Queenstown Southern Loop

Queenstown Southern Loop

188 Views
6 Days From

$2555

$2172

Queenstown Southern Loop

6 Days Starting and ending in Queenstown

Visiting: Queenstown / Te Anau , Milford Sound / Te Anau, The Catlins, Stewart Island, Stewart Island / Queenstown

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

PHSQ

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2555 $2172 Operator discount: -$383 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Explore the rugged reaches of the South Island on this six-day trip with Intrepid, beginning and ending in Queenstown. Make your way to the shores of the South Island’s biggest lake and sail the silent waters of glacier-carved Fiordland National Park with an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound. Cross to the sometimes forgotten corner of Otago – the rugged cliffs of the Catlins – to hike to coastal caves, then span the gap to untouched Stewart Island to explore the wilderness, listening out for the call of the kiwi. Crafted to give the right amount of active adventure and time to relax, this is the perfect southern getaway.

Highlights

  • Soak up the silence of Milford Sound on a cruise across its waters – you’ll be left speechless by the hundreds of tumbling cascades and deeply forested mountains.

  • Explore the Cathedral Caves of the Catlins, an untamed coastal wilderness home to rugged cliffs, dense forest, and spectacular hidden waterfalls.

  • Cross the Foveaux Strait to unspoilt Stewart Island, a haven for hikers and birdwatches and the place to spot a wild kiwi.

  • Enjoy two nights and one full day to explore the wilderness of Stewart Island, cruising the bays and inlets to spot penguins and seabirds and walking along its forested coastal tracks.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Forest & Bird. Donations help them give nature a voice - protecting wildlife and wild places in Aotearoa New Zealand by advocating for conservation on the ground and at a government level.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Forest & Bird. Donations help them give nature a voice - protecting wildlife and wild places in Aotearoa New Zealand by advocating for conservation on the ground and at a government level. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

  • Explore the Catlins, an untamed coastal wilderness home to rugged cliffs, dense forest, and spectacular hidden waterfalls.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Queenstown / Te Anau

Location: Queenstown / Te Anau

Accommodation: Hotel

Welcome to the South Island! Make your own way to the hotel, where the adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting where you'll join up with your leader and group. If you’re looking for more time in ‘Adventure Capital of the World', look to book in some time after the end of the trip. After the meeting, head to the lovely lakeside town of Te Anau – gateway to Fiordland National Park. Watch the stunning landscapes pass by as you round the bottom of Lake Wakatipu with the aptly named The Remarkables mountains in the background. The 3.5-hour drive will take you to the shores of the South Island’s biggest lake, which extends into the fiords and deeply forested mountains. Once arrived, there are plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy the spectacular surrounding nature. Perhaps head out to see the glow worms on the opposite shore of the lake.

Optional Activities:
-Te Anau - Glow Worm Cave with Cruise & Guide

Day 2: Milford Sound / Te Anau

Location: Milford Sound / Te Anau

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

The stunning, unforgettable sights of the fiords are best experienced by boat, so today you’ll set off for a memorable cruise on Milford Sound, known locally as Piopiotahi. Sail along the waters that pour out into the Tasman Sea, and look out for bottlenose dolphins and fur seals at play. Nature feels close here in the silence of the sound as you make your way past countless tumbling, misting cascades, soaring icy peaks, lush rainforest and twisting inlets. Soak up the surrounds so stunning that they feel almost fake, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Afterwards get a different perspective of the sound, surrounded by native bush, as you take on the lookout track with your leader. There’s a bit of a climb, but the views are more than worth it to look down on the water and up at the peaks. The spectacular views keep on coming with a Mirror Lakes walk, where the peaks and greenery reflect in the clear lake waters. Return to Te Anau in time for dinner this evening – maybe seek out some local fare like venison or even lobster for dinner.

Included Activities:
-Milford Sound - Nature Boat Cruise
-Milford Sound - Leader-led walk to Milford Lookout
-Milford Sound - Walk to Mirror Lakes & Lake Gunn

Day 3: The Catlins

Location: The Catlins

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning it’s time to swap one side of the island for the other as you make your way to what feels like a forgotten corner of Otago – the Catlins. This untamed coastal wilderness is home to rugged cliffs, dense forest, and some spectacular hidden waterfalls. Visit Nugget Point and its lighthouse, situated on a rocky outcrop jutting out into the South Pacific Ocean, and hike through dense forest to pretty McLean Falls. In the afternoon take the time to soak up the sights of pounding surf, windswept beaches and sunbathing sea lions as you stroll the sands with your leader.

Included Activities:
-The Catlins - Leader-led walk to Nugget Point & McLean Falls

Day 4: Stewart Island

Location: Stewart Island

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Head to the very bottom of the island and take a ferry across the Foveaux Strait to the country’s third largest landmass, remote and rugged Stewart Island. It takes about one hour to travel the 30-kilometre strait. The island is almost entirely national park, which makes its unspoiled forests, beaches and bays a haven for hikers of all abilities as well as birdwatchers – it’s home to endangered brown kiwi and the flightless Stewart Island kiwi. In the Maori language the island is known as Rakiura, which means ‘the land of glowing skies’.

