Southern Odyssey & Stewart Island
7 Nights/8 Days: Queenstown – Invercargill – Stewart Island – The Catlins – Dunedin – Tairei Gorge Rail – Queenstown
Southern Odyssey & Stewart Island
A nature lover’s delight – albatross and penguins – and visiting Ulva Island bird sanctuary on Stewart Island. The natural wonders of the Catlins, Dunedin and the Taieri Gorge train.experiences included in your tour price
- All transport by comfortable, air conditioned coach (maximum of 16 travellers).
- Services of your experienced MoaTrek driver/guide.
- Quality, en suite accommodation.
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
- All sightseeing and exploring in the regions.
- In Queenstown we catch the Gondola to Bob’s Peak.
- Tour the Croydon Aviation Heritage Museum and Hokonui Moonshine Museum.
- Take the return flight from Invercargill to Stewart Island.
- On Stewart Island sightsee by coach and cruise to Paterson Inlet and Ulva Island.
- In Dunedin visit the Albatross Colony and Olveston House and lunch at Glenfalloch Gardens.
- Catch the Taieri Gorge train from Dunedin to Middlemarch.
- Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu.
Tour dates
- February 25 - March 3, 2012
- March 5 - March 12, 2012
- February 23 - March 2, 2013
- March 4 - March 11, 2013
Tour Price
$NZD4390 per person twin or double share accommodation$NZD4990per person single room accommodation
Our travellers say...
What can I say? Just as perfect as any previous trips with MoaTrek especially being so well looked after by the driver/guide. We are looking forward to our next trip. Helping to fly the plane from Invercargill to Stewart Island was awe inspiring!
David & Anne Eustace - New Zealand, Southern Odyssey & Stewart Island March 2011
Tour dates
- February 25 - March 3, 2012
- March 5 - March 12, 2012
- February 23 - March 2, 2013
- March 4 - March 11, 2013
Day 1: Queenstown (L, D)
From Queenstown we drive out to the Kawarau Gorge to the Vineyard Cafe and Kitchen for our celebratory arrival lunch. We visit local artist Graham Brinsley before driving into Queenstown to catch the gondola ride to Bob’s Peak for afternoon tea and a breathtaking view of Lake Wakatipu. Tonight we dine at the hotel restaurant.
Day 2: Queenstown - Invercargill - Stewart Island (B, L, D)
The road from Queenstown winds alongside Lake Wakatipu to Kingston. We drive through Lumsden and on to the Old Mandeville airfield where we tour the Croydon Aviation Heritage Trust factory and museum. Vintage planes come from all over the world for restoration work at the factory. We lunch at The Moth Cafe at the airfield and then drive to Gore for a touch of local colour - the Hokonui Moonshine Museum celebrates the wild old Southland prohibition days. From Invercargill Airport we take the 20-minute flight to Stewart Island. We are met on arrival and transferred to the Bay Motel. This evening we eat at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Stewart Island sightseeing (B, L, D)
This morning we tour Oban and the surrounding bays including the gateway to Rakiura National Park. Our onboard local guide provides insights into Stewart Island’s community and seafearing history. We cruise the sheltered waters of beautiful Paterson Inlet and land at Ulva Island, a world acclaimed open sanctuary. We dine at the South Seas Hotel.
Day 4: Stewart Island - Catlins - Kaka Point (B, L, D)
We fly back to Invercargill and visit Queens Park and Southland Museum before driving through the Catlins to lunch at Niagara Falls cafe. This region’s history includes whaling, logging native forest, and farming. Seals, penguins and bird life abound. We dine by the sea at the Point Café and Bar at Kaka Point and after dinner watch the rare Yellow Eyed Penguins come ashore at dusk.
Day 5: Kaka Point - Dunedin (B, L, D)
We wend our way to Balclutha and along the coast to the Taieri River mouth, St Clair Beach and Glenfalloch Gardens for lunch. There’s much to enjoy in this university-focused town. Founded in 1848, Dunedin’s Scottish ancestry shows and Robbie Burns’ statue takes pride of place in The Octagon. We lunch at Glenfalloch Gardens, visit stately Olveston House and dine in at your inner city hotel.
Day 6: Dunedin sightseeing (B, L, D)
Leisurely sightseeing around Dunedin including visiting the Hocken Library and touring on the Otago Peninsula to the Royal Albatross Centre, the only mainland albatross colony in the world. We lunch at the Royal Albatross Cafe and return to the city in time for shopping and further sightseeing.
Day 7: Dunedin - Taieri Rail - Middlemarch - Queenstown (B, L, D)
We board the Taieri Gorge train at Dunedin’s Edwardian railway station to travel through the wildly scenic Taieri River Gorge to Middlemarch where your coach awaits. We drive through the Maniatoto landscape to lunch then on to the charming and historic Clyde and through the Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown.
Day 8: Queenstown (B, L)
We cruise on the historic steamship, Tss Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu this morning and visit the historic goldmining hamlet of Arrowtown. Enjoy a farewell lunch at the Stables.
