New Zealand
1. Fiordland and Southland Explorer - 8 Days
$189/Person
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations: Te Anau, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Invercargill, Stewart Island
Ideal for: Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, adventure seekers
Tour Description
The Fiordland and Southland Explorer tour is your gateway to New Zealand’s most dramatic and pristine wilderness. Over 8 days, journey through the heart of Fiordland National Park, cruise the iconic Milford and Doubtful Sounds, and discover the wildlife haven of Stewart Island. With its spectacular landscapes, native wildlife, and peaceful remoteness, this itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking an immersive nature escape in one of the world’s last great frontiers.
Highlights
- Cruise the world-famous Milford Sound and serene Doubtful Sound
- Hike in Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Discover native birds and glowworms in Te Anau
- Visit Invercargill and the windswept beauty of Bluff
- Explore the untouched wilderness of Stewart Island and Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Queenstown - Transfer to Te Anau
Upon arrival in Queenstown, transfer to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Enjoy a scenic drive along Lake Wakatipu and check in to your lakeside accommodation. Spend the evening exploring the lakefront or catch the glowworm cave tour.
Day 2: Milford Sound Full-Day Cruise
Travel through the Eglinton Valley and Homer Tunnel en route to Milford Sound. Enjoy a scenic cruise through this majestic fiord, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls like Stirling Falls. Spot dolphins, seals, and penguins. Return to Te Anau for the night.
Day 3: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Depart for a full-day trip to the more remote and tranquil Doubtful Sound. Journey across Lake Manapouri, then board a cruise through New Zealand’s deepest and most mysterious fiord. Experience true silence in the “Sound of Silence” moment. Return in the evening.
Day 4: Scenic Drive to Invercargill via Riverton
Head south along the Southern Scenic Route, stopping in Riverton, one of New Zealand’s oldest settlements. Arrive in Invercargill, known for its Victorian architecture and motoring history. Visit E Hayes Motorworks Collection or relax at Queens Park.
Day 5: Bluff and Ferry to Stewart Island
Travel to Bluff, the southernmost town on the mainland, and catch the ferry to Stewart Island. Check into your accommodation in Oban, then explore this remote paradise on foot. Optional guided kiwi-spotting tour at night.
Day 6: Ulva Island Nature Tour
Take a guided eco-tour of Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary teeming with native birds like the tui, kaka, and saddleback. Enjoy a peaceful bush walk with insights into New Zealand’s conservation efforts. Afternoon at leisure - go kayaking, beachcombing, or birdwatching.
Day 7: Return to Invercargill - Free Evening
Take the morning ferry back to Bluff and transfer to Invercargill. Enjoy your final evening in the Southland region. Consider visiting a local museum or savoring a seafood dinner featuring the famous Bluff oysters.
Day 8: Depart via Queenstown
After breakfast, transfer back to Queenstown Airport for your onward journey, reflecting on the epic landscapes and serenity of New Zealand’s southern frontier.
Must-Do Activities
- Cruise Milford Sound under cascading waterfalls
- Experience total silence in Doubtful Sound’s untouched fjords
- Walk through ancient forests on Ulva Island
- Spot a kiwi bird in its natural habitat on Stewart Island
- Explore local life and cuisine in Invercargill and Bluff
Accommodation Options
- Te Anau: Fiordland Lodge (luxury), Distinction Luxmore Hotel (mid-range)
- Invercargill: The Lodges at Transport World (premium), Ascot Park Hotel (family-friendly)
- Stewart Island: Stewart Island Lodge (boutique), Bay Motel (comfortable and central)
Why Choose This Tour?
This carefully curated itinerary goes beyond the tourist trail to showcase New Zealand’s most remote and awe-inspiring regions. It combines world-famous icons like Milford Sound with lesser-visited gems like Stewart Island, offering a true escape into wilderness. Perfect for travelers seeking rich biodiversity, rugged landscapes, and an unforgettable connection with nature.