Guided Tours
Deep South 2024
27 November to 6 December 2024
Join us on our southern-most sojourn as we travel the full Southern Scenic Route from Dunedin via the ruggedly dramatic Catlins Coast to Invercargill, and on to stunning Fiordland. A cruise in tranquil Doubtful Sound and an overnight stay on Stewart Island are special highlights.
Day 1
Wednesday 27 November - We Fly to Dunedin
We are transferred to Wellington Airport today to join a mid-afternoon Air New Zealand flight to Dunedin. Our tour driver awaits us at Dunedin Airport to transfer us into the city where we will take a drive to get acquainted with this fine southern city – known as the Edinburgh of the South. We’ll see the Otago University Campus, the Botanic Gardens, St Pauls Cathedral and the Octagon, with much more to discover tomorrow. Checking in to our hotel, this evening we enjoy a special Dunedin Haggis Ceremony – a lively authentic performance, presented by the Piping Hot Haggis entertainers. An evening of fun is guaranteed.
Day 2
Thursday 28 November - We’ll Take the High Road – Otago Peninsula
Today we explore the picturesque Otago Peninsula, this morning taking the “low road” out to Taiaroa Head at the end of the peninsula to the Royal Albatross Centre. This is the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross in the world, and we enjoy a fully guided tour, including viewing of the birds from a glassed observatory. We then take the “high road”, a scenic drive providing magnificent views of remote beaches and bays, as we head to Larnach Castle, where we enjoy lunch in the old ballroom (included), before joining a guided tour of the castle. There will also be time for a leisurely wander of the gardens.
Travelling back to town, we’ll squeeze in some more sightseeing of this gracious city. We’ll see the Dunedin Railway Station, a marvel of Edwardian architecture, then compare the modern architecture of the Forsyth Barr Stadium. We will spot some of Dunedin’s incredible murals and take a stroll up the infamous Baldwin Street - Dunedin’s steepest street. Returning to our hotel, we dine in again this evening.
Travelling back to town, we’ll squeeze in some more sightseeing of this gracious city. We’ll see the Dunedin Railway Station, a marvel of Edwardian architecture, then compare the modern architecture of the Forsyth Barr Stadium. We will spot some of Dunedin’s incredible murals and take a stroll up the infamous Baldwin Street - Dunedin’s steepest street. Returning to our hotel, we dine in again this evening.
Day 3
Friday 29 November - The Wild Catlins
Today we journey down the beautiful Catlins Coast, part of “The Southern Scenic Route” and New Zealand’s first touring route. Rugged coastline, sweeping beaches, lakes and forest will unfold before us as we explore this isolated stretch of coast. Special highlights of today will include Nugget Point, the much-photographed Purakaunui Falls, Lake Wilkie, Waikawa Bay, and Curio Bay - where, tide dependent, we will be able to view a unique fossilised forest on the shoreline. A picnic lunch is provided en route and our destination tonight is the southernmost city of Invercargill. We dine at a local restaurant this evening, before packing a small overnight bag for our expedition to Stewart Island the next day.
Day 4
Saturday 30 November - Spectacular Stewart Island/Rakiura
Making our way to Bluff this morning, we board the Stewart Island Ferry for a one hour journey across Foveaux Strait. Berthing at the main village of Oban, we settle into our accommodation and find our bearings. Lunch is at our own choice and cost, before we join RealNZ’s Village and Bays bus tour for an informative introduction to the Island’s community, history and environment provided by a local guide. We return mid afternoon with time to relax before dining in-house tonight
Day 5
Sunday 01 December - Ulva Island Cruise and Back to the Mainland
This morning we visit Rakiura Museum. Not to be missed, this stunning new museum houses an extensive collection of items and photographs of Stewart Island's unique history, including settlement, mutton birding, whaling, boat building and more. We then have a little free time to wander and to find some lunch (own cost), before we depart on RealNZ’s Ulva Island Explorer Cruise. Boarding our vessel we cruise to Paterson Inlet - the site of a historic Whalers Base, before landing on Ulva/Te Wharawhara- an internationally acclaimed open sanctuary. Listening to the bird song on Ulva Island is like stepping back in time. This predator‑free island is home to South Island kākā, kererū, bellbird, tomtit, Stewart Island brown kiwi and saddleback - some of the bird species we may encounter as we enjoy a guided walk through mature podocarp forest.
Our cruise returns in time for a late afternoon sailing back to Bluff, where we will take a short drive to Stirling Point, an iconic photo stop and famous for its signpost depicting directions and distances to major cities around the world. Returning to our hotel in Invercargill, we dine out at a nearby restaurant again this evening.
