The Catlins Private Tour

A Private Coastal Journey Through Waterfalls, Wildlife and New Zealand’s Deep South

Remote coastlines, native forest, waterfalls and southern stories
This private Catlins tour is designed for travellers who want to explore one of New Zealand’s most untouched coastal regions with the comfort of a private vehicle and local guide. Travel through the deep south, visiting wild beaches, waterfalls, lighthouses, native forest, small towns and dramatic coastal viewpoints. This tour can be shaped as a multi-day journey from Queenstown, Invercargill or Dunedin, depending on your plans.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Private touring through the deep south: Travel with your own local guide through Southland, the Catlins and Otago.

  • Nugget Point Lighthouse: Visit one of the Catlins’ most iconic coastal landmarks, with dramatic views over rocky islets, ocean cliffs and the Southern Ocean.

  • Slope Point: Stand at the southernmost point of New Zealand’s South Island, where windswept farmland meets the sea.

  • Purakaunui Falls: See one of New Zealand’s most photographed waterfalls, surrounded by beautiful native bush.

  • McLean Falls: Visit a spectacular forest waterfall, reached by a scenic native bush walk.

  • Curio Bay: Discover one of the Catlins’ most special coastal locations, known for its ancient petrified forest and wildlife viewing opportunities.

  • Lake Wilkie: Enjoy a peaceful short walk through native forest to this quiet reflective lake.

  • Wild beaches and coastal scenery: Experience rugged bays, windswept headlands, forest, farmland and remote southern landscapes.

  • Wildlife opportunities: Depending on the season and conditions, you may see fur seals, sea lions, seabirds, dolphins or penguins from a respectful distance.

  • Invercargill and Dunedin options: This tour can include time in Invercargill, Dunedin or both, depending on your route and number of days.

  • A private pace: Because this is your own tour, your guide can adjust the journey within the time available.

Tour Options

  • Queenstown to Invercargill and the Catlins: Travel south from Queenstown through Southland, with time in Invercargill before exploring the wild coastline and waterfalls of the Catlins.

  • Queenstown to Dunedin via the Catlins: A beautiful private journey for travellers continuing around the lower South Island, combining remote coastal scenery with a finish in Dunedin.

  • Dunedin to Invercargill via the Catlins: A wonderful option if you are already in Dunedin and want to travel through the Catlins rather than taking the direct inland route.

  • Three-Day Southern Highlights Journey: Spend one day travelling south, one day exploring the Catlins in more depth, and one day including Dunedin or returning towards Queenstown.

  • Nature and Photography Focus: Shape the tour around waterfalls, coastal viewpoints, wildlife viewing, sunrise or sunset stops, and slower scenic moments.

Suggested Three-Day Itinerary

  • Day 1 – Queenstown to Invercargill: Depart Queenstown and travel south through Kingston, small towns and Southland countryside. Enjoy scenic stops along the way before arriving in Invercargill for the night.

  • Day 2 – Explore the Catlins: Travel into the Catlins region, visiting highlights such as Slope Point, Curio Bay, Lake Wilkie, McLean Falls, Purakaunui Falls and Nugget Point Lighthouse, depending on timing and conditions.

  • Day 3 – Dunedin or Return to Queenstown: Continue to Dunedin for city sightseeing, heritage architecture and coastal views, or return towards Queenstown depending on your travel plans.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Private vehicle and local guide: Travel with your own experienced guide throughout the tour.

  • Flexible pick-up options: The tour can start from Queenstown, Invercargill or Dunedin, depending on your itinerary.

  • Custom touring route: The route can be shaped around the places you most want to visit.

  • Scenic stops through Southland and the Catlins: Your guide will include selected photo stops, comfort stops and local points of interest along the way.

  • Waterfall and coastal sightseeing: Time can be included for key Catlins highlights such as Purakaunui Falls, McLean Falls, Nugget Point and Slope Point.

  • Wildlife viewing opportunities: Your guide will help you look for local wildlife where possible, while ensuring animals are viewed respectfully.

