Valid for stays up to and included 15th January 2022.
Includes:
- Six nights hotel/motel accommodation as detailed in the day by day itinerary
- All hotel taxes and service charges (except personal expenses such as room service, internet charge, laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, optional activities, gratuities, tips to guides, drivers, bellboys, etc.)
- Five-day compact category rental car for couples and family of 3 or SUV category for family of 4
- Including Unlimited Mileage, Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Roadside Assistance, Taxes, Surcharges & Fees
- Ferry ticket Stewart Island return
- Transfer return between Invercargill Airport (rental car drop off) and Bluff Ferry Station
- An Explorer Kit containing Maps, Information, Driving Instructions, Mileage, Sights to See and Detailed Directions to your Hotels
Excludes:
- Fuel and Parking Charges
- Admissions to Parks and Attractions unless otherwise stated
- Airfares from and to departure/ arrival
- Meals and Activities/ Entry Fees
Itinerary:
DAY 1: Otago Peninsula - Dunedin
Pick and choose between focusing on wildlife or time spent in strolling through an Edwardian garden. The Otago Peninsula, Dunedin is situated on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand.The Peninsula together with its 20 km long harbour, is the home of an abundance of magnificent world famous marine wildlife, namely The Royal Albatross, the endangered Yellow Eyed Penguin/Hoiho and the Blue Penguins at Pukekura. The peninsula is home to one of New Zealand’s national gardens of significance celebrating the best of nineteenth and early twentieth century planting traditions.
Highlights of the day:
- Observing native birds in Glenfalloch Garden
- Royal Albatross Centre encounters with blue penguins & albatross
- Monarch Wildlife Cruise -- meet a fur seal colony, whakahao, the rarest species of sea lion in the world, dolphins & marine bird life
- New Zealand’s only Fully Restored Edwardian Villa
- Larnach Castle - New Zealand’s only castle
DAY 2: Hidden Gems of Otago
Beaches, Alpacas, View Point, Lookout, Museum
Striking coastal scenery is a great start to the day. Your information pack will narrate the story of the hand cut tunnel to the picturesque beach. For families with members fascinated with dinosaurs you have an opportunity to view skeletons and remains of ancient creatures that called New Zealand home. Next it’s an encounter with alpacas, pack animals of South America. These intelligent and interesting animals are our companions on the farm tour. Photo moments in front of a glorious art deco former post office and a heritage cottage create memorable experiences for the afternoon.
Highlights of the day:
- Tunnel beach
- Lake Waihola view point
- Whale Fossils Lookout
- Tokomairiro Church and Museum
- Kooinda Alpacas farm tour
- Sod Cottage
DAY 3: Balclutha - New Haven
Reserve Walk, Lighthouse, Sea Lions, Heritage
Today is scenery, wildlife and the wild rugged landscapes of the Catlins.
The Catlins is home to the smallest penguin, the smallest dolphin and the most endangered sea lion. Lots of reasons to spend time observing their natural habitat and experience the joy of sharing moments with New Zealand’s wildlife. Wild, remote yet accessible from well maintained boardwalks and pathways it’s a privilege to get up close and personal with New Zealand’s wildlife in their natural habitat.
Highlights of the day:
- Awakiki Bush Reserve
- Kaka Point
- Nugget Point Lighthouse
- Tokata & Roaring Bay
DAY 4: New Haven - Curio Bay
Waterfalls, walks and wonders in the Catlins
The Catlins are not on the tourist circuit. Waterfalls with easy family friendly tracks plus glorious displays of sheets of water cascading over segmented rocks, curtains of water invoke a sense of magic. Visitors could drive through the Catlins in a number of hours. Rather you are encouraged to linger and explore New Zealand’s spectacular waterfalls. The Catlins is a treasure worth a detour at the bottom of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Highlights of the day:
- Wild natural coastal scenery
- Natural spaces where slowing down is a given
- Lighthouses and waterfalls to tempt dedicated fans
- Waterfalls off the beaten track
- Waterfalls family friendly access
DAY 5: Curio Bay - Invercargill
Ferry to Stewart Island
Today is a chance to have a photocall at the furthest most southern point and to ponder the fate of shipwrecks. The dramatic coast has another lighthouse to walk around while the constant roar of the surf reminds visitors of the wild meets southern oceans. An intriguing photo moment with an entire row of trees artfully curated by natural elements to slope towards the ocean. You will arrive in Invercargill mid afternoon.
Highlights of the day:
- Tumu Toka - Breakfast
- Natural spaces where slowing down is a given
- Lighthouses and waterfalls to tempt dedicated fans
- Waterfalls off the beaten track
- Waterfalls family friendly access
DAY 6: Stewart Island
Untouched New Zealand showcase
Unspoilt, relaxing and incredibly beautiful, Stewart Island is a showcase for untouched New Zealand. Just a 1 hour ride by Stewart Island Ferry from Bluff, Stewart Island is one of New Zealand's largely undiscovered eco-tourism destinations. With its network of stunning bays, inlets, golden sand beaches and densely forested hills, Stewart Island combines a spectacular mix of breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights of the day:
- Rakiura Track
- Birdwatch on Ulva Island
- Carve your own Greenstone
DAY 7: Stewart Island
Finish your trip in style: Scenic Flight & Golf
Our island offers a special experience - a glimpse into a simpler, slower lifestyle, in rhythm with the sea and the tides, attuned to the natural world of bush and beach. Stewart Island residents make everyone feel welcome, including the pooch occupying the local cinema.
Highlights of the day:
- Walking/ Tracking
- Golf at Ringa Ringa
View the full itinerary here.
About the Winter Safari Deep Southern Self-Guided Tour:
Dunedin, home of the Albatross and chicks getting ready for their sea voyage.
The Catlins is the region between Balclutha and Invercargill / Bluff. The climate could be off putting for some visitors. The Catlins are not the tropics, rather the area is a mild summer day folded into a cool mist the next. Who wants cocktails on a balmy beach when visitors have massive sea lions to gawp at. Adorable blue penguins waddle into our hearts together with soaring majestic albatross making for a spectacular start to the holiday.
Pack your swimmers (togs) and a good raincoat. Take your time to linger and savour southern hospitality. You could rush through in an afternoon however this would not do justice to the region. Distances are not far and a leisurely wander through the southernmost part of New Zealand.
Conditions
Valid from May 20, 2021
Expires Jan 15, 2022
Limit: 1 per user and 1 as gift for others
Bookings essential, book early to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability. Valid for stays up to and including 15th January 2022. Not valid public holidays. Must be used in 1 visit. Valid for a number of people stipulated on coupon only. Children ages: up to 13 years old. Cannot combine coupons to lengthen stay. Includes: six nights hotel/motel accommodation, 5 days rental car, ferry ticket to Stewart Island return, transfer return between Invercargill Airport and Bluff Ferry Station, explorer kit. Excludes: sightseeing / activities not listed in the itinerary. Meals not listed in the itinerary. Personal expenses such as room service, internet charge, laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, optional activities, etc. Optional day tours during free time. All payments are 100% transferable to other dates or tours in the case of COVID-related lockdown. Value of the deal is based on current rates, which are subject to change. While stocks last. No refunds unless required by law. No cashback. Not to be used with other offers
See the rules that apply to all deals.