Our cruise returns in time for a late afternoon sailing back to Bluff, where we will take a short drive to Stirling Point, an iconic photo stop and famous for its signpost depicting directions and distances to major cities around the world. Returning to our hotel in Invercargill, we dine out at a nearby restaurant again this evening.
Day 6
Monday 02 December - Gardens and Gasoline
We discover a couple more southern treasures today, this morning travelling out to Wyndham where we visit Maple Glen Garden. Maple Glen is a large private garden with a nursery and aviary plus woodland and wetland areas set in rolling green Southland countryside. Planted for colour in all seasons, there are hundreds of rhododendrons, bulbs, and bedding plants, while conifers and maples provide structure. Returning to town, lunch is at your own cost and choice before we visit Bill Richardson’s Transport World. This expansive museum is the largest private collection of its type in the world, currently holding hundreds of vintage trucks, classic cars, an immaculate collection of VW Kombis, and over 100 vintage fuel pumps… and it’s still growing. This is a must see, and you don’t have to be a truck enthusiast, there is something for everyone.
With a little bit of free time at our disposal later this afternoon, transfers can be arranged for a spot of Invercargill retail therapy or simply relaxing back at our hotel. We dine out again this evening.
With a little bit of free time at our disposal later this afternoon, transfers can be arranged for a spot of Invercargill retail therapy or simply relaxing back at our hotel. We dine out again this evening.
Day 7
Tuesday 03 December - The Southern Scenic Highway
This morning we visit Invercargill’s Botanical Gardens, known as Queens Park. The park is home to a brand new tuatarium, where celebrity tuatara Henry and friends now live in style, and there are also aviaries, themed gardens and many paths to wander at leisure through magnificent trees.
We then embark on the second part of the Southern Scenic Route, travelling today through to Te Anau. We stop for lunch (own cost) in the picturesque fishing village of Riverton and pass through the settlements of Colac Bay and Tuatapere. At Clifden we visit the site of a historic suspension bridge – one of the oldest in the South Island. We dine in tonight at our Te Anau Hotel, home for the next two nights.
We then embark on the second part of the Southern Scenic Route, travelling today through to Te Anau. We stop for lunch (own cost) in the picturesque fishing village of Riverton and pass through the settlements of Colac Bay and Tuatapere. At Clifden we visit the site of a historic suspension bridge – one of the oldest in the South Island. We dine in tonight at our Te Anau Hotel, home for the next two nights.
Day 8
Wednesday 04 December - Cruising on Doubtful Sound
Today we join RealNZ’s very special Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise. Boarding our vessel at Manapouri’s Pearl Harbour, the first stage of our journey takes us across Lake Manapouri to West Arm. From here we travel by coach through dense rainforest over the Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove where we board the Patea Explorer for a three-hour cruise on Doubtful Sound – a stunning remote fiord. During the cruise a nature guide will provide information about the landscapes and the varied wildlife you may see, including dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguin. A picnic lunch is provided for you to enjoy at leisure on the cruise. Following a full and awe-inspiring day’s experience we enjoy relaxed dining back at our Te Anau hotel again tonight
Day 9
Thursday 05 December - Remarkable Queenstown
Before departing Te Anau this morning, we pay a final tribute to this region, visiting a special attraction; Ata Whenua – Shadowland - a spectacular film experience bringing us the Fiordland World Heritage Wilderness we would otherwise never see. Filmed across extremes of season, climate and terrain, it will take us on an unforgettable 3D journey through one of the most stunning landscapes on earth.
Leaving Te Anau behind, we travel on roads surrounded by the Eyre and Snowdon Mountain ranges before opening up into rolling Southland farmland. The shoreline of Lake Wakatipu soon comes into view, as we approach Queenstown. We continue on to Arrowtown, our lunch stop today (own cost), with a little time to wander and explore this picturesque historic village. Returning to Queenstown, we check in to our hotel for our last night together, dining in at our hotel this evening.
Leaving Te Anau behind, we travel on roads surrounded by the Eyre and Snowdon Mountain ranges before opening up into rolling Southland farmland. The shoreline of Lake Wakatipu soon comes into view, as we approach Queenstown. We continue on to Arrowtown, our lunch stop today (own cost), with a little time to wander and explore this picturesque historic village. Returning to Queenstown, we check in to our hotel for our last night together, dining in at our hotel this evening.
