Welcome to the deep south of New Zealand – a place where rare dolphins, penguins, sea lions and albatross roam freely and often. Take the chance to try and spot these beautiful creatures and more as you explore natural limestone caves, podocarp forest, dramatic waterfalls, ice-carved fjords and tranquil lakes. Learn about the wild, rugged Catlins coastline, the impressive Doubtful Sound and the popular central Otago region on an adventure through ‘Lord Of The Rings’ country.
Kia ora! Welcome to Dunedin, New Zealand. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you’re going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We’ll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.
Sitting at the top of Otago Harbour, Dunedin is a wonderful seaside city full of interesting influences, so perhaps see if you can catch the hints of Scottish, Maori, Victorian and Edwardian culture during your stay here. Anyone arriving early may want to get a taste of the city’s inviting food scene – craft beers, cheeses, the Otago Farmers Market and more are complemented by the city’s proximity to the countryside. Fresh food will be hard to miss. An optional visit to the Otago Museum is also on the cards if you want to learn more about the nature, science and culture of New Zealand as a whole.
There are no meals included on this day.
Spend the day getting closer to the birdlife of the Southern Island, beginning with a visit to the albatross colonies of the Otago Peninsula. Spy out at the birds and get a better understanding of their social and family life as parents guard their chicks; adolescents pose amongst themselves, lovers perform courtship dances along with other intriguing day-to-day activities of these majestic creatures.
Continue on to the Catlins, a major highlight of the southern scenic route. Situated off the beaten track, journey through the rural heartlands and podocarp forests while pushing past rugged coastlines, hidden lakes and stunning waterfalls. The natural landscapes here are breathtaking, as is the wildlife that calls this region home.
In the evening, join your guide to spot penguins at Curio Bay as the sun sets. Watch the yellow-eyed waddling birds duck and weave through fossil plots and sand alike as they head to their nests after a big day of fishing. The option to enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant is available if you’re feeling peckish after a big day of bird-watching.
There are no meals included on this day.
Try adventure activities in New Zealand on this Topdeck South Island trip! The name says it all – feel Pure Adrenalin on this 10 day Topdeck trip of NZ’s South Island between Wellington and Christchurch. Get your Kiwi kicks in […]
Natural wonders and adrenalin raising activities in NZ High octane or slow and steady, this trip switches up the pace every day. Learn from Maori people, raft the white waters, slip into mudbaths and throw yourself off a bridge (with […]
Experience the best of Southern New Zealand! From Christchurch to Queenstown to Lake Ohau, it’s an adventure you won’t ever want to end. In Franz Josef you’ll hike a glacier, then it’s on to Queenstown, the adventure Capital of the […]
WhatsApp Group Chat
bit.ly/slowboatoz
bit.ly/slowboatbali
SlowBoat Store