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

Offered by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

From

$290.00 per person

5.0 (15 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

11 hours (approx.)Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Full-day small group tour from Te Anau to Dunedin via the Catlins, with stops at Curio Bay, Purakaunui Falls and Nugget Point Lighthouse.

Tour Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Bottled water
  • Hotel Drop off in Dunedin (central locations only)
  • Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person
  • Snacks
  • Hotel pickup in Te Anau (Select locations only)

Not Included:

  • Opportunity to purchase at own expense
  • Accommodation

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Invercargill

    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.

    30 minutes

  2. 2

    Curio Bay

    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).

    1 hour 30 minutes

  3. 3

    Papatowai

    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.

    1 hour

  4. 4

    Purakaunui Falls Walk

    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.

    30 minutes

  5. 5

    Nugget Point Lighthouse

    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.

    1 hour

  6. 6

    Dunedin

    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.

    Pass by without stopping

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

If requesting pickup, please select your preferred location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

*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 15 minutes before the tour departure time, depending on location. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 10 minute prior to your specific pickup time. ...

Or Meet At Meeting point

94 Te Anau Terrace

94 Te Anau Terrace, Te Anau 9600, New Zealand

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If not being collected from one of our hotel options, please meet your guide at the bus stop, by the public restrooms.

End Point

Dunedin

Dunedin, New Zealand

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Drop off to central locations available

Important Information

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

Additional Info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • 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
  • Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
  • Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, a moderate amount of walking is involved.
  • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
  • Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person

Cancellation Policy

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