Discover the Rugged Beauty of the Catlins – Te Anau to Dunedin Small Group Tour

Experience the
wild southern coast on this unforgettable full-day journey from Te Anau to
Dunedin. Travel in comfort through the remote Catlins region – a land of
dramatic seascapes, ancient forests, rare wildlife, and hidden treasures. With
guided storytelling, scenic stops, and plenty of time to explore, this
small-group tour is the perfect way to discover one of New Zealand’s most
untouched corners.

 

Depart Te Anau (7:00am)
We begin our adventure with pickups from central Te Anau accommodation and head
southeast toward the remote beauty of the Catlins. Enjoy the changing
landscapes as we leave Fiordland and enter the Southland countryside.

 

Invercargill –
Gateway to the South (Optional Stop/Start)

A brief stop in Invercargill offers a chance to stretch your legs or
join/disembark the tour. Guests from the city can begin or end their journey
here at approximately 9:00 AM.

 

Curio Bay –
Prehistoric Forest & Marine Life

Step onto the fossilised remains of a 180-million-year-old petrified forest at
Curio Bay (visible at low tide). Keep watch for yellow-eyed penguins and
Hector’s dolphins that frequent the shoreline.

Alternative: If
tides allow, we may visit the stunning Cathedral Caves—towering sea caverns
accessible via a scenic walk (entry fee applies).

 

Papatowai –
Lunch & The Lost Gypsy Caravan

We stop in the
quiet Catlins village of Papatowai for lunch and a chance to visit the unique
Lost Gypsy Caravan, a whimsical gallery of kinetic art, curiosities, and
handmade wonders that never fail to surprise.

 

Purakaunui
Falls – Forest Gem

Take a short,
easy walk through lush native forest to reach one of New Zealand’s most
photographed waterfalls—Purakaunui Falls. Its tiered cascade makes for a
peaceful and photogenic stop.

 

Nugget Point
Lighthouse – Ocean Views & Wildlife

A gentle coastal walk leads us to the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse, where
panoramic views and dramatic sea stacks await. Spot fur seals, seabirds, and
the raw power of the Southern Ocean from this spectacular lookout.

 

Arrive in
Dunedin – Early Evening

We conclude our journey in Dunedin with drop-offs at your central
accommodation. Known for its Scottish heritage, vibrant student life, and
stunning architecture, Dunedin is a great place to end your southern
adventure—or begin the next one.

 

Tour
Inclusions:

 


  • Small
    group experience (max 15 guests)

  • Fully
    guided by local experts

  • Travel
    in a luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicle

  • Water
    and snacks provided

  • Hotel
    drop-off in Invercargill

 

At Cheeky
Kiwi Travel, we believe that travel should inspire, surprise, and connect you
with the heart of a place. That’s why our tours are thoughtfully designed with
passionate guides, secret stops, and a commitment to personal, unforgettable
experiences.

 

Got questions?
Visit our FAQs page — we’re here to help!

Discover the Rugged Beauty of the Catlins – Te Anau to Dunedin Small Group Tour
Experience the
wild southern coast on this unforgettable full-day journey from Te Anau to
Dunedin. Travel in comfort through the remote Catlins region – a land of
dramatic seascapes, ancient forests, rare wildlife, and hidden treasures. With
guided storytelling, scenic stops, and plenty of time to explore, this
small-group tour is the perfect way to discover one of New Zealand’s most
untouched corners.

Depart Te Anau (7:00am)
We begin our adventure with pickups from central Te Anau accommodation and head
southeast toward the remote beauty of the Catlins. Enjoy the changing
landscapes as we leave Fiordland and enter the Southland countryside.

Invercargill –
Gateway to the South (Optional Stop/Start)
A brief stop in Invercargill offers a chance to stretch your legs or
join/disembark the tour. Guests from the city can begin or end their journey
here at approximately 9:00 AM.

Curio Bay –
Prehistoric Forest & Marine Life
Step onto the fossilised remains of a 180-million-year-old petrified forest at
Curio Bay (visible at low tide). Keep watch for yellow-eyed penguins and
Hector’s dolphins that frequent the shoreline.
Alternative: If
tides allow, we may visit the stunning Cathedral Caves—towering sea caverns
accessible via a scenic walk (entry fee applies).

