Queenstown Southern Loop
Experience 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 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 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2269
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Ferry
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: PHSQ
Starts: Queenstown / Te Anau , New Zealand
Finishes: Stewart Island / Queenstown, New Zealand
Duration: 6 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (5),Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights),Cabin (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,005 ($501 /day)
Itinerary
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 (135 NZD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
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
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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 (59 NZD)
- Stewart Island - Wild Kiwi Encounter (249 NZD)
- Stewart Island - Beaks & Feathers Kiwi Spotting (175 NZD)
- Stewart Island - Ulva Island Explorer (129 NZD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel or Hostel (with shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
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
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Rosemary - Traveled, March 2024
Excellent well paced introduction to the highlights of the South Island
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2024
Grace - Traveled, March 2024
This is my first time in New Zealand. The experience that I never forget. I love the Country and the people around as well the Landscape. It's my first time to see a lot of herds, along the way to Stewart Island. And also the World Heritage site of Millford Sound. And when we are at Te Anue. We have the experience of Jet Boat on the river. And that was exciting . Over all I Love this experience. I have something to tell to my grand Daughter.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/07/2024
Ieshea - Traveled, January 2024
Enjoyed trip seeing my own country for the first time to south island enjoyed all locations. Milford sounds so beautiful including Stewart island totally recommend intriped for organising everything. thanks to lexi tour guide for her knowledge and driving us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/04/2024
Tomoe - Traveled, December 2023
It was my first time to join Intrepid and my experience was 5 out of 5
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, November 2023
This trip gave us a good overview of areas of beauty, nature and different experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2023
Oliver - Traveled, September 2023
I joined this trip late, there was an unforseen natural event that shouffeld the trip around. The guide and the people behind him made quick and great adjustments to make sure we will have a great time. Well done!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2023
Andrew - Traveled, September 2023
This trip was awesome!! Visited beautiful places with a great group of people! Our trip leader was so friendly and knowledgeable! I would highly recommend this trip to anyone interested in exploring South NZ!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2023
Kelsey - Traveled, May 2023
Great trip to see more remote areas of the South Island with a guided group - nice for solo travelers. Can see all types of weather in one day, so pack layers! A fairly quick pace with more time to relax on Stewart Island. Recommend the glow worm cave tour and kiwi bird experience add-ons.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/12/2023
Joan & John - Traveled, March 2023
This trip featured some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. If possible, it is worthwhile extending the trip to experience all that Queenstown has to offer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/31/2023
Jessica - Traveled, March 2023
I enjoyed this short trip around the southern portion of New Zealand. This part of the country is beautiful. The highlights for me were the boat cruise around Milford Sound and the night excursion to spot wild kiwi's on Stewart Island (optional activity). I think some of the accommodation options could be improved. In the Catlins we stayed in cabins with shared bathroom facilites located across the complex. On Stewart Island you have to share bathroom facilities as well. So just something to keep in mind. Also, the vegetarian food options in some of these places is limited. Deinitely add on a few days at the end to explore Queenstown since this is not included in the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2023
Jeanene - Traveled, February 2023
Great itinerary, geat leader, Stewart Island a gem.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/03/2023
Geetha - Traveled, December 2023
The Queenstown Southern Loop tour goes to truly unique and remote places in New Zealand's South Island such as the Caitlins and Stewart Island. The drive itself it quite scenic. Stewart Island is charming with native birds and coastal scenery.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/13/2023
Joanne - Traveled, December 2022
The Southern Loop tour was an excellent experience. Our guide, Lexi, was knowledgable, energetic and organised. She made an effort to initiate some group bonding to help us engage with and get to know the other members of the group quickly. She was also an excellent driver and despite travelling on windy, mountainous roads, I felt safe with her at the wheel. The tour took us to some of the most beautiful places I have seen and allowed us to see rare wildlife that I had not experienced before. Our guide was sensitive to our individual needs and interests, indulging us when possible. I would highly recommend this tour and tour guide to any one considering it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2022
Lucy - Traveled, November 2022
This trip was fantastic. I would definitely recommend intrepid. I like how much knowledge they had and had good people skills. The sights we all saw were fabulous! Highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2022
Kate - Traveled, October 2022
A wonderfully brief but fun explore around the south of the south island of NZ. Walk, explore the beautiful scenery, relax!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2022
Naeema - Traveled, September 2022
Unfortunately 6 out of 11 us didn’t continue with this tour after first 2 days - very poor tour guide who just drove. Poor planning, no activities planned. We were googling to find things to do. Sad as I’ve had great experiences with intrepid before.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2022
Simon - Traveled, April 2022
A beautiful country and a superb guide ... I wish I could have stayed for longer!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/04/2022
Lyn - Traveled, April 2022
The itinerary and organisation of this trip was very good and our tour guide, who was exceptional, added to the enjoyment, making it one of the most memorable we have done over many years.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2022
Jocelyn - Traveled, April 2022
We covered a lot of ground in 6 days. Nothing a bother for our guide. We had a variety of options and loved the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2022
Bonita - Traveled, December 2021
Highly recommend a trip with Intrepid for Kiwis looking to explore their own backyard while the borders are shut, or further afield once we’re free to travel overseas again. I thoroughly enjoyed the Southern Loop trip, Vaughan our guide was awesome, and set the scene nicely on day one by calling us ‘whanau’ which we felt like we were by the end of 6 wonderful days together. Trip highlights included Stewart Island for New Years, getting up and close with kea on the way to Milford Sound and ‘hiking’ a portion of the Kepler with Chris from Fiordland Jet before an impromptu picnic dinner on the beach at Lake Manapouri.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2022
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