New Zealand South Island: 6-Day Stewart Island & Fiordland

Discover the South Island on a 6-day tour from Queenstown. Cruise Milford Sound, explore the Catlins, and visit Stewart Island. Enjoy scenic drives, hikes, and wildlife spotting.
Day 1: Queenstown to Te Anau

Meet your guide and group at Heartland Hotel Queenstown for a welcome meeting. After collecting insurance and emergency contact details, depart for the lakeside town of Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. Enjoy a scenic 3.5-hour drive around Lake Wakatipu with The Remarkables mountains as your backdrop, arriving at the shores of the South Island's biggest lake. Spend the evening exploring on your own or perhaps visit the glow worms across the lake (NZD $135 optional). No meals included today.

Day 2: Milford Sound & Te Anau

Experience the stunning Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) with a memorable boat cruise along waters flowing into the Tasman Sea. Spot bottlenose dolphins and fur seals while sailing past tumbling cascades, soaring peaks, lush rainforest, and twisting inlets. After the cruise, gain a different perspective with a leader-led climb to Milford Lookout—the views are worth the effort. Continue with a Mirror Lakes walk where peaks reflect in crystal-clear waters, then visit Lake Gunn. Return to Te Anau for dinner—try local venison or lobster. Breakfast included.

Day 3: The Catlins

Swap coasts and head to the forgotten corner of Otago—the Catlins. This untamed coastal wilderness features rugged cliffs, dense forest, and spectacular hidden waterfalls. Visit Nugget Point lighthouse perched on a rocky outcrop jutting into the South Pacific Ocean, then hike through dense forest to the pretty McLean Falls. Overnight at a lodge with shared facilities. Breakfast included.

Day 4: Stewart Island

Travel to the island's southern tip and ferry across the Foveaux Strait (30 km, 1 hour) to remote Stewart Island, New Zealand's third-largest landmass. Known in Maori as Rakiura ("land of glowing skies"), the island is almost entirely national park with unspoiled forests, beaches, and bays—a haven for hikers and birdwatchers. Home to endangered brown kiwi and the flightless Stewart Island kiwi. Stay in mixed motel/hostel accommodation with shared facilities. Note: Ferry can be rough; mobile reception is patchy or non-existent. Breakfast included.

Day 5: Stewart Island

Full free day to explore Rakiura National Park and coastline at your own pace. Optional activities include bay cruises spotting penguins and seabirds (NZD $59-$249), walks along forested coastal tracks past early Maori settlements, or kiwi spotting tours. Relax on beaches, learn about local flora and fauna, and enjoy views over William Bay. Perhaps join the group for dinner at a local restaurant. Breakfast included.

Day 6: Return to Queenstown

Ferry back to the mainland and continue to Queenstown, arriving approximately 2pm where your trip ends. Consider extending your stay to enjoy adventure activities, explore Central Otago vineyards, or visit historic mining towns. Breakfast included.

Garantir la disponibilité du livre dans les plus brefs délais. Les réservations anticipées valent la peine d'être prises en considération, surtout si vous planifiez le voyage en haute saison, comme les jours fériés ou les fins de semaine.

Cette excursion peut être annulée sans frais jusqu'à : heures d'annulation avant le début du voyage. Si vous l'annulez après les heures d'annulation ou si vous ne vous présentez pas à l'excursion, le prix total de l'activité vous sera toujours facturé. Tout retard à la prise en charge ou au départ sera considéré comme un retard.