3 Day 2 Night New Zealand’s South Southern Highlights Tour

5.0 (3 reviews) 3 days Free cancellation

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3 reviews

5.0

Deboard the Taieri Gorge Train at the iconic & beautiful Dunedin Railway Station — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

3 Day 2 Night New Zealand’s South Southern Highlights Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover the stunning landscapes of New Zealand's deep south over three unforgettable days. This small-group tour takes you from Queenstown to the breathtaking Milford Sound, with stops at historic Central Otago towns, the scenic Catlins Coast, and Milford Sound. Travel in comfort aboard a comfortable mini bus and stay at premium Distinction Hotels, experiencing the best of New Zealand's natural beauty. Enjoy a scenic train ride, explore iconic lighthouses, and savor lunch during your cruise in Milford Sound. This tour offers a blend of adventure and relaxation, perfect for nature lovers and travelers seeking an authentic Kiwi experience.

3-Day small-group tour with hotel pick-up and drop-off
Scenic Taieri Gorge Train journey and Milford Sound cruise with lunch included
Explore stunning locations like Nugget Point Lighthouse and Purakaunui Falls
Stay at premium Distinction Hotels for two nights during your journey

Nature and Wildlife Tours Multi-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Water Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate Agent Low Quality Product

At a glance

Duration: 3 days
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–14 years) · Adults (15–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Accommodation for 2 nights at Distinction Hotels
Included: Safety/booster seat for children aged 7 & younger (please advise if you prefer to provide your own)
Included: Taieri Gorge Train ticket
Included: Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Queenstown (listed locations only)
Included: All tours and entrance fees in the itinerary
Included: Lunch
Included: Milford Sound cruise & picnic lunch

Not included

Not included: Meals (except for picnic lunch on Milford Sound Cruise)
Not included: Queenstown Accommodation

Itinerary

Day 1 · Queenstown to Dunedin via Taieri Gorge

Queenstown

Passing by

Begin your adventure with a hotel pickup in Queenstown — New Zealand’s adventure capital. As you depart, journey east through the renowned Gibbston wine region and the rugged Kawarau Gorge, where dramatic landscapes and tales of the gold rush come to life.
Stop 2

Passing by

Travel alongside the tranquil shores of Lake Dunstan to Cromwell, a town steeped in gold mining heritage and perfectly situated where the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers meet.
Stop 3

30 min

Take a break for morning tea (available for purchase) at Dunstan House, a lovingly restored 1898 hotel that once welcomed gold prospectors and weary travelers. With its timeless character and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a charming stop on your journey.
Stop 4

5 min

Pause for photos at the historic Ophir Bridge — an elegant 1880 suspension bridge spanning the Manuherikia River. This beautifully preserved structure offers a glimpse into the region’s pioneering past.
St. Bathans

30 min

Step back in time in the enchanting ghost town of St Bathans. Discover its well-preserved heritage buildings and admire the surreal Blue Lake, a man-made marvel created from old gold mining operations.
Stop 6

10 min

Arrive at the remote highland station of Pukerangi, where you’ll bid farewell to your guide and board the iconic Taieri Gorge Train. Settle in for a spectacular rail journey through some of New Zealand’s most striking and untouched scenery.
Taieri Gorge Railway

2 hours Admission included

Enjoy an unforgettable ride on this historic railway, winding through steep canyons, crossing towering viaducts, and passing through hand-cut tunnels — all while taking in breathtaking views of the Otago high country.
Stop 8

10 min

Your adventure concludes at the grand Dunedin Railway Station, an architectural gem and one of New Zealand’s most photographed landmarks. Step off the train and into Dunedin — a city celebrated for its Scottish roots, artistic culture, and stately heritage.

Overnight at Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Day 2 · Dunedin to Te Anau via the Catlins

Dunedin

Passing by

Begin your day with pickups your accommodation before setting out along the stunning southern coastline. As the city fades behind, enjoy the ever-changing scenery of one of New Zealand’s most pristine and untouched regions.
Nugget Point Lighthouse

one hour

Take a short, scenic walk to the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse, dramatically perched above rugged cliffs and sea stacks known as “The Nuggets.” From this breathtaking vantage point, look for fur seals lounging on the rocks below and seabirds gliding on the ocean breeze.
Purakaunui Falls Walk

30 min

Wander through lush native forest to one of New Zealand’s most photographed natural wonders. The multi-tiered Purakaunui Falls tumble gracefully through the greenery — a serene spot that perfectly captures the beauty of the Catlins.
Papatowai

one hour

Pause in the tranquil coastal village of Papatowai for lunch and a visit to the delightfully eccentric Lost Gypsy Caravan. This whimsical gallery of handmade kinetic creations and curiosities offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Curio Bay

1 h 35 min

Step into the past at Curio Bay, where the remains of a 180-million-year-old petrified forest are revealed at low tide. Keep your eyes peeled for rare wildlife, including yellow-eyed penguins and playful Hector’s dolphins that frequent the area.

