Te Anau to Dunedin Via The Catlins Small-Group Tour (One-Way)
Overview
Available languages
11 hours
Mobile ticket
Venture into the rugged beauty of the Catlins on this full-day, one- way small group tour from Te Anau to Dunedin. Delight in the dramatic seascapes, ancient forests, and rare wildlife as you explore one of New Zealand’s untouched regions. Enjoy guided storytelling, scenic stops, and a relaxed pace throughout the journey. Key highlights include the fossilized forest at Curio Bay, a whimsical lunch stop at the Lost Gypsy Caravan, and breathtaking views at Nugget Point Lighthouse. With a maximum of 15 guests, this tour offers an intimate experience in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz vehicle.
- Small group experience with a maximum of 15 guests
- Guided exploration of Curio Bay, Purakaunui Falls, and Nugget Point
- Lunch stop at Papatowai with a visit to the Lost Gypsy Caravan
- Includes water, snacks, and drop-off at your accommodation in Dunedin
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.
Remaining hours will be allotted for the travel time between locations
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
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).
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)
Opportunity to purchase at own expense
Accommodation
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Te Anau to Dunedin Via The Catlins Small-Group Tour (One-Way)
Pickup included
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The Catlins are a Hidden Gem!
eileent920,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had no idea what to expect from this trip, having done basically no research on the Catlins or Dunedin before heading out. But I knew the minute I met Jason that he would make the day memorable. He is an amazing guide and driver, explaining so much about New Zealand, its culture, landscape and wildlife. His passion for this less-traveled area of the country is infectious. We saw beautiful waterfalls, ate great food and had a front row seat watching a pair of sea lions frolicking on the beach - an experience I will never forget. At the end of the day Jason was even able to squeeze in a stop in Dunedin to show us the steepest street in the world. I would highly recommend this tour, not just as a way to get from the west to the east coasts of the South Island, but for the road less traveled experience you will have along the way. If (when) I go back to New Zealand, I will spend more time in the Catlins.
Tour from Te Anua to Dunedin
charlottewP5443OQ,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had the best experience on the tour. Our tour guide Jason was very nice and took great care of me. Also Jason gave me the encouragement to get too Nugget Point Lighthouse, my favorite spot and so very beautiful 😍 All of the places we stopped at were the best.
Good trip
Natalie K,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This trip was a good opportunity to see the southern coast of the South Island, including the lesser known Catlins park area, and our guide Jason was great. If I had known about these one-way Cheeky Kiwi tours earlier, I would have ONLY traveled around NZ this way. Highly recommended
Highly recommend
Flyer30999613467,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing day tour and everything was perfectly arranged. A big thank you to our guide Jason — he was professional, friendly, and made the whole trip smooth and enjoyable. The itinerary was well planned and very fulfilling without feeling rushed. We were lucky enough to see sea lions and seals up close, and the waterfall was stunning. The scenery along the way was also beautiful. Highly recommend this tour!
Great day
jolieng2026,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an awesome day going from Te Anau to Dunedin. Jason is easy going and knowledgeable. He can read the room and adapt to the needs of the group that day. It was perfect for me and I’ve ended up seeing a lot of highlights.
Amazing!!
Tour09427752859,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I can't recommend this experience enough! Despite the rainy weather, Jason made sure that it was still an unforgettable experience. He was very accommodating and shared plenty of insights and local history along the way. I would happily book this tour again ☺️
Because Jase is the best guide I ever had
Chloeroche25,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jase is the best guide ever ! The place were wonderful even with the rain ( this is New Zealand ) and they were magical because of Jase ! He explain all the stories about every place, show you his favorite spots. The experience was unforgettable as you can see Jase is a passionate ! You love do it this and it make this day so amazing ! Thank you again Jase as I didn't expected to fall in love for this part of coast even under the rain !
Thank you Jason
F9850YRtomh,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00While the sights and stories along this tour are outstanding, Jason the guide made this an absolute top highlight of our trip to New Zealand. We have talked about our experience on this trip every day since and will remember this day for the rest of our lives. His excitement about the wildlife/ scenery we were seeing was palpable and you could tell how much he genuinely loves his job! He was so accommodating throughout the day, even adding in an extra stop for a lookout or whatever he felt would make the day better for us, like a nice pie lunch stop. By the end of the day, it felt like we were just friends exploring the coast together. Would recommend this tour to anyone traveling in NZ!
The perfect way to get around New Zealand
babs8118,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great guide - very knowledgeable and willing to cater the trip to those of us on the tour. It's a wonderful way to get from one place to another with sightseeing along the way.
Beautiful trip, comfortable ride and professional guide
Low Y,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best leg of the trip so far. Te Anau to Dunedin. Professional guide and driver, very smooth drive, comfortable minivan. Highly recommended our tour guide Jasen, his many years of tourism experience, shared with us fun stories about NZ and efforts of describing the landscape and animals we see along the way, we're so lucky to have him. And fortunate that we found this new route that's only a few weeks old (started in November 2025)
From NZ$290.00
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