Dunedin / Queenstown / Fiordland

Contrasting bustling cafes and shopping possibilities, with remote wilderness and solitude, adrenalin rushes to peace and tranquility - this Region can truly boast something for everyone

Dunedin
With it's Scottish Heritage, Dunedin is quite unique from anywhere else in New Zealand. The Scottish settlers brought with them a passion for education, and today Dunedin boasts the oldest and second largest university in New Zealand. 

Dunedin has the largest number of Victorian and Edwardian buildings in New Zealand including Dunedin Railway Station, The University of Otago and Otago Boys' High School. The Octagon is the heart of Dunedin city and a good place to start sightseeing. It is surrounded by Municipal chambers, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Dunedin Public Art Gallery and Regent Theatre, along with a number of cafes, bars and restaurants.

Just 15 minutes drive from central Dunedin is Otago Peninsula a natural wonderland. Among the rolling hills of the Peninsula is Larnach Castle (New Zealand's only castle). The  views out to sea and back towards the city reveal the beauty of Dunedin and its harbour.

Otago Peninsula is noted for the Royal albatross colonies, the rare Yellow-eyed penguins, seals and sealions. Guided wildlife tours and cruises are available.

Invercargill
Invercargill a friendly city with a Scottish heritage is New Zealand's southern most city and is Southland's major service centre and transportation hub. The city centre is modern and includes historic buildings, art galleries, Southland Museum, parks gardens and scenic walks. The Bluff, (the Port) home of the Bluff Oyster, at the bottom of New Zealand. Sterling Point is where highway one starts North and the ferry South to Stewart Island depart. 

Stewart Island
The southern-most island of New Zealand, only 24km south of the South Island. Stewart Island is a bird watching paradise and known as "Home of the Kiwi" - the only place in the world where you can view Kiwis living in their natural habitat. The Island is much larger than imagined, (approx. 1630 sq. kms ) and has a population of 390 persons. Tracks for the serious walkers tracks connect the islands rainforest , wetlands, many sheltered bays and sandy beaches on this bush covered Islands. Tracks close to Halfmoon Bay provide day walks for easy exploration. 

Queenstown
Queenstown is the Southern Hemisphere's premier 4 season, year round, Alpine Resort. Perfect for adventures and leisure seekers alike. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by awesome mountains, snow covered in winter.

Queenstown's reputation as the adventure capital of the world is well earned. Earth, water, or air, there is something to test any adventure and thrill seeker. Or Queenstown can offer relation at its best with wine trails, panning for gold, trout fishing, long walks or lunch on a majestic steamboat.

Wanaka
Wanaka is a little over an hour's drive from Queenstown, and the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. Internationally renowned for its glaciers and magnificent tramping and climbing.

You will love the romantic serenity of Central Otago with its Tuscany-like villages, golden hills, mighty Clutha River and superb wines. The area boomed during the gold rush late 1800's.

Fiordland
Further abroad, discover the mysteries of stunning Fiordland. Home to the famous Milford and Doubtful Sounds, as well as many world renowned walking tracks and the largest National Park in New Zealand.

Fiordland's extraordinary serrated coastline and deep branching lakes were carved out by glaciers millions of years ago, leaving behind a land internationally acclaimed for its spectacular scenery, isolation and uninhabited environment which is now designated a World Heritage Area.

Te Anau is the hub of the Fiordland region nestled at the southern shores of a lake Te Anau (second largest lake in NZ). Explore a mysterious underground world of glowworm caves.

From Te Anau, it is an easy two hours drive to Milford Sound and twenty minutes by coach to Lake Manapouri and the start of a Doubtful Sound excursion.

Many visitors travel into Milford Sound and take a cruise on the Sound beneath the grandeur of Mitre Peak. Dolphins, penguins, seals and seabirds are frequently seen