Dunedin to Te Anau Scenic One Way Tour via The Catlins

Journey through one of the most stunningly dramatic regions in the country on a full‑day scenic tour, travelling one-way from Dunedin to Te Anau via The Catlins. Departing early from Dunedin, follow the rugged southern coastline as city landscapes give way to wild beaches, dense native forest and hidden natural wonders. Highlights include a walk to the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse and a gentle forest stroll to the stunning Purakaunui Falls, a photogenic cascade. Along the way, your expert guide shares local insight into the history, landscapes and wildlife of the region, bringing this remote corner of the country to life.

Enjoy a relaxed stop in the quiet village of Papatowai for lunch, with time to explore the wonderfully eccentric Lost Gypsy Caravan. From there, continue to Curio Bay, where ancient petrified forest remains meet the crashing ocean. With the opportunity to spot yellow‑eyed penguins or Hector’s dolphins, depending on the conditions. A brief stop in Invercargill offers flexibility for guests joining or leaving the tour before the journey continues north to conclude in Te Anau.

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Inclusions

• One-way Dunedin to Te Anau guided tour
• Small group experience
• Local expert guides
• Luxury Mercedes-Benz transport
• Papatowai lunch stop (meal not included)
• Water and snacks
• Pickup from select Dunedin locations
• Hotel drop-off in Central Te Anau

Exclusions

• Lunch
• Accommodation

Itinerary

• Dunedin
• Nugget Point Lighthouse
• Purakaunui Falls
• Papatowai (lunch and The Lost Gypsy Caravan)
• Curio Bay or, when tides allow, Cathedral Caves (entry fee applies)
• Invercargill (optional stop/start destination point)
• Te Anau

Time

• Please be waiting at your pickup location 10 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time
• Collections start from 7am

Duration

• This is a full-day experience.

Departure Location

• This experience departs from select central locations in Dunedin 9016.

Hotel Pickup

• Dunedin Leisure Lodge – 7am
• Aria on Bank – 7am
• Commodore Motel – 7.01am
• Amross Motel – 7.02am
• The Victoria Hotel Dunedin – 7.03am
• Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin – 7.04am
• 97 Motel Moray – 7.05am
• The Chamberson – 7.06am
• Scenic Hotel Dunedin City – 7.07am
• Scenic Hotel Southern Cross – 7.08am
• Fable Dunedin – 7.09am
• Distinction Hotel Dunedin – 7.10am

Terms And Conditions

• Children under the age of eight are legally required to travel in a safety/booster seat; bring your own, or rent one for $20 per seat
• Participants may bring one large and one small piece of luggage each
• This is a small group experience; maximum of 15 participants
• Pickup is available only from select Dunedin locations listed under hotel pickup; please select the nearest option to you for collection
• This experience is a one-way tour, concluding in Te Anau
• Participants will receive an email with important pickup information the day prior to departure; please read this information

Cancellation Policy

• Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience ​* Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience ​* Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience​

Booking Information

• Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
• Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
• Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
• For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
• Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
• We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements