins!
As I was the only person to book the day's tour, Jason, my guide, made sure I had a good time. He tried to spot as many animals as possible. We saw sea lions, seals, dolphins and lots of native birds. Jason was really friendly, funny and a great photographer ;) The Catlins are stunningly beautiful, and we experienced all that the coastline had to offer. The waterfalls and temperate rainforests leading to them were stunning, too! Thank you, Jason!
Absolutely wonderful, exceeded my recommendations!
Jason was a fabulous tour guide, well informed and made the tour special for all of us. The weather was terrific and as a result, the whole day was a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend.