Te Anau to Dunedin Via The Catlins Small-Group Tour (One-Way)

Travel from Te Anau to Dunedin on a full-day small group tour through the Catlins, with a relaxed pace and guided commentary along the way. With a maximum of 15 guests travelling in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, the day focuses on the region’s coastal landscapes, native forest, and wildlife habitats.

A brief stop in Invercargill gives you the chance to stretch your legs, or to join or leave the tour at around 9:00 AM. From there, the route heads to Curio Bay, where you can step onto the fossilised remains of a 180-million-year-old petrified forest at low tide. Keep an eye on the shoreline for yellow-eyed penguins and Hector’s dolphins. If tides allow, the day may include Cathedral Caves instead, with an entry fee applying.

In Papatowai, there is time for lunch and a visit to the Lost Gypsy Caravan, known for its kinetic art, curiosities, and handmade creations. A short walk through native forest leads to Purakaunui Falls, a tiered waterfall and one of New Zealand’s most photographed. Later, a gentle coastal walk brings you to Nugget Point Lighthouse, where sea stacks, fur seals, seabirds, and views over the Southern Ocean define the stop.

Water and snacks are included, and the tour finishes with drop-off at your central Dunedin accommodation.