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
This fresh, modern four star hotel offers spacious rooms close to the town and lakefront.
Bay Motel
There are lovely views of Half Moon Bay from this modern four star motel just above the town. There’s also the possibility a rare native bird, the Kaka, may land on your motel’s balcony.
Nugget View Motel
This motel is in small coastal village in the Catlins. It has wonderful sea views and sunrises, the song of bell birds and Nugget Point lighthouse and penguins are close by.
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Dunedin’s most prestigious hotel, the four star plus Southern Cross enjoys a premium location. Dating back to 1883, this landmark building blends Dunedin’s charm and heritage with modern day comforts.
Booking enquiries
To make an enquiry or booking with MoaTrek fill in the form below and use the submit button - this will generate an email to MoaTrek New Zealand Ltd. We'll answer your query promptly.
Contact details
Booking conditions
- A payment of 10% of your tour cost to your travel agent or MoaTrek New Zealand Ltd (MoaTrek) confirms your booking and acknowledges your agreement to our terms and conditions.
- The balance of your fare is due 40 days before your tour departs.
- Tour reservations can of course, be made within 40 days provided full payment is made at time of booking.
- All prices are in $NZ and include New Zealand Goods & Services tax (GST) of 12.5%.
Cancellations and amendments
Cancellation fees depend on when we receive written notification of a cancellation.
- Bookings cancelled more than 40 days before departure incur loss of deposit.
- Between 40 days & 14 days 25% of tour cost.
- Within 14 days of departure 50% of tour cost.
- Bookings cancelled within seven days of the departure date are subject to 100% of tour cost.
- No refunds will be made after travel has commenced.
Booking Conditions, the fine print.
The area has captured hearts and imaginations since the first Maori came in search of pounamu (greenstone) and the giant Moa bird. More recently, gold miners, adventurers, filmmakers and wine enthusiasts have been drawn to this magical region and its alpine energy.
Catch the Gondola to the Skyline Chalet. You'll be on top of the world surrounded by stunning views of lakes and mountains. Reputed to be the steepest lift in the Southern Hemisphere, the gondola carries visitors high above Queenstown to the Skyline complex on Bob's Peak. 
The Croydon Aviation Heritage Trust is a living reminder of the golden years of flying in the 1920's and 1930's. The facility has wonderful old aircraft on display for all to view. The opportunity is available to savour the era completely by a flight in the aircraft of yesterday. 
The flight from Invercargill to the Ryan’s Creek airfield on Stewart Islandtakes 20 minutes encompassing astonishing views of both Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island. Flying over Foveaux Strait, you will see Dog Island and its lighthouse outside the entrance to Bluff harbour, Ruapuke Island and the Titi Island (Mutton Bird Island) group. As you draw closer Stewart Island’s golden beaches, sparkling turquoise water and verdant green native bush come into view. A courtesy coach transfers you to Oban.
The town of Oban, which is Stewart Island's only settlement, is situated in Half Moon Bay and is where most visitors to the island arrive.
Gain an entertaining insight into New Zealand’s southernmost community, and learn about the history and environment of this beautiful island. Our local guides enjoy sharing their knowledge and they allow plenty of time for photo stops and short walks.
Enjoy a leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet viewing hidden coves and unspoilt beaches. Along the way learn about the early Maori history and European settlement including whaling.
Unique to New Zealand, the hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguin, is thought to be the world's rarest penguin.
A tour of Olveston allows an intimate glimpse of the lifestyle of a privileged family in the early 1900's. It reflects a lifestyle enjoyed by just a few, but represents a most important piece in the mosaic of early New Zealand life as a whole
The Royal Albatross Colony at Taiaroa Head is the only mainland breeding colony for albatross in the southern hemisphere. The first Taiaroa-reared albatross chick flew in 1938 and this now protected nature reserve has grown into an established colony with a population of around 140 birds. Held aloft on slim wings up to 3 metres across, the great Albatross is capable of swooping speeds of more than 115kph. 
Take a journey through the rugged and spectacular Taieri River Gorge, across wrought iron viaducts and through tunnels carved by hand more than 100 years ago. With full commentary, photographic stops and on board refreshments.
Catch the coal fired, vintage steamship tss Earnslaw to cruise down the lake. On the 10am, 12pm, 2pm cruise there is the option to stop off at Walter Peak Station for a farm tour. Operating since 1912, the tss Earnslaw is the best way to take in the magnificent scenery. Every cruise allows you plenty of time to explore the ship’s decks and bridge, view the engine room and historic displays and even join a sing-along with the ship's pianist!
Many Chinese immigrated to this area in the gold rush era of the late 1860s and helped grow a thriving mining community. Visit the recreated camp beside the Arrow River to get a glimpse into the harsh conditions they endured in their search for gold. Wander Arrowtown's picturesque main street where buildings date back to the gold mining era. 
Enjoy the view from the gondola 
Relax in Oban, Stewart Island 
Walk to Nugget Point, The Catlins 
Dunedin Railway Station 
Ride the Taieri Gorge railway