Gems of The Deep South (Comign Soon)
Unmatched Beauty
The ideal time to travel and soak up South Island New Zealand in all its majestic beauty.
Southland is renowned for its unmatched beauty which provides a natural playground – no matter what your passion. As New Zealand's ultimate nature and wildlife destination, its dramatic scenery spans pristine rainforests, fertile farmlands and rugged coastlines.
Together we uncover the true Gems of the Deep South including the Te Anau Glow Worms, Doubtful Sound, Stewart Island, The Catlins, Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula.
With highlights around every corner we invite you to come and explore this beautiful part of NZ with us.
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Duration
Dates
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Departing from*
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Tour highlights
Itinerary
Home - Dunedin
Home (November 10th)
If departing from Whanganui meet at the Whanganui Racecourse for a 8am departure, and travel south to Palmerston North to catch our 10am flight to Christchurch.
Departing from another destination
For those departing from another destination you will fly into Christchurch and be collected by the coach and your driver/guide. All tickets and details will be provided in your personal information pack, sent prior to travel.
Dunedin
We land and then collect our bus for our first drive down the main trunk line to Dunedin. A delightful lunch is planned along with a few stops along the way to stretch our legs and take in some of the sights of the East Coast like the Moeraki Boulders and Katiki Point Lighthouse where we just may spot some wildlife roaming about.
Accommodation: Dunedin Leisure Lodge
Dunedin - Te Anau
Dunedin (November 11th)
This morning we head west over the rolling farmland of Southland to the beautiful lakeside town of Te Anau. Along the way we stop at some of the lovely quaint towns this district has to offer and enjoy their famous hospitality. We’ll pull up in Gore where you will have a little time to browse the town and grab a coffee. Then we continue towards Mossburn and stop for lunch at the historic Bracken Hall.
Glow Worms of Te Anau
We then meander through to Te Anau and get set for a truly memorable experience visiting the Glow Worms of Te Anau. This underground world is astonishingly beautiful. By geological standards, the caves are very young (12,000 years) and are still being carved out by the force of the river that flows through them. The result is a twisting network of limestone passages filled with sculpted rock, whirlpools and a roaring underground waterfall.
Inside the caves, beyond the roar of the water, you will be taken by small boat into a silent hidden grotto inhabited by hundreds of glowworms, unique to New Zealand. In the subterranean darkness, they produce a glittering display that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Te Anau
After this we check-in to our wonderful accommodation with on-site bar and restaurant and settle in for another enjoyable night together.
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore
Te Anau - Doubtful Sound - Te Anau
Te Anau (November 12th)
A short drive south this morning to the amazing lake Manapouri where our journey begins to enter deep into the Fiordland National Park. We immerse ourselves in the vast and untouched wilderness on the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise. With no direct road access, the only way you can to get to Doubtful Sound is to cruise across Lake Manapouri and then go by coach over the Wilmot Pass.
We then board our luxurious vessel for our cruise around this magnificent Sound.
Doubtful Sound
Doubtful Sound is a beautiful fiord; three times longer than Milford Sound and a surface area ten times larger with twisting arms. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, wildlife and expert commentary on-board - Doubtful Sound will take your breath away.
Tea and coffee is included all day and a picnic lunch is provided on the cruise. After a fantastic day we head back over the pass to Manapouri.
Te Anau
We will be back in Te Anau by early evening and get ready for another great group dinner and fond memories of a very special day out.
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore
Te Anau - Invercargill
Te Anau (November 13th)
Today we travel south through the coastal route through Colac Bay and onto Riverton, one of the oldest settlements in New Zealand. Here we will enjoy a lovely morning tea then visit Te Hikoi Southern Journey museum, the South’s Ultimate Heritage Attraction. Te Hikoi is home to Riverton's magnificent museum & information centre and provides visitors a truly wonderful experience into the past and also features a short film well worth watching. Morning tea is here at Riverton.
Invercargill
Onto Invercargill to visit the now world famous Bill Richardson Transport World with over 300 Classic vehicles on display. An absolute paradise for those that love all things powered by a motor. Lunch is here at the impressive on-site cafe. Don’t worry ladies there is plenty for you to enjoy also. The Vintage Vault is full of Kiwiana memorabilia throughout the decades and truly features something for everyone. Other highlights include a Wearable Arts fashion display of many mannequins wearing different creative attire and a New Zealand themed display of specialty tea-towel artworks.
If time permits we’ll have a quick City Tour around the CDB and beyond before settling into our accommodation and enjoying another lovely evening together.
Accommodation: Kelvin Hotel
Invercargill - Stewart Island - Invercargill
Invercargill (November 14th)
Another special day as we board a scenic flight over to the island of tranquility, Stewart Island. We start with a coach tour of the island which basically takes you on every single drivable road on the island with interesting commentary from some of the long-time locals.
Stewart Island
We have a group lunch at the famous South Sea Hotel before another special treat this afternoon. We meet the team from Rakiura Adventures and board their beautifully restored vessel built in 1933 before setting off for a gentle cruise around parts of the Island. Tea and coffee provided onboard. Yep that's right - Today we see Stewart Island from land, sea and air - what could be better than that!
Invercargill
After a pleasant and informative cruise we head back to the airport for our flight back to Invercargill to recap on a great day’s outing. Enjoy drinks and dinner at our hotel before resting our heads for the night.
