From pristine Fiordland on the southern west coast to unique Stewart Island and eastward to The Catlins, we’ll explore the deep south led by our own son of the South.
Bay Tours owner Ken Withington is Southland born and bred and with wife Kerren, will lead this 11-day pilgrimage back to his roots and show off the scenic grandeur and southern hospitality of The South of the South.
Day 1: We fly to beautiful Queenstown this morning where Ken will meet us with the Bay Tours coach and then it’s a wonderful scenic drive to Te Anau where we settle into our hotel.
Day 2: Our exploration of Fiordland begins today with a trip into Doubtful Sound via Lake Manapouri and the Wilmot Pass. Three times longer than Milford Sound and ten times the surface area, a cruise of remote Doubtful Sound will reward with abundant wildlife and incredible vistas and birdsong.
Day 3: An amazing morning awaits as we cross Lake Te Anau and experience a guided tour of the hugely popular Te Anau Glowworm Caves by path and small boat. On our return to Te Anau you have a Free Afternoon with perhaps a visit to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary for those interested.
Day 4: Today we take the world-renowned road, including the Homer Tunnel, to iconic Milford Sound for an astounding scenic cruise around one of this country’s greatest natural wonders. Then we’re back to Te Anau for the night.
Day 5: We begin our day with a visit to the most impressive private military museums we’ve ever seen. Then it’s a skip and jump down the road for morning tea at Keplar Mountain View Alpacas. We then depart Te Anau and enjoy a picnic lunch at the famous Clifden Suspension Bridge. From here we continue south east to Riverton on the south coast and on to Kens’ hometown – Invercargill for the next couple of nights.
Day 6: In the morning we’re off to Bluff for a tour of NZ’s southern-most distillery and the adjacent Paua Farm. Then it’s the incredible Maple Glen Gardens for lunch and time to wander this magnificent place.
Day 7: Today we’re off to Stewart Island by plane and we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the island on arrival. Enjoy some leisure time in the afternoon for bush or beach walks. After dinner in Oban there will be an OPTIONAL: Kiwi Spotting Night Tour for the hale and hearty.
Day 8: Today we take the water-taxi to Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary for a gentle guided amble around this unique environment where they say the bird life is so friendly, they’ll come too close for your camera lens.
Day 9: We farewell the beauty and hospitality of Stewart Island this morning and return to the mainland where we make our way to jaw-dropping Bill Richardson Vintage Truck Museum, firstly for lunch in the café and then for a nostalgic view of over 200 stunningly restored vehicles and transport memorabilia. This afternoon we have free time to explore Invercargill at leisure.
Day 10: We depart Invercargill this morning and, continuing our journey eastward, into The Catlins area of eastern Southland. We’ll visit the astonishing ‘Petrified Forest’ at Curio Bay, take in the incredible views of the Great Southern Ocean from Florence Hill and check out the beach at Kaka Point. A wonderful day spent wending our way through this remote wonderland with lighthouses, waterfalls, pristine harbours and lounging sea lions. Then suddenly we’re in Dunedin!
Day 11: We say farewell to southern hospitality an fly directly from Dunedin back to ‘the Bay’. This expansive tour takes in so many breath-taking places and experiences that it will remain with you for ever. With the insight and local knowledge that Ken and Kerren bring, this tour is a once in a lifetime ‘Bucket List’ experience not to be missed. Come join us … but hurry, as numbers are limited.