Alternative: When tide and timing allow, we may visit the awe-inspiring Cathedral Caves — vast sea caverns reached via a short forest and beach walk (entry fee applies).
Invercargill

5 min

Enjoy a brief stop in Invercargill, the southernmost city in New Zealand.
Te Anau

Passing by

Reach Te Anau in the early evening and settle into your central accommodation. Set beside the shimmering waters of Lake Te Anau and bordering Fiordland National Park, this charming lakeside town is the ideal base for your next adventure with Cheeky Kiwi Travel.

Overnight at Distinction Te Anau Hotel

Day 3 · Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound

Te Anau

Passing by

Your adventure begins in the peaceful lakeside town of Te Anau, nestled beside New Zealand’s second-largest lake. Enjoy a brief exploration and the chance to spot native birdlife before travelling to Te Anau Downs — the starting point of the world-famous Milford Track. Here, your guide will share fascinating stories of the area while you take in breathtaking lake and mountain views.
Eglinton Valley

10 min

Entering the heart of Fiordland National Park, we make our first major stop at Eglinton Valley. Shaped by ancient glaciers, its sweeping plains and towering peaks create an unforgettable introduction to the wild beauty of Fiordland.
Mirror Lakes Walk

20 min

Take a short walk to the tranquil Mirror Lakes, where the reflection of the Earl Mountains dances perfectly across the still surface — a natural mirror that seems almost too beautiful to be real.
Lake Gunn

15 min

Pause at the serene Lake Gunn, an alpine gem surrounded by lush beech forest and majestic peaks. It’s an ideal spot for photos and a moment to absorb the quiet grandeur of Fiordland’s wilderness.
Stop 5

Passing by

Follow the path of the rushing Hollyford River, admire the tumbling waters of Falls Creek. This thundering cascade showcases the raw, untamed power of the region’s waterways.
Homer Tunnel

Passing by

Travel through the remarkable Homer Tunnel, a feat of engineering carved through solid rock by hand. On emerging, prepare to be wowed by the breathtaking views — and, if it’s been raining, countless waterfalls streaming down the cliffs.
Milford Sound

2 hours

Arrive at the legendary Milford Sound and board your 1.5 hour boutique Cruise Milford experience. A smaller, more personal vessel allows you to get closer to the action — gliding beneath waterfalls, alongside fur seals, and beneath towering granite cliffs.
Pops View Look Out

5 min

After your cruise, begin the journey back with a stop at Pop’s View Lookout. From here, enjoy sweeping views over the Southern Alps and the Routeburn Valley as your guide shares captivating Māori legends tied to the land
Te Anau

5 min

Return to Te Anau for a brief rest stop before continuing toward Queenstown.
Stop 10

Passing by

Journey along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, following the winding Devil’s Staircase — a spectacular section of road offering dramatic views and photo opportunities around every bend.
Lake Wakatipu

Passing by

Continue along the edge of Lake Wakatipu, with multiple stops to capture the breathtaking contrast between the glistening lake and the rugged peaks of The Remarkables mountain range.
Queenstown

Passing by

Your journey concludes in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. As you arrive, your guide will point out local highlights and landmarks, welcoming you to this vibrant lakeside destination.

Picnic Lunch

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Tahuna Pod Hostel
Aspen Lodge Backpackers
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Sudima Queenstown Five Mile
Movenpick Queenstown
Lylo Queenstown
The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments and Lakeside Residences
voco Queenstown by IHG
Copthorne Hotel And Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Wyndham Garden Remarkables Park Queenstown
Hotel St Moritz Queenstown - MGallery Collection
Sherwood Queenstown

and 17 more pickup points

*If no pickup is selected at time of booking, you will be allocated our default meeting point. You are welcome to update this at any time. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there.

*Pick-ups can begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time, depending on location. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 5 minute prior to your specific pickup time.

*Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance.

*Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. To ensure a timely departure, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late guests.

*You will receive an email with important pickup information in the days prior, please read this information.

Using your ticket

*Pick-ups can begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time, depending on location. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 5 minute prior to your specific pickup time.

*Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance.

*Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. To ensure a timely departure, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late guests.

*You will receive an email with important pickup information in the days prior, please read this information.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please allow up to 48 hours for us to confirm your booking. Once done we will be in touch with further details for each day of the journey.
The tour itinerary may operate in reverse depending on availability. You will be advised accordingly.
This package is made up of several small group day tours. You’ll join different scheduled tours each day, so your fellow travellers may change along the way.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress accordingly
Guests can bring 1 large & 1 small piece of luggage each