  • Time in southern towns and cities: Depending on the route, the tour may include Invercargill, Dunedin, small Catlins settlements or coastal communities.

  • Multi-day planning support: This tour works best as part of a carefully planned multi-day private journey.

Know Before You Go

  • Tour duration: This tour is usually best planned over multiple days.

  • Start location: Queenstown, Invercargill or Dunedin.

  • Finish location: Queenstown, Invercargill, Dunedin or another agreed location.

  • Tour style: Private guided multi-day tour.

  • Best for: Travellers who enjoy remote landscapes, coastal scenery, waterfalls, wildlife, photography, nature and slower-paced private touring.

  • Accommodation: Accommodation is not included unless confirmed as part of your quoted itinerary.

  • Attractions not included: Paid attractions, meals, drinks, accommodation and optional experiences are not included unless confirmed in writing.

  • Wildlife sightings: Wildlife cannot be guaranteed, as animals are wild and sightings depend on season, time of day and conditions.

  • Walking: Some locations require short walks on natural tracks. Walks can be adjusted depending on your group’s mobility and interests.

  • Weather: The Catlins is a wild coastal region, so weather can change quickly. Bring layers and wet-weather clothing.

  • Extra time: Any additional touring time may be charged on the day.

Call us on +64 (03) 441 8867 between the hours of 8.30 am and 6.30 pm if you have any questions.

Pricing & Tour Options

Due to the bespoke nature of this tour, pricing depends on the number of days, pick-up and drop-off locations, accommodation requirements, vehicle required and group size.

Private Catlins multi-day tour: Price on application

Queenstown to Dunedin via the Catlins: Price on application

Queenstown to Invercargill and the Catlins: Price on application

Dunedin, Catlins and Invercargill private tour: Price on application

RST Signature Tour: POA

Optional costs

Accommodation, meals, drinks, paid attractions, entry fees and optional experiences are not included unless they are part of your confirmed itinerary.

FAQs

  • Yes. This is a private guided tour with your own vehicle and local guide.

  • We usually recommend allowing at least 2 to 3 days, especially if travelling from Queenstown. The Catlins is remote, and a multi-day tour gives you more time to enjoy the scenery without rushing.

  • Yes. This tour can start in Queenstown and travel south towards Invercargill, the Catlins and Dunedin.

  • Yes. The tour can also start from Dunedin or Invercargill, depending on your wider travel plans.

  • Yes. This tour can be arranged as a one-way private journey, finishing in Dunedin, Invercargill, Queenstown or another agreed location.

  • Accommodation is not included unless we have built it into your confirmed itinerary and quote.

  • Yes. Nugget Point Lighthouse is one of the most popular highlights of the Catlins and can usually be included, depending on your route and timing.

  • Yes. Slope Point can be included when conditions and timing allow. It is the southernmost point of the South Island.

  • Yes. The Catlins is known for beautiful waterfalls, including Purakaunui Falls and McLean Falls. Some waterfall stops require short walks.

  • Wildlife sightings are possible, including fur seals, sea lions, seabirds, dolphins and penguins, but they cannot be guaranteed.

  • Yes, children can join. Please note this is best as a multi-day journey, as there can be longer driving distances between locations. A child seat can be provided on request for $60 NZD.

  • No. Lunch is not included, but your guide will allow time for food and comfort stops along the way.

  • Bring comfortable shoes, layered clothing, a rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, water and spending money for meals, drinks or optional attractions.

  • This is a private guided scenic journey, not just transport. Your guide will include local commentary, scenic stops, flexibility and time to experience the places along the way.

Upgrade This Tour To The Highest Standard of Private Touring in Te Waipounamu

This is our most refined way to experience the South Island, designed for travellers who appreciate genuine comfort, privacy, and the freedom to take things at their own pace. Travel with an expert local guide in a beautifully appointed vehicle, where every detail is thoughtfully considered.

Our Signature Tours are about more than just where you go, they’re about how it feels to be there, with time to enjoy the scenery, the stories, and the moments that make the journey truly special.

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