Included Activities:
-Stewart Island - Scenic Ferry Crossing

Day 5: Stewart Island

Location: Stewart Island

Accommodation: Hotel or Hostel (with shared facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast

Enjoy a full free day to explore the island as you discover the coast and Rakiura National Park. Optional activities include cruises on the bays and inlets spotting penguins and seabirds and walks along forested coastal tracks past early Maori settlements. Learn about the local flora and fauna, and relax on the beach for a picnic lunch. Take in the views over glistening William Bay and see if you can spot the mountains of the South Island in the distance. Return to your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the evening to relax after your full day of island exploration. Perhaps join the group for dinner at a local restaurant tonight.

Optional Activities:
-Stewart Island - Village & Bay Trip
-Stewart Island - Wild Kiwi Encounter
-Stewart Island - Beaks & Feathers Kiwi Spotting
-Stewart Island - Ulva Island Explorer

Day 6: Stewart Island / Queenstown

Location: Stewart Island / Queenstown

Meals Included: breaksfast

Head back over to the mainland, then continue back to Queenstown. Your trip comes to an end today when you arrive back in Queenstown at approximately 2pm. If you have extra time to spend in Queenstown, make sure to get out and take advantage of the numerous adventure activities on offer. The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu not only serve as spectacular props to get your adrenaline fix, they’re also beautiful to look at. The town is also a great base for exploring Central Otago’s excellent vineyards and historic mining towns.

Included Activities:
-Stewart Island - Scenic Ferry Crossing

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (4 nights), Cabin (with shared facilities) (1 night)

  • Milford Sound - Nature Boat Cruise

  • Milford Sound - Leader-led walk to Milford Lookout

  • Milford Sound - Walk to Mirror Lakes & Lake Gunn

  • The Catlins - Leader-led walk to Nugget Point & McLean Falls

  • Stewart Island - Scenic Ferry Crossing

  • Meals

    5 breakfasts

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Transport

  • Private vehicle , Ferry

Accommodation

  • Accommodation on this trip is on twin share basis, and single travellers are paired with someone of the same sex. Single supplement room upgrades can be requested at the time of booking. Please note that due to limited accommodation options on Stewart Island the group will stay in a mix of motel units and hostel style twin room accommodation with shared facilities. Likewise, our accommodation in the Catlins has shared facilities.

Included Activities

  • Milford Sound cruise
  • Milford Sound - Leader-led walk to Milford Lookout
  • Milford Sound - Leader-led walk to Mirror Lakes
  • The Catlins - Leader-led walk to Nugget Point Lighthouse
  • The Catlins - Leader-led walk to Cathedral Caves
  • Stewart Island - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Stewart Island - Leader-led Dark Sky briefing

Important Information

  • START & FINISH TIMES
  • This trip will begin on Day 1 at 10:30am at the Heartland Hotel Queenstown, and concludes at 2pm on Day 6. Please take this into account when making onward travel arrangements.
  • SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
  • A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Mode of Transport

  • Private vehicle , Ferry

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    With six days in the lesser visited regions of the South Island, you’ll have time to visit places others don’t.

    This trip involves some walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with a good level of mobility. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary.

    This trip is the second part of a combination of 2 trips. Some of your fellow travellers may arrive into Queenstown off another trip. Please see our 'New Zealand South Island Adventure' (trip code PHSQC) for details.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

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26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

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Nicole  

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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

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22-Jan-2024

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We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

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Operator discount: -$426

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Operator discount: -$418

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$2555 $2172

Operator discount: -$383

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Feb 21, 2026 - Feb 26, 2026
$2705

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 28, 2026 - Mar 05, 2026
$2705

Saturday - Thursday

Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 19, 2026
$2605

Saturday - Thursday

Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 26, 2026
$2605

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Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 02, 2026
$2605

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Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026
$2605

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$2605

Saturday - Thursday

May 09, 2026 - May 14, 2026
$2505

Saturday - Thursday

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$2505

Saturday - Thursday

Jul 11, 2026 - Jul 16, 2026
$2755

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 17, 2026
$2755

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 01, 2026
$2755

Saturday - Thursday

Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 15, 2026
$2755

Saturday - Thursday

Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 22, 2026
$2755

Saturday - Thursday

Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 05, 2026
$2755

Saturday - Thursday

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$2755

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$2865

Saturday - Thursday

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$2865

Saturday - Thursday

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$2865

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 12, 2026 - Dec 17, 2026
$2865

Saturday - Thursday

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$2865

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$2975

Saturday - Thursday

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$2975

Saturday - Thursday

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$2975

Saturday - Thursday

Jan 16, 2027 - Jan 21, 2027
$2975

Saturday - Thursday

Jan 23, 2027 - Jan 28, 2027
$2975

Saturday - Thursday

Jan 30, 2027 - Feb 04, 2027
$2975

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 06, 2027 - Feb 11, 2027
$2975

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 13, 2027 - Feb 18, 2027
$2975

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 20, 2027 - Feb 25, 2027
$2975

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 27, 2027 - Mar 04, 2027
$2975

Saturday - Thursday

Mar 13, 2027 - Mar 18, 2027
$2865

Saturday - Thursday

Mar 20, 2027 - Mar 25, 2027
$2865

Saturday - Thursday

Mar 27, 2027 - Apr 01, 2027
$2865

Saturday - Thursday

Apr 10, 2027 - Apr 15, 2027
$2865

Saturday - Thursday

Apr 24, 2027 - Apr 29, 2027
$2865

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May 08, 2027 - May 13, 2027
$2755

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Jun 19, 2027 - Jun 24, 2027
$2755
Prices last published on 06-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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