Dunedin, Catlins, Stewart Island and Cromwell
Dunedin, Catlins, Stewart Island and Cromwell.
19-27 November 2023
Duration: 9 Days
Highlights: Purakanui Falls, Nugget Point Lighthouse, McLean Falls, Slope point (Southernmost point of the South Island), Petrified Forrest, Moeraki Boulders.
We then move on to discover New Zealand’s third island.
For visitors keen to enjoy peace and tranquillity, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, fresh air, and secluded bays, this almost undiscovered paradise is the place to be.
For scenic variety, the return journey takes us inland through stunning Central Otago, a day trip into Wanaka for lunch, also visiting Lake Hawea. The last day we travel through the spectacular Lindis Pass McKenzie Country and Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo.
Day 1 (D) Dunedin
You are picked up at a designated area. We travel south through Oamaru, stopping along the way for refreshments and for lunch. We will take a short break at the unique Moeraki Boulders before continuing to our comfortable accommodation in Dunedin.
Day 2 (B&D) Owaka
After a leisurely breakfast, we make for Waihola Lake for a morning cuppa. We pass the shoe fence on our way to Balclutha where we stop for lunch then on to the spectacular Catlins where we are based for the next two nights. We visit Jack’s Blowhole on the afternoon.
Day 3 (B&D) Owaka
Over the next 2 days, we will explore this unspoiled, wind-swept ‘nature’s paradise’ as we visit Cannibal Bay, Curio Bay, Surat Bay and Nugget Point Lighthouse. We are almost guaranteed to see seals, sea lions and sea elephants in their natural habitat; there is also the possibility of seeing the yellow-eyed penguins although these are nocturnal animals.
Day 4 (B&D) Owaka to Invercargill
Today we visit the magnificent Purakanui Falls, McLean Falls, the Petrified Forest (one of the world’s finest), and Slope Point before we head to our overnight stay in Invercargill.
Day 5 (B) Stewart Island
Today we will head for Bluff, where we will board the ferry across to Stewart Island. We will relax and settle into our accommodation, and in general soak up the peace and tranquillity of the Island.
Day 6 (B) Stewart Island
After breakfast we start the day with an interesting bus tour with full commentary of the island, the rest of the day is free to choose from the various attractions available, visit the museum, or just go for a leisurely walk.
Day 7 (B&D) Cromwell
We will leave the island back across the Straight and make our way to Cromwell, where we will be staying for 2 nights. The route will take us through Winton, Lumsden, Kingston and Frankton, with lots of beautiful scenery to take in.
Day 8 (B&D) Cromwell
After a leisurely breakfast, we will travel to the stunning Lake Hawea, then onto beautiful Wanaka, enjoy a cup of tea on the edge of the Lake and simply soak up the beauty of this location at this magical time of the year, in all its glorious Spring colours. You then have some free time to browse the shops and have lunch, before we visit Puzzling World for fun time.
Day 9 (B)
We will make our way home, travelling through the awe-inspiring McKenzie Country. We will have a brief stop to look at the stunning views of Lake Pukaki, followed by lunch at Lake Tekapo. We will pay a short visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd, after which we make our way home via Geraldine and Ashburton, arriving in Christchurch between 5.00pm and 6.30pm.
NOTES
B = Continental breakfast provided
L = Lunch
D = Dinner (main meal) provided (please note any drinks will be at your own expense)
Morning cuppa and 'bikkies' provided from the bus most days.
We stop at various places for you to purchase your own lunch.
Moeraki Boulders
McLean Falls
What our clients are saying
“Dear Brenda, Joyce and I wanted to write to tell you how much we enjoyed our recent trip to Catlins & Stewart Island. It was an excellent trip, well planned & well done. We found you good company. Kind and courteous. In this day and age things are not like that always. We will be interested in your future plans.”
— Joyce & Glenis
“Hello, to our Highway and Rally driver Brenda 😊 Well we have had a great time, seeing things we wouldn’t normally see. We want to thank you for all the organizing you have done, and all the preparation you have done for our benefit. We have enjoyed seeing the different beaches. Nobody can enjoy the scenery and views we have seen if in a bus.
Thank you once again, and looking forward to keeping in touch with you. ”
— Cally & Keith
“Dear Brenda, a heartfelt thank you to you for your care and kindness on our wonderful 3rd Age Tour from Christchurch to Stewart Island. For me it was the experience of a lifetime to travel at last to the southernmost point of New Zealand – The wild and beautiful Rakiura. By now you will be pouring your unbounded energy into further tours+ travels but I wanted you to know just how much you are appreciated for all that you give to those in your care. It was a wonderful group to travel with – we all became like family. ”
— Gay
“Pleasantly informal, with time to do unscripted Tiki tours. The further we went the more fun we had. ”
— Maggie
About our Tours.
Join Third Age Tours for fully escorted small group tours of New Zealand and overseas. Meet new people and enjoy the experience while we take care of all the arrangements and look after you.
Our all-inclusive price includes the following per person:
Tour starts and ends in Christchurch.
Comfortable mini-bus pick-up between 8.30am and 8.45am at designated area.
Fully escorted tour.
All breakfasts (continental) and evening meals as indicated.
Accommodation on a twin share basis ex Christchurch.
Check out the rest of the South Island
