Queenstown: 5 Day 4 Night Southern Highlights Tour
Central Dunedin, Queenstown
Explore New Zealand’s Deep South on a 5-day tour from Queenstown. Ride the Taieri Gorge Train, visit The Catlins, Stewart Island, and cruise Milford Sound.
Scenic Multi-Day Tour from Queenstown through Otago, Catlins Coast, Stewart Island, and Milford Sound
This multi-day tour from Queenstown suits travellers seeking to explore Otago’s landscapes, coastal highlights, and Fiordland National Park in comfort.
Highlights
- Scenic train ride through Taieri Gorge
- Visit Catlins Coast, including Nugget Point Lighthouse and Curio Bay
- Explore Stewart Island with guided tours on Ulva Island and Village & the Bays, including lunch
- Cruise Milford Sound with a picnic lunch onboard
- Travel by luxury coach and stay at quality Distinction Hotels
Description
Please note the tour itinerary may operate in reverse depending on availability; you will be informed accordingly.
The journey begins in Queenstown, travelling through Central Otago with stops at Clyde and St Bathans. Experience the iconic Taieri Gorge Train, one of New Zealand’s most scenic rail routes, passing dramatic gorges and countryside en route to Dunedin. Overnight accommodation is at Distinction Hotels in Dunedin.
Next, the tour follows the Catlins Coast, known for its rugged scenery. Stops include Nugget Point Lighthouse, Purakaunui Falls, and the fossil-rich Curio Bay before arriving in Invercargill. You stay two nights at Distinction Invercargill Hotel (note: the guide does not stay overnight here).
A full day is dedicated to Stewart Island. This includes lunch, return ferry transfers, and guided tours on Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary with rare native birds, and Village & the Bay. Local expert guides provide insight into this pristine natural area before returning to Invercargill for the evening.
The tour continues north to Te Anau, a gateway to Fiordland National Park. After a relaxed morning in Invercargill, travel through southern landscapes to Te Anau for an overnight stay.
The experience finishes with a Milford Sound cruise featuring towering cliffs and waterfalls. A picnic lunch is included as you explore this World Heritage area, followed by a return trip and hotel drop-off in Queenstown.
Includes
- Complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off in Queenstown (select locations only)
- All transport in a 15-seat luxury van
- All tours and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Four nights’ accommodation at Distinction Hotels
- Taieri Gorge Train ticket
- Stewart Island package with RealNZ including lunch, transfers, ferry, and guided tours
- Milford Sound cruise with picnic lunch
Excludes
- Meals except lunch on Milford Sound cruise and Stewart Island tour
- Personal expenses
Important Information
- The itinerary may vary or run in reverse depending on availability; notification will be provided
- Please inform us of dietary requirements in advance; changes within 24 hours of departure cannot be accommodated
- This is not a continuous group tour; you will join different scheduled groups each day
- Allow up to 48 hours for booking confirmation; further daily details will be provided after confirmation
Easy Cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
Book early and bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and camera for wildlife and landscapes. The best time to visit is during the southern hemisphere’s spring and summer months for milder weather and longer daylight hours.
