New Zealand · SOUTHLAND & STEWART ISLAND TOURS
Good southland & stewart island tours fill up over summer; the great ones go first. Below: the 12 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Guided Stewart Island kiwi search with pre-sunset boat wildlife cruise and torchlit beach walk, $154 pp. Small group.
“Karen and Jen were great guides, providing a huge knowledge and enthusiasm for the tracking down Kiwis. A fantastic evening. A highlight of the holiday”
Catamaran cruise through Paterson Inlet and a guided Ulva Island bird sanctuary walk to spot seals, penguins, weka, and rare plants.
“Very enjoyable and information cruise and guided walk around Ulva Island.”
Stewart Island Village and Bays tour by mini bus. Oban highlights, Maori legends, Lee Bay entry to Rakiura National Park, photo stops in 90 min.
“Definitely recommend. Our guide was Rhys, he was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour.”
Self-guided Milford Track walk with a short water taxi ride, easy terrain, and a hike to Giant Gate Falls in Fiordland.
“Excellent transportation with good instruction to location and times.”
Fly luxury from Queenstown to Milford Sound with guaranteed window seats, then tour Milford on a 2-hour cruise beneath waterfalls.
“Terrific all round. Very professional operation from beginning to end”
Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown with panoramic Milford Road drive, 2-hour cruise, and 40-minute flight back, plus tea and coffee.
“We had an enjoyable time. The drive to milford sound was beautiful though long. Our guide/ driver James was knowledgeable. Although the original provider Scenic Flight cancelled our return flight back, James was able to make alternative arrangements with another flight company. The flight back to Queenstown was truly breathtaking. An unforgettable experience.”
Luxury glass-roof coach from Te Anau to Milford Sound, rainforest walk, photo stops, and a cruise with dolphins and waterfalls.
“God entusiastisk guide. God båd tur med masser af smuk natur”
Guided wilderness walk to Oneke, the Neck, on Stewart Island with a catamaran sea cruise, Māori stories, wildlife, small group.
“This tour was incredible! Our guides India and Harry were very knowledgeable and friendly, really made us feel welcome and at ease. We loved the cultural aspects and learning about the local wildlife, plants and legends. Genuinely the best part of our entire holiday in New Zealand, thank you so very much.”
Small-group Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown with scenic Milford Road stops, plus a 2-hour cruise through the fjord, with pickup.
“Fantastic tour. Shelly was an amazing tour guide and driver and she really made for a terrific time. I highly recommend this excursion.”
Self-guided Milford Track day walk from Lake Te Anau, with a boat ride, a 5 km hike to Clinton Hut, and a swing-bridge stop.
“Great trip. Lovely boat ride & easy walk along the river which was so peaceful. Walking across the swing bridge is fun & has great views. Getting to the hut & experiencing it briefly with the 4 day hikers was good.”
Full-day Dunedin to Te Anau trip through the Catlins, with Nugget Point, Purakaunui Falls, Curio Bay petrified forest, and more for $173.
“Great tour with a lot of beautiful views and stops. Jason was an amazing driver/guide with so much passion for his job.”
A 45-minute Milford Sound helicopter flight with two alpine landings, Tutoko Glacier views, Sutherland Falls, and live pilot commentary.
From the fiords to the geothermal belt, sorted by what you want to do with the day.
