Private Tour: Dunedin to the Catlins
Dunedin, New Zealand
Trip Type: Private Sightseeing Tours
Duration: 10 hours
The Catlins is a magical part of the south island where waterfalls, deserted golden beaches, coastal rain forest and rare wildlife can be found. Your private day tour will take you on an unforgettable journey where you'll learn about the indigenous people, early European settlers and see some of NZ's most spectacular scenery. Your guide has a Department of Conservation concession allowing you the best possible experience.
This is the perfect day trip for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the beauty of the Catlins.
This is the perfect day trip for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the beauty of the Catlins.
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The Catlins is a magical part of the south island where waterfalls, deserted golden beaches, coastal rain forest and rare wildlife can be found. Your private day tour will take you on an unforgettable journey where you'll learn about the indigenous people, early European settlers and see some of NZ's most spectacular scenery. Your guide has a Department of Conservation concession allowing you the best possible experience.
This is the perfect day trip for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the beauty of the Catlins.Your tour begins at 7.30am from your accommodation. We head south along the Southern Scenic route through the sea-side village of Brighton before stopping at the mouth of the mighty Taieri River for a photo stop. Continuing on you will go through Waihola and Balclutha before arriving in Owaka, the gateway to the Catlins.
Your first short walk takes you to Nugget Point, the most iconic landform of the Otago Coastline. From here you will see the several rugged rocks likened to ‘gold nuggets’ where NZ fur seals and many NZ seabirds can be viewed. If you visit between December and February there is always the chance of seeing a huge Elephant Seal from the viewing platform.
Continuing south our next stop is at a picturesque bay known to be a favourite haul-out site for the rarest sea-lion in the world, New Zealand Sea-Lion. After being hunted to near extinction only about 200 remain on the mainland, you’ll get as close as 10 metres from one of these wonderful marine mammals.
Driving through native coastal rainforest surrounded by ancient trees your next short walk takes you to the highest waterfall in the Catlins. Your guide will introduce you to several native bush birds and native plants before you arrive at the McLean Falls, arguably the most spectacular of all the waterfalls in the Catlins.
Further south you will get the opportunity to look for one of the rarest and smallest dolphins in the world – the Hector’s dolphin. The nutrient-rich waters attract this dolphin to become resident in one of the bays on the Catlins coast during the warmer months. You will be taken to the best vantage points to look for these dolphins while you guide prepares light refreshments.
Your last stop is at a 180 million year old petrified forest that is revealed at low tide. The fossilised remains of an ancient forest can clearly be seen, representing one of only three accessible sites in the world.
Depending on your travel arrangements our guide can drop you off in Invercargill, the Stewart Island Ferry Terminal or take you back to your accommodation in Dunedin.
This is the perfect day trip for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the beauty of the Catlins.Your tour begins at 7.30am from your accommodation. We head south along the Southern Scenic route through the sea-side village of Brighton before stopping at the mouth of the mighty Taieri River for a photo stop. Continuing on you will go through Waihola and Balclutha before arriving in Owaka, the gateway to the Catlins.
Your first short walk takes you to Nugget Point, the most iconic landform of the Otago Coastline. From here you will see the several rugged rocks likened to ‘gold nuggets’ where NZ fur seals and many NZ seabirds can be viewed. If you visit between December and February there is always the chance of seeing a huge Elephant Seal from the viewing platform.
Continuing south our next stop is at a picturesque bay known to be a favourite haul-out site for the rarest sea-lion in the world, New Zealand Sea-Lion. After being hunted to near extinction only about 200 remain on the mainland, you’ll get as close as 10 metres from one of these wonderful marine mammals.
Driving through native coastal rainforest surrounded by ancient trees your next short walk takes you to the highest waterfall in the Catlins. Your guide will introduce you to several native bush birds and native plants before you arrive at the McLean Falls, arguably the most spectacular of all the waterfalls in the Catlins.
Further south you will get the opportunity to look for one of the rarest and smallest dolphins in the world – the Hector’s dolphin. The nutrient-rich waters attract this dolphin to become resident in one of the bays on the Catlins coast during the warmer months. You will be taken to the best vantage points to look for these dolphins while you guide prepares light refreshments.
Your last stop is at a 180 million year old petrified forest that is revealed at low tide. The fossilised remains of an ancient forest can clearly be seen, representing one of only three accessible sites in the world.
Depending on your travel arrangements our guide can drop you off in Invercargill, the Stewart Island Ferry Terminal or take you back to your accommodation in Dunedin.
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