Accommodation: Kelvin Hotel
Invercargill – Catlins - Dunedin
Invercargill (November 15th)
Today we travel through a true hidden gem, The Catlins.
Catlins
This is an area of great contrasts and natural beauty with an abundance of wildlife. From magnificent coastal cliffs and headlands, long sweeping beaches, coves and sandy bays; to extensive temperate rainforests, waterfalls and rolling farmland, the Catlins is a fascinating, rugged place “off the beaten track.” Highlights of today’s travel are Curio and Porpoise Bay. Wildlife, including Hector's dolphins, yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and sea lions, can be found at Curio and Porpoise bays. The area also contains the fossilised remains of an ancient forest and has an interesting history. The ancient forest is exposed at Curio Bay during low tide. This is one of the most extensive and least disturbed examples of a Jurassic fossil forest in the world and stretches about 20 kms from Curio Bay south west to Slope Point.
We’ll stop in for a look around at the must-visit Lost Gypsy Gallery - you’ll love this quirky, fun, unique museum deep in the heart of the Catlins.
Purakauni Falls and the Nugget Point lighthouse are other points of interest we visit today.
Dunedin
We have a great morning tea and lunch organised as we are exploring this fantastic area then we make our way back to Dunedin with a bit of time to relax before meeting again for dinner.
Accommodation: Dunedin Leisure Lodge
Dunedin (Otago Peninsula)
Otago Peninsula (November 16th)
This morning is just a short drive out to New Zealand’s wildlife capital, the Otago Peninsula. Enjoy great views of this magnificent harbour as we firstly make our way to Glenfalloch Gardens. We will have morning tea and a guided tour through some of the 30 acres of historic garden, which began in 1871, and is filled with splendid plantings.
Stroll amongst the beautiful seasonal displays and enjoy the lush surrounds of native ferns, exotic imports, and indigenous New Zealand trees.
It is then a short drive to one of New Zealand’s premier visitor attractions, Larnach Castle. On a guided tour, we discover its rich history that dates back to 1871. We will explore the exquisite gardens, which have attained a Garden of International Significance award. For lunch, we enjoy a delicious Victorian style meal in the Castle before making our way right to the end of the peninsula.
We meet our friends at Monarch Cruise’s for unrivalled viewing of the exciting diversity of wildlife around the spectacular Taiaroa Head.
Spot sea lions and seals sprawled out, basking in the sun and check out the remnants of the areas military history. Several lookout posts and gun emplacements were built into the rocky hill, connected by tunnels.
You’ll have uninterrupted views of the world's only mainland colony of royal albatross. Witness the albatrosses as they soar and glide on their huge three metre wingspans flying in low from the ocean, then use updrafts from the hillside to get up high and land at their nest.
Dunedin
Head back to our accommodation for our FINAL NIGHT SURPRISE and last Group Dinner.
Accommodation: Dunedin Leisure Lodge
Dunedin - Home
Dunedin (November 17th)
After breakfast, it is time to leave this great southern city and start our journey home. We board the coach and head out to Dunedin airport to catch our respective flights.
Home
If you are returning to Wanganui you catch a mid morning flight to Wellington, where another coach will transport you back home with a stop for lunch on the way back home.
*If you are travelling to another destination, your travel arrangements will be made for you in your customised itinerary.
Photos from the road
Check out what we got up to last time
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Optional extras
Optional extras
Meet your tour guide
Jason Granville
After years in the broadcasting industry, Jase hung up his headphones to run Take It Easy Tours. With now over a decade behind the wheel Jason ensures every tour will leave you with a lifetime of memorable expereinces.
Reserve your spot
There is limited availability for this tour. Please contact us to find out more.
Frequently asked questions
Can I earn Air New Zealanad airpoints on my flights?
Yes, you can earn airpoints with Take It Easy Tours when we are using Air New Zealand flights. All you need to do is get in contact with us and let us know your airpoints number for each time you wish to earn points.
Can you collect me from my door?
Yes, it would be our pleasure. We can arrange for you to be picked up and returned to your front door at the conclusion of any tour.
How about travel insurance?
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. It just puts your mind at ease. Remember to make sure you are covered for and loss of personal possessions, sickness, accidents or travel delays. Feel free to ask us for any tips to make this quick and easy for you.
How active are your tours?
We are called Take it Easy for a reason as we like to do just that. Do as much or as little as you like - after all it's your holiday! However, there is walking and various activities on each tour that require various levels of fitness. Please check with us if you are unsure about anything and relax knowing that there's always another option for you if you would rather miss out on any activity. We always have a back up plan.
What happens if I have to cancel?
Cancellation charges do apply so again we recommend travel insurance. Our cancellation policy is clearly outlined for each tour so make sure you cast your eye over it and please feel free to ask any questions.
What kind of accommodation do we stay in?
Having a good night's rest after a day out touring is very important so we personally choose all of our accommodation. Generally, four star accommodation when available - with all the comforts you need for a relaxed night.
What types of transport do we use?
Our buses are quality touring coaches that are very comfortable and fully air conditioned. They range in size from 19-28 seats ensuring that we can easily access all those secret spots off the beaten track. All vehicles are regularly serviced as your safety is our priority.
Coaches and luggage trailers are always locked and secure but we recommended you take any valuables with you when staying overnight.
I have some dietary requirements?
Please just let us know in advance and we will sort everything for you. Chefs are used to all sorts now when it comes to diet so as long as we know - we’ll have you covered.
Still have questions?
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