Wild Collection
Wildlife Havens of the South
Seals on Otago Peninsula
The far south of New Zealand has some of the most remote and wildlife-rich landscapes in the country. The Otago Peninsula is famous for marine life, penguins, seals and albatross, and for bird lovers. The drive through the Catlins with a stop at a Curio Bay to see Hectors Dolphins surfing and then to Stewart Island which is a must and will be your best chance to see kiwi in the wild. The Fiordland experiences included here are some of the best with a an overnight cruises on Doubtful Sound and a guided mountain hike. You can add this journey or elements from it to most of our journeys further north.
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Day 1 - Dunedin, Otago
Day 2 - Dunedin, Otago
The Otago Peninsula is a must for all nature lovers, discover by yourself or take a guided trip.
Day 3 - Oban, Stewart Island
The drive to Invercargill takes 2 1/4 hours. From there, fly to Stewart Island with Stewart Island Air. (There is a boat which leaves from Bluff 20 minutes south).
Sails Ashore has both lodge accommodation and a self contained cottage. Settle in and enjoy the plenitude of birdlife even within the tiny settlement of Oban.
Day 4 - Oban, Stewart Island
Join your hosts for a tour of Ulva Island, part of Rakiura National Park and now free of introduced animals. Several species of threatened birds have been reintroduced to this open sanctuary and are doing very well. In addition the forest is flourishing without the influence of rats and deer. The orchids are particularly impressive during their flowering seasons.
Day 5 - Oban, Stewart Island
Day at leisure to take one of the many local hikes or the kiwi watching trip.
Day 7 - Te Anau, Fiordland
- Stay
- Dock Bay Lodge
Ask your hosts for suggestions for day hikes in the area, or stroll along the banks of the lake to the Department of Conservation bird sanctuary.
Day 8 - Te Anau & Doubtful Sound
After being welcomed aboard this comfortable small vessel, you set off to discover the many arms of the fiord. Relax on deck with a glass of bubbly and spot for Tawaki (Fiordland Crested Penguins), Kekeno (NZ Fur Seals) and Bottle-nose Dolphins. Borrow a kayak to paddle across the still waters, fish, swim or dive. Dinner is generally a feast of freshly caught fish.
Day 9 - Te Anau, Fiordland
- Stay
- Dock Bay Lodge
Come back to Dock Bay for a relaxing day golfing, fishing, cycling or another short hike.
Day 10 - Journey's End
Queenstown airport is 2 hours drive away with good connections to other New Zealand destinations as well as a number of direct flights from Australian cities. Or fly into and out of Dunedin Airport and make this a round-trip. Dunedin is 3 1/2 hours drive from Te Anau.
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At a glance
Duration: 10 days, 9 nights
Connection points:
Dunedin airport
Queenstown airport
Activity level: moderate
Best season: November-April
Driving times
Dunedin - Invercargill 3 hours
Invercargill - Stewart Island ferry/plane 30-60 mins
Invercargill - Te Anau 2 1/2 hours
Indicative Price from $4,555
Price is for accommodation only and excludes meals, ground or air transport unless stated. Contact one of our Travel Agents or use My Holiday to contact the operators and book direct.
Wild havens of the Far South
Pure Nature
South Island