Day 10
Friday 06 December - Travelling Home
We may have a little free time in Queenstown this morning before we are transferred to Frankton airport in time for our flight back to Wellington. As the aircraft ascends over the tops of the Remarkable Ranges and Coronet Peak, we have time to reflect on an amazing southern adventure. Farewelling fellow travellers at Wellington Airport we will be met by transfer vehicles to return us to our home towns.
The cost of the tour includes
- All coach travel
- Good quality hotel/motel accommodation
- All dinners, 2 course or buffet
- 3 lunches as listed below
- All breakfasts
- Wellington-Dunedin and Queenstown-Wellington flights
- Piping Hot Haggis ceremony
- Royal Albatross Centre, guided tour
- Larnach Castle, guided tour and lunch
- Picnic lunch, Catlins
- Stewart Island return ferry
- Village and Bays Tour, Stewart Island
- Rakiura Museum, entry
- Ulva Island Explorer Tour, Stewart Island
- Maple Glen Garden, entry and tour
- Bill Richardson’s Transport World, entry
- Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise (including picnic)
- Fiordland Cinema film screening
Departure Detail
Before you book a tour with Tranzit Tours, please take the time to read and understand these Terms and Conditions below.
Pricing Validity
All costs associated with each tour are outlined in full within each tour itinerary. All pricing quoted is valid for the dates of tour when booked.
Reservations and Payments
Bookings for all Tranzit tours can be made through any Tranzit Coachlines Reservations Centre or an approved Travel Agent. Any person making a booking for others shall be deemed to have accepted these Terms and Conditions on behalf of all individuals they are booking on a tour and it is the responsibility of the person making the booking to bring these Terms and conditions to the attention of those individuals booked.
A deposit as stated in the Tour Itinerary is payable to secure the booking.
The balance must be paid in full by the date stated in the Tour Itinerary.
Any reservation made within fourteen (14) days of the tour departure must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Cancellations, Postponements and Alterations
Cancellations by the Customer
Cancellations 45+ days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of your deposit, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.Cancellations 44 – 8 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.
Cancellations within 7 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 25% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.No refunds will be made for cancellations made within one day of departure or once travel has commenced. Refunds will not be provided for unused portions of a tour, unless the Customer can provide genuine reason and documentary evidence that services were unable to be utilised (and a refund if applicable is available from the other provider) in which case the company will review each request and may provide a partial refund at the sole discretion of the company.
Cancellations of one half of a twin share booking will result in the Customer cancelling being charged the cost of a single booking, if the Company is unable to match the twin share booking with another Customer.
Alterations by the Customer
The Customer may transfer their booking to another person for the same tour and commencement date, but only if the other person satisfies all of Tranzit Tours requirements in relation to the tour and provides us a completed Booking Form. The Customer must notify Tranzit Tours in writing of the intended transfer at least 30 days prior to the commencement date of the tour. A $60 transfer fee per person/per transfer will apply (in addition to any supplier change fees).
Cancellations or Postponements by the Company
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or postpone a tour. With the exception of the Force Majeure section below, Tranzit Tours will:In the event of a tour being cancelled by the company prior to departure and not postponed – refund the total amount paid in respect of that tour or provide a credit, but will have no further liability to the Customer.
In the event of a tour being postponed – rebook the Customer for the new departure date or provide a credit, but will have no further liability to the Customer.
In the event of a Force Majeure event that occurs prior to, or during, a tour such as but not limited to fire, flood, volcanic eruption, earthquake, avalanche, severe weather, power outages, labour disruptions, pandemic, government controls or other events outside Tranzit Tours control that interrupts the ability to operate the tour in full or in part, or if Tranzit Tours determines that the quality of the tour or the health and safety of the Customer would be compromised, Tranzit Tours reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or shorten the tour and will be excused and released from its obligations without liability of any kind. Customers will receive a credit for postponed tours. For cancelled or shortened tours, refunds in these circumstances will be in full less any unrecoverable costs (i.e. expenses already incurred or fees charged by other providers).
The Customer will be advised of any increased tour costs as a result of the postponement. Credits will be equal to the value of the payment made and must be used within 12 months. Customers are strongly advised to take out travel insurance.
In the event of cancellation or postponement by the company, Tranzit Tours is not responsible for any consequential loss incurred by the Customer. Customers are again advised to take out travel insurance.
Alterations by the Company
Before Tour Commencement: If a major change to the tour needs to be made before departure, we will inform the Customer of the change as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease.Tranzit Tours reserves the right to alter a tour (including the itinerary) and substitute accommodation facilities should unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, the company reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour. Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. The company will not be held responsible for weather-based cancellations, or those closures made at the tour provider’s discretion.
