14 Day Southern South Island Highlights with Stewart Island

Arrive in Queenstown, a stunning alpine town set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range. This vibrant destination blends dramatic scenery with a lively atmosphere, making it an exciting starting point for your South Island journey.

Included: Collect Rental Car
Collect your rental vehicle and enjoy the freedom to explore Queenstown and beyond at your own pace. Having your own car allows easy access to scenic drives, nearby towns, and hidden local gems.

Included: Skyline Gondola Ride
Ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak for panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. From the top, take in sweeping vistas of The Remarkables, Cecil Peak, and Queenstown below.

Depart Queenstown and travel through the Gibbston Valley, a region known for its vineyards and scenic landscapes. The route follows the Kawarau Gorge, offering dramatic river views and historic gold mining sites along the way.

Arriving in Cromwell, you’ll find a town rich in history and surrounded by orchards and vineyards. The area is especially known for its stone fruit and Central Otago wines.

Included: Wine & Dine Experience at Carrick Winery
Enjoy a relaxed dining experience surrounded by vineyards and mountain views. This experience highlights local produce paired with award-winning Central Otago wines.

Spend the day discovering Cromwell and its surrounding attractions, from historic sites to adrenaline experiences. The region offers a mix of heritage, food, and high-speed thrills.

Explore the Cromwell Heritage Precinct or venture into nearby Bannockburn for boutique wineries and scenic walks. The combination of history and modern attractions makes this a unique destination.

Included: Supercar Fast Dash Experience
Enjoy an exhilarating ride in a high-performance supercar at Highlands Motorsport Park. This adrenaline-filled experience delivers speed, precision, and unforgettable excitement.

Included: Jacksons Orchard Tour
Take a guided tour through a working orchard and learn about seasonal fruit production. You’ll have the chance to taste fresh produce and discover the region’s agricultural heritage.

Travel a short but scenic route following the Clutha River through Cromwell Gorge. This picturesque drive leads to the historic town of Clyde, known for its gold mining heritage and cycling trails.

Clyde’s preserved stone buildings and relaxed atmosphere create a charming step back in time. The town also serves as a gateway to some of Central Otago’s most scenic cycling routes.

Included: Clyde Dam Tour
Explore one of New Zealand’s largest hydroelectric projects with a guided tour inside the dam. Learn about its construction, engineering, and impact on the surrounding region.

Travel through the Maniototo region, a wide-open landscape of tussock plains and historic settlements. The route passes through towns such as Alexandra, Ranfurly, and Naseby, each with its own gold mining history.

Continuing south, the scenery transitions to rolling farmland before descending towards the coastal city of Dunedin. Known for its heritage architecture, Dunedin offers a rich blend of culture and history.

Spend the day exploring Dunedin’s heritage streets and the wildlife-rich Otago Peninsula. The region is known for its unique combination of history, coastal scenery, and rare wildlife.

Visit landmarks such as the Dunedin Railway Station and the Octagon, or venture out to the peninsula for dramatic coastal views. The area is one of the best places in New Zealand to encounter native wildlife.

Included: Castle to Cruise and Penguin Experience
Enjoy a wildlife cruise around Taiaroa Head, home to royal albatross, seals, and marine life. Continue with a guided visit to Larnach Castle and a rare opportunity to see yellow-eyed penguins in their natural habitat.

Travel south along the Southern Scenic Route, one of New Zealand’s most picturesque coastal drives. The journey features rugged coastlines, hidden beaches, and wildlife-rich environments.

Stop at locations such as Nugget Point, Curio Bay, and the Catlins, where you may spot seals, sea lions, and penguins. The route offers a full day of exploration with plenty of scenic highlights.

Included: Classic Motorcycle Mecca Experience
Visit one of the world’s most impressive motorcycle collections, featuring rare and historic models. The interactive displays provide a fascinating insight into motoring history.

Travel to Stewart Island by scenic flight, crossing the Foveaux Strait to one of New Zealand’s most remote destinations. Known as Rakiura, the island is largely untouched and rich in native wildlife.

With most of the island protected as national park, this is a place of quiet beauty and natural immersion. The relaxed pace and small community create a unique experience.

Included: Return Flights to Stewart Island
Enjoy a short scenic flight with views of coastline and ocean as you travel to the island. This convenient transfer offers a memorable introduction to Stewart Island.

Spend the day discovering Stewart Island’s untouched landscapes and rich biodiversity. The island is a haven for native birdlife and one of the best places to spot kiwi in the wild.

Explore Paterson Inlet and nearby Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary filled with rare native species. The experience offers a unique connection to New Zealand’s natural environment.

Included: Ulva Island Guided Tour
Cruise across Paterson Inlet before joining a guided walk on Ulva Island. Learn about native plants and wildlife while exploring this protected sanctuary.

Enjoy a relaxed morning before departing Stewart Island and returning to the mainland. The journey offers a final chance to take in the island’s natural beauty.

Back in Invercargill, you’ll have time to explore the city or relax after your travels. The transition from remote wilderness to city comforts is a gentle one.

Included: Return Flight to Invercargill
Travel back to the mainland with a scenic flight across the Foveaux Strait. The journey offers coastal views and a smooth return to Southland.

Suggested Activity: Bill Richardson Transport World
Visit one of the largest private vehicle collections in the world, featuring classic cars, trucks, and themed displays. The experience is engaging for both enthusiasts and casual visitors.

Travel north through Southland’s rural landscapes towards Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. The journey includes historic towns and scenic countryside.

Pass through Riverton, Tautapere, and Manapouri, with opportunities to explore along the way. Arriving in Te Anau, you’ll be surrounded by lakes and mountains.

Included: Fiordland Jet Boat Experience
Enjoy a thrilling jet boat ride along the Waiau River and Lake Manapouri. The experience combines speed with scenic stops and insights into the region’s history and filming locations.

Today offers one of New Zealand’s most remote and breathtaking experiences in Fiordland. Doubtful Sound is known for its scale, silence, and untouched beauty.

Travel across Lake Manapouri and over Wilmot Pass before reaching the fiord. The journey itself is part of the experience, with dramatic scenery at every stage.

Included: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Cruise through towering cliffs, waterfalls, and rainforest-covered mountains. Wildlife sightings may include dolphins, seals, and rare penguins.

Travel back to Queenstown through Southland’s open landscapes and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The route includes highlights such as Mossburn and the scenic Devil’s Staircase.

As you approach Queenstown, the Remarkables mountain range comes back into view. The journey offers a fitting return to where your adventure began.

Suggested Activity: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Dinner
Enjoy a final evening cruising across Lake Wakatipu aboard a historic steamship. The experience combines dining, scenery, and a classic Kiwi farm visit.

Your journey concludes in Queenstown, surrounded by alpine scenery and unforgettable memories. Take time to enjoy a final walk or café visit before departure.

Return Rental Car at Queenstown Airport
Return your vehicle at the airport depot before continuing your onward journey. This simple process ensures a smooth and stress-free departure.