Papatowai –
Lunch & The Lost Gypsy Caravan
We stop in the
quiet Catlins village of Papatowai for lunch and a chance to visit the unique
Lost Gypsy Caravan, a whimsical gallery of kinetic art, curiosities, and
handmade wonders that never fail to surprise.

Purakaunui
Falls – Forest Gem
Take a short,
easy walk through lush native forest to reach one of New Zealand’s most
photographed waterfalls—Purakaunui Falls. Its tiered cascade makes for a
peaceful and photogenic stop.

Nugget Point
Lighthouse – Ocean Views & Wildlife
A gentle coastal walk leads us to the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse, where
panoramic views and dramatic sea stacks await. Spot fur seals, seabirds, and
the raw power of the Southern Ocean from this spectacular lookout.

Arrive in
Dunedin – Early Evening
We conclude our journey in Dunedin with drop-offs at your central
accommodation. Known for its Scottish heritage, vibrant student life, and
stunning architecture, Dunedin is a great place to end your southern
adventure—or begin the next one.

Tour
Inclusions:

Small
group experience (max 15 guests)
Fully
guided by local experts
Travel
in a luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicle
Water
and snacks provided
Hotel
drop-off in Invercargill


At Cheeky
Kiwi Travel, we believe that travel should inspire, surprise, and connect you
with the heart of a place. That’s why our tours are thoughtfully designed with
passionate guides, secret stops, and a commitment to personal, unforgettable
experiences.

Got questions?
Visit our FAQs page — we’re here to help!

Key Info

  • alarm Duration: 660
  • person Age: All Ages
  • people Group Size: Min 1 Max 15

info Information

  • Available for all ages
  • Packages start from NZ$290.00pp

Address: Te Anau, Te Anau

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question_answer Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the minimum age for Animal Encounter at Te Anau?

    The minimum age for Animal Encounter at Te Anau is suitable for all ages.

  • How long does an Animal Encounter session at Te Anau last?

    The average Animal Encounter session at our Te Anau centre is 10 to 11 hour.

  • Is Animal Encounter Te Anau open for bookings during the week?

    Absolutely, however Animal Encounter is busiest at the weekend - and our Te Anau centre is no exception. This means you might need a larger group monday through friday.

  • Is Animal Encounter Te Anau open for bookings at weekends?

    Animal Encounter at Te Anau is busiest at the weekends so we'd definitely recommend booking in advance! Obviously, we'll always try to accommodate last minute Animal Encounter bookings but once the spots are booked up they are booked up!

  • How popular is the Animal Encounter Te Anau center?

    Geronigo® aims for all of our Animal Encounter locations to be amongst the the best and most popular, our Animal Encounter Te Anau center is no exception. Book with confidence!

  • Can I buy a gift voucher for Animal Encounter Te Anau?

    Yes you can buy Animal Encounter Te Anau gift vouchers either online or over the phone. Geronigo® gift vouchers are valid for 12 months, can be gift wrapped or for a last minute gift idea can be instant email delivered. Remember that any gift experience voucher from Geronigo® including our Animal Encounter Te Anau vouchers can be used for booking at any of our thousands of Geronigo® adventure locations (for no extra charge!).

  • Where is Animal Encounter Te Anau?

    The Animal Encounter Te Anau center is located at the following address: Te Anau, Te Anau . Please note that sometimes our Animal Encounter centers are difficult to find, please follow the directions on your booking receipt!

  • How much is Animal Encounter at Te Anau?

    The average package price of Animal Encounter at Te Anau 290.00. The lowest price is 290.00 with the most expensive option being 319.00.

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    Redeem at 251 Animal Encounter Locations
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Our Gift Cards are not just awesome for our 251 Animal Encounter locations, they can be redeemed against any Geronigo adventure at nearly 5000 locations worldwide! Literally giving the lucky recipient access to over ten thousand action packed experience days.

If, within 7 days of purchasing your Geronigo® gift card, you change your mind for any reason. We will offer you a full refund, no questions asked! Subject to the voucher being unused and any postal vouchers being returned in good condition.

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