Dunedin to Te Anau via the Catlins One Way Small Group Tour
Overview
Available languages
11 hours
Mobile ticket
Venture into New Zealand's stunning southern coast on a full-day tour from Dunedin to Te Anau, where the rugged beauty of the Catlins awaits. Explore natural wonders like the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse, marvel at the picturesque Purakaunui Falls, and enjoy a creative lunch stop at the Lost Gypsy Caravan. Walk across the ancient petrified forest at Curio Bay and keep an eye out for rare wildlife such as yellow-eyed penguins. This small-group tour with expert local guides ensures a personalized experience filled with storytelling and comfort.
- Scenic journey through the untouched Catlins region
- Visit Nugget Point Lighthouse and Purakaunui Falls
- Lunch at Papatowai with a quirky art experience
- Small group size (max 15 guests) for an intimate experience
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.
Remaining hours will be allotted for the travel time
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Nugget Point Lighthouse
A short walk takes us to the spectacular Nugget Point Lighthouse, perched above wave-battered sea stacks known as “The Nuggets.” Keep an eye out for seals sunning on the rocks and seabirds soaring above the ocean below.
Purakaunui Falls
A quick and easy forest walk brings you to this stunning multi-tiered cascade. One of the most photographed waterfalls in the country—and for good reason.
What‘s Included
Lunch stop in Papatowai (food available for purchase)
Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person
Hotel drop off in Te Anau (select locations only)
Fully guided small group tour by local experts
Hotel pickup in Dunedin (select locations only)
Water and snacks provided
Lunch stop in Papatowai (food available for purchase)
Accommodation
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Dunedin to Te Anau via the Catlins One Way Small Group Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Explore the Catlins - a great option to travel from Dunedin directly to Lake Te Anau.
h0riz0n,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This one day trip provided us with a wonderful scenic experience of the Catlin region. Our options to access Lake Te Anau directly from Dunedin were limited. This was a fine alternative. Our guide and driver, Jason, was very knowledgeable about the area and made a huge effort to ensure we saw as much of the beautiful attractions as possible. A big day but well worth it!
Great tour! Highly recommend!!
Z494GMcharlotteh,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highlight tour!! This was my first time ever seeing south nz and Jason the tour guide made sure it was unforgettable. We had numerous stops throughout the day and were able to see gorgeous scenery as well as tons of wildlife. Jason was a great guide, sharing special facts about the countryside and ensuring that my trip was amazing. He went as far to return to my hotel after I had been dropped off and the tour had ended to deliver a raincoat as the weather was predicted to rain a lot. I would highly recommend this to trip and Jason to everyone!
Fantastic experience - unmissable
W8279OWjenniferr,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fantastic tour - a must-do for anyone visiting the South Island. Jason was a fantastic tour guide and really tailored the experience for our small group, incorporating more stops as we the had time. The tour incorporates some of the most unmissable, stunning sights I saw during my time in NZ.
Long tour but GREAT DAY
Boblin27,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really enjoyed this tour. Our guide/driver was Jason who made the day extra special with his lively and informative commentary along the way. He even made things that I wasn't really looking forward to (ie The Petrified Forrest) really interesting which now makes me want to learn a bit more about it. He started the day as a good and professional tour guide but by the end of the day we parted feeling more like friends - even though we did give him a bit of cheek along the way but that goes with the name on the bus. Would definitely book another tour if I make it over here again.
Excellent tour of the Catlins with tour guide and driver Jason
sharminis2026,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Having a scenic drive from Dunedin to Te Anau was excellent. It was the first time in the Catlins for us. It was a lot of driving so it was nice to sit back and enjoy. My husband and I have a wonderful tour with Jason. We were fortunate to be the only couple on the tour up until Invercargill. It helped that it was a beautiful still day too. Jason looked after us well, explaining lots of things along the way and he was also great company. Jason took us to see the main sights and a few others as Cathedral Caves was unavailable. We enjoyed the addition of Slope Point.
Beautiful panoramic route with fantastic guide
jenniferkG8667QS,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommended! Beautiful panoramic route along the south coast to fantastic viewpoints. Jason makes this tour a great, unforgettable experience. His knowledge, commitment, kindness, flexibility are extraordinary. He knows how to fulfill the wishes and ideas of the participants, has many tips for the region. Be sure to book!!!
fantastic experience
jenniferkG8667QS,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommended! Jason is great, very well prepared, flexible, and provides a lot of information and tips. He makes sure that it's a fantastic experience. His driving style is impeccable, the bus is new, and snacks and drinks are also available. Definitely book, it's great!
Great tour
majkenw2026,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour with a lot of beautiful views and stops. Jason was an amazing driver/guide with so much passion for his job. He made sure that everyone was comfortable and that we got the best tour possible.
Great experience
ali norb37,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great excursion very interesting!! Jason was a great driver, very nice who explained everything to us, it was exciting, very good alternative to visit the catlins and get to Te Anau! I highly recommend this activity I had a great day!
Experience the South Island's untouched and wild beauty with a passionate tour guide
Trek17171439932,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an absolutely lovely time with Jason who shared his love for his country with me during this amazing full-day trip. We spotted sea lions and fur seals, had a nice hike to a beautiful waterfall, saw stunning landscapes and simply had a fun and relaxing time. I happened to be the only passenger that day, but given the maximum size of around 11 seats in the van, you are guaranteed a small group size and a trip tailored to your needs, even on a fully-booked day.
From NZ$290.00
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