Tranzit Tours will inform the customer as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease.
Insurance
Tranzit Tours recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover against things like lost or damaged luggage, accident or sickness, loss or theft of personal belongings and documents, or the need to cancel or shorten your tour. Please note that special conditions will apply for pre-existing medical conditions with all travel insurance policies.
Health and Fitness
Tranzit Tours are generally able to accommodate most fitness abilities; however, some tours may require a certain level of physical fitness for full enjoyment of tour activities. The Customer must inform Tranzit Tours, at the time of booking, of any health or fitness restrictions that may limit participation of tour activities or put the Customer, tour staff or other customers at risk. The Customer acknowledges that their suitability for a tour, or any activity within a tour, is wholly the Customer’s responsibility.
Payment of a deposit by the Customer to secure a Tranzit Tour acts as a warranty that:
o the Customer is reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in the tour, and
o the Customer does not have a health, physical condition or disability that would create risk to themselves, tour staff or other customers, and
o the Customer indemnifies Tranzit Tours from all actions, claims and demands arising out of any want of health or fitness.
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to decline a booking on medical, health or fitness grounds at its sole discretion.
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to remove a Customer from a tour, or quarantine a Customer on tour, if their health and/or fitness interferes with the tour or staff safety or other Customers safety or tour experience in any way. Any additional costs associated with a Customer’s removal from tour or placement into quarantine, shall be borne by the Customer. Refunds will be made in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.
Authority on Tour
Tranzit Tours are operated by staff with decision making authority while on tour. By travelling with Tranzit Tours, you agree to accept the authority of the driver/guide and their decisions are final in all matters likely to affect the wellbeing, safety or experience of any customer or staff member on board. Failure to adhere to reasonable requests or any inappropriate behaviour that is degrading the experience of other customers, may result in the Customer being removed from the tour. If a Customer is asked to leave a tour, any costs associated with returning home will be borne by the Customer and any unused portion of the tour will not be refunded.
Responsibilities
Tranzit Tours include goods and services provided by other operators such as hotels, attractions and transportation companies. Customers are advised to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions on which these services are supplied. Accordingly, Tranzit Tours will not be responsible and will be excluded from liability for any loss, damage, omission or acts being negligent or otherwise, committed by other goods and service providers used in connection with the tour.
Tranzit Tours is not liable for any loss, damage, delay, or injury caused to the traveller or their baggage whilst under the care or control of a third-party provider. A Customer’s baggage and personal effects shall be carried at the owner’s risk as provided for under the Carriage of Goods Act.
Tranzit Tours is not responsible for any losses or additional expenses to the Customer due to tours impacted by Force Majeure events that occur prior to, or during, a tour such as but not limited to fire, flood, volcanic eruption, earthquake, avalanche, severe weather, power outages, labour disruptions, pandemic, government controls or other events outside Tranzit Tours control that interrupts the ability to operate the tour in full or in part, or if Tranzit Tours determines that the quality of the tour or the health and safety of the Customer would be compromised.
Acceptance of Risk
The Customer acknowledges that all Tranzit Tours may be subject to risks and dangers beyond that which might be experienced by the Customer at home. Except as provided in law, the Customer acknowledges that they assume all risk and Tranzit Tours is not liable for misadventure, death, injury, delay or loss which occurs during the tour.
Seat Rotation
For the enjoyment of all travellers Tranzit Tours operates a seat rotation system which all travellers must participate in as a condition of booking.
Photographs
Photographs used to market any Tranzit Tour depict typical scenes experienced, but the subject matter may not necessarily be seen or experienced whilst visiting a destination within a tour.
Whilst on tour, the Customer may be included in photographs and/or film taken by the guide or driver. These photographs may be used for future promotional advertising purposes and by booking on a Tranzit Tour the Customer authorises the use of any images they are captured in to be used without further consent or any payment of any kind. If the Customer does not authorise the use of their image for promotional purposes, they must make this known at the time of booking.
Privacy Policy
Any personal information that Tranzit Tours collects about the Customer may be used for any purpose associated with the operation of a tour or to send the Customer marketing material in relation to Tranzit Tour products. The information may be disclosed to our agents, service providers or other suppliers to enable Tranzit Tours to operate the tour. Tranzit Tours will otherwise treat your details in accordance with our privacy policy (available on our website).
Applicable Law
The laws of New Zealand govern these Terms and Conditions to the fullest extent allowable.
The door to door transfers on the Tranzit Travel Club tours are such a bonus. Being picked up at my door and dropped back after our travels made things so easy! - Liz Black