Description

Day 1… Queenstown – Milford Sound – Te Anau
Departing Queenstown early we journey towards Milford Sound. The road to Milford Sound through the Fiordland National Park is justifiably almost as famous as the sound itself. There is farmland, then there are lakes and tussock flats and the breathtaking sheer U shaped glaciated valleys. The landscape becomes gradually more rugged and the sound of water becomes more prominent, especially after rain when it roars and there are waterfalls everywhere. The highlight is the Homer Tunnel, started in the Great Depression and a tribute to the labourers who made this route possible. Blasted through the Darran Mountains and into the Cleddau Valley, it gives us access to Milford Sound, a truly majestic place voted as one of the seven scenic wonders of the world. You will then explore the magic of the Milford Sound on a boat cruise before heading back to Te Anau taking in a couple of short walks to explore the area further. Your overnight accommodation is in Te Anau.

Day 2… Te Anau – Catlins – Otago Peninsula
Leaving the Fiordland National Park behind us we venture towards the southern coast stopping at Riverton to visit the award winning Tikoi museum. After bypassing Invercargill and Bluff (Gateway to Stewart Island) we drive the Catlins Scenic Highway to explore the southern most part of mainland New Zealand.

We stop at Curio Bay to explore the fossilised forests on the beach and have lunch before continuing towards the Papatowai waterfalls where we can take a short walk. Heading north we reach your overnight accommodation on the Otago Peninsula and/or Dunedin via the Taieri River Mouth and a spectacular beach drive.

Extra Day(s) Exploring
The following day(s) can be spent exploring Dunedin and/or the Otago Peninsula. Dunedin, founded by the Scots is the country’s foremost place of learning with Museums and Art Galleries and a statue of Robbie Burns in the city centre. The Otago Peninsula is a wild life paradise and home to the world’s rarest penguin and the only mainland colony of the Royal Albatross. Driving the peninsula you will pass through a number small quaint villages and be rewarded with superb views.

Please note this tour can be started in Dunedin and finish in Queenstown.