Te Anau to Dunedin via the Catlins & Invercargill 1 Way Tour

Begin your adventure with pickups from central Te Anau accommodation and head southeast toward the remote beauty of the Catlins. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you leave Fiordland and enter the Southland countryside.

Make a brief stop in Invercargill to stretch your legs or join/disembark the tour. Guests from the city can begin or end their journey here at approximately 9:00 AM.

Step onto the fossilized remains of a 180-million-year-old petrified forest at Curio Bay (visible at low tide). Keep watch for yellow-eyed penguins and Hector's dolphins that frequent the shoreline. If tides allow, visit the stunning Cathedral Caves—towering sea caverns accessible via a scenic walk (entry fee applies).

Stop in the quiet Catlins village of Papatowai for lunch and a chance to visit the unique Lost Gypsy Caravan, a whimsical gallery of kinetic art, curiosities, and handmade wonders that never fail to surprise.

Take a short, easy walk through lush native forest to reach one of New Zealand's most photographed waterfalls—Purakaunui Falls. Its tiered cascade makes for a peaceful and photogenic stop.

A gentle coastal walk leads you to the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse, where panoramic views and dramatic sea stacks await. Spot fur seals, seabirds, and the raw power of the Southern Ocean from this spectacular lookout.

Conclude your journey in Dunedin with drop-offs at your central accommodation. Known for its Scottish heritage, vibrant student life, and stunning architecture, Dunedin is a great place to end your southern adventure—or begin the next one.