5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Dunedin
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5d
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This immersive 5 day tour from Dunedin offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting the majority of the top attractions in New Zealand's South Island. Enjoy optional handpicked activities and places to stay without needing to worry about planning or driving long distances yourself. The itinerary is designed to showcase the beauty of the South Island in a relaxed way. Start your tour in the charming city of Dunedin and conclude in the vibrant city of Christchurch.
Enjoy comfort of a private tour for your group, benefiting from a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group throughout the tour.
Enjoy the flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for a range of exciting, handpicked 7 optional activities, like a scenic helicopter ride, a cruise in Milford or Doubtful Sound, a unique tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, a scenic gondola ride, thrill jet boating, stargazing in Dark Sky Reserves, and the TranzAlpine scenic train ride.
Available options
With Hotels & Entry Tickets
With Accommodations: Includes accommodation for 4 nights in 4 to 5-star handpicked hotels with breakfast based on availability and season.<br/>With Entry Tickets: Includes Entry tickets for mentioned 7 activities.<br/>Pickup included
Without Hotels & With Tickets
Without Accommodations: This option excludes accommodations. Travelers must book their own accommodation. Date-specific location guidance provided.<br/>With Entry Tickets: Includes Entry Tickets for mentioned 7 activities.<br/>Pickup included
Without Hotels & Entry Tickets
Without Accommodations: This option excludes accommodations. Travelers must book their own accommodation. Date-specific location guidance provided.<br/>Without Entry Tickets: This options excludes entry tickets for activities. Travelers book their own desired activities. Timeslot guidance provided.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Guide-driver exclusively for your group
Private transportation
If any optional activity is canceled by activity provider or unavailable, alternatives are provided
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Scenic Helicopter ride ticket at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Use of charging cables & emergency rain gear
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Cruise Ticket at Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Glowworm Caves Tour Ticket at Te Anau
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Stargazing Activity Ticket at Lake Tekapo
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Gondola ride with luge & Thrill Jet Boating Ticket at Queenstown
WiFi on board
Packaged snacks & chocolates
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): TranzAlpine Scenic Train Ticket - Arthur's Pass to Christchurch
Packaged water bottles
Optional ("With Hotels" Option): Accommodation for 4 nights in 4 to 5-star hotels with breakfast
What's not included
Food & Drinks (except 4 x breakfast with "With Hotels" option)
Travel Insurance
Anything not described in the inclusions
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
2 reviews
5★
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4★
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Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travelers should have their own comprehensive travel insurance
Following your booking, the operator will get in touch to confirm your preferences, as applicable
With the "With Tickets" option, traveler(s) may swap any of the included activities for alternatives of interest such as Skydiving, Horse Trekking, Scenic Flights, Glacier hiking, Relaxing Spa Treatment, Ziplining, etc., subject to availability, cost differences, and route or schedule feasibility
About Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula
Dunedin and The Otago Peninsula offer a unique blend of Scottish heritage, stunning coastal landscapes, and abundant wildlife. This region is known for its dramatic cliffs, wildlife encounters, and historic architecture, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Top Attractions
Larnach Castle
Larnach Castle is a historic castle and garden that offers a glimpse into Dunedin's past. The castle is known for its Victorian architecture and beautiful gardens.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
Moderate
Royal Albatross Centre
The Royal Albatross Centre is the only mainland breeding colony of northern royal albatross in the world. Visitors can observe these magnificent birds up close.
Nature/Wildlife
1-2 hours
Moderate
Dunedin Botanic Gardens
Dunedin Botanic Gardens is one of the world's best botanical gardens, featuring a diverse collection of plants, a winter garden, and a Japanese garden.
Nature/Gardens
1-2 hours
Free
Dunedin Chinese Garden
The Dunedin Chinese Garden is a beautiful and serene garden that celebrates the city's Chinese heritage. It features traditional Chinese architecture, plants, and water features.
Cultural/Historical
1 hour
Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Haggis
A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, suet, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).
Dinner
Not vegetarian or vegan, contains meat and offal.
Whitebait Fritters
A New Zealand delicacy made from tiny whitebait fish mixed with egg and fried into a fritter.
Lunch
Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Venison
New Zealand is famous for its game meats, and venison is a popular choice, often served with seasonal vegetables and sauces.
Dinner
Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Surfing
Kayaking
Wildlife tours
Spa treatments
Picnicking
Beachcombing
Wine tasting
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Summer)
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. This is the best time for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.
15-22°C
59-72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Māori
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Dunedin is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Dunedin International Airport • 25 km from city center
By train
Dunedin Railway Station
By bus
Dunedin Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus service is affordable and convenient, with frequent departures and easy-to-use routes.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Octagon
St. Kilda
North East Valley
Day trips
Moeraki Boulders
100 km from Dunedin • Full day
The Moeraki Boulders are large, spherical boulders scattered along a stretch of Koekohe Beach. These unique geological formations are a must-see for nature lovers.
Catlins Coast
150 km from Dunedin • Full day or overnight
The Catlins Coast is a remote and rugged coastline known for its stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife, including seals, penguins, and dolphins.
Central Otago Wine Region
200 km from Dunedin • Full day or overnight
The Central Otago Wine Region is known for its award-winning Pinot Noir and stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and scenic drives.
Festivals
Dunedin Arts Festival • May
Dunedin Fringe Festival • March
Dunedin Winter Arts Festival • July
Pro tips
- Visit the Royal Albatross Centre early in the morning for the best chance of seeing the albatross up close
- Book a guided tour of Larnach Castle to learn about its fascinating history and architecture
- Explore the Otago Peninsula by car or bike for a more immersive experience
- Visit the Dunedin Botanic Gardens in spring or summer for the best blooming flowers and scenic views
- Try local specialties like haggis, whitebait fritters, and venison for an authentic taste of Dunedin's cuisine
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
