The 10 Best Bus Tours in Southland Region, South Island

June 23, 2021 Sheron Bogner

Discover the best top things to do in Southland Region, New Zealand including Private Tour: Dunedin to the Catlins, 5 Day South Island Circut: Trains, Glaciers and Milford Sound from Christchurch, Premium Milford Sound Bus - Cruise - Fly Tour with Picnic Lunch from Queenstown, Premium Milford Sound and Te Anau Highlights 2 Days Small Group Tour, Full-Day Milford Sound Extraordinaire Tour from Te Anau, Full-Day Milford Sound Hiking Tour with Cruise, Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Te Anau, Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Queenstown , Milford Sound Coach and Scenic Cruise with Picnic Lunch from Queenstown, Milford Sound Cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau .
Restaurants in Southland Region

1. Private Tour: Dunedin to the Catlins

Back to Nature Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Waterfalls, deserted beaches, coastal rainforest, and rare wildlife can all be found in the Catlins. Explore this remote part of the South Island on a private day trip from Dunedin. You'll learn about early Maori inhabitants and European settlers from your personal guide, who has a Department of Conservation (DOC) concession with access to unforgettable places.

Inclusions: Gratuities, GST (Goods and Services Tax), National Park fees, Light refreshments, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By keithcG4728US

We have been trying to contact you for the last 2 weeks due to mobility issues . The documentation you sent me wjen I booked in September 2020 had no contact details or the name of the land provide? The land provider contacted me on Wednesday 05/05/2021 and was made aware of the cancellation. You have debited our credit card with AUD$385.60. Please refund this amount ASAP. Regards, Keith F G Colyer.

2. 5 Day South Island Circut: Trains, Glaciers and Milford Sound from Christchurch

TranzAlpine & Coastal Pacific, Troup Drive, Addington, Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand Discover New Zealand
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Discover the highlights of New Zealand's South Island, from stunning glaciers to vast National Parks there's plenty to explore! Tour highlights include the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train, a glacier Heli Hike, Glacier Hot Pools and an unforgettable day trip to Fiordland for a Milford Sound Nature Cruise. The perfect way to fit the best of the South Island into five day! This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.

Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicles, Return coach transport from Christchurch, Breif commentary on board coaches and tours, 4 nights accommodation, TranzApline Scenic Train, Franz Josef Heli Hike, Glacier Hot Pools, Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Exclusions: Meals unless specified, Pre and post tour accommodation, Gratuities, Travel insurance. We recommend travel insurance for all tours

3. Premium Milford Sound Bus - Cruise - Fly Tour with Picnic Lunch from Queenstown

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This small group day trip includes a stunning boutique Milford Sound cruise with TripAdvisors No. 1 rated cruise provider and an amazing scenic flight back to Queenstown. Highlights: •Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford •Scenic return flight with Glenorchy Air •Fiordland National Park •Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak •Wildlife Spotting Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Inclusions: Cruise Entry, Scenic Flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown , Small Group and Fully Guided Tour, Bottled water, Snacks, Picnic Lunch

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages (available to purchase), Gratuities

Reviewed By pcol2017

Had a great trip last week with Cheeky Kiwi. Callum our guide was fantastic - took us to beautiful spots we would never have stopped at on our own. He provided a fun commentary and was totally engaging. The cruise with Cruise Milford was stunning. Lovely staff on board who chatted happily to guests and made us feel very welcome. Would totally recommend this trip. Takes the hassle out of driving yourself, and at the end of a long day, having someone else drive you home is a bonus. Nice comfortable van and small size makes a more personal trip. 5 stars

4. Premium Milford Sound and Te Anau Highlights 2 Days Small Group Tour

The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown, Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This small group, fully-guided tour not only gives you the best Milford Sound experience but also allows you to enjoy everything Te Anau has to offer, making it the ultimate Fiordland Adventure. Highlights: • Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford • Fiordland National Park • Te Anau Highlights tour • Overnight stay in Te Anau Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Inclusions: Lunch, Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Cruise Entry, Accommodation, Bottled Water & Snacks

Exclusions: Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking, Gratuities

Reviewed By pcol2017

Had a great trip last week with Cheeky Kiwi. Callum our guide was fantastic - took us to beautiful spots we would never have stopped at on our own. He provided a fun commentary and was totally engaging. The cruise with Cruise Milford was stunning. Lovely staff on board who chatted happily to guests and made us feel very welcome. Would totally recommend this trip. Takes the hassle out of driving yourself, and at the end of a long day, having someone else drive you home is a bonus. Nice comfortable van and small size makes a more personal trip. 5 stars

5. Full-Day Milford Sound Extraordinaire Tour from Te Anau

Fiordland Tours
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5.0 based on 450 reviews

This full-day Milford Sound extraordinaire tour from Te Anau will have you traveling along the spectacular Milford Road. With fun commentary and plenty of local knowledge provided you will have a chance to see keas, seals, dolphins and the Fiordland crested penguin. Visit the historical Gunns Camp and enjoy an amazing morning tea that includes wonderful date scones, tea, coffee and biscuits, chocolates and fruit juice. Experience an amazing 20-minute walk to the Chasm. You will have the chance to do the most spectacular 30-minute walk to Milford Sound. It is the Marian Cascade which is a continuous cascading waterfall draining from a glacier fed lake. Your day will be topped off with a 2-hour cruise on the famous Milford Sound.

Inclusions: National Park fees, Coffee and/or Tea, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off from Te Anau, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Drinks, Lunch, Hotel Pick up from Manapouri (available by special arrangement. Additional costs may apply)

Reviewed By JMR700

We had a great day - our driver was very passionate and knowledgeable, and stopped along the way at places of interest for walks (if you wanted to), views and date scones :). The minivan was super comfortable and we could enjoy the scenery which is spectacular. Cruise Milford provided the cruise service and this was an awesome experience on a beautiful boat with a very friendly and informative captain. We had booked to fly back to Te Anau if able but the weather did not permit this, however we were more than happy to make the return trip back with our group by van.

6. Full-Day Milford Sound Hiking Tour with Cruise

Fiordland Community Events Centre, 20-22 Luxmore Drive, Te Anau 9600, New Zealand Trips & Tramps
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5.0 based on 217 reviews

Enjoy a friendly, small group (maximum 15 people) day excursion to Milford Sound from Te Anau, including a small boat cruise along the full length of the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea. Our relaxed timetable ensures plenty of opportunities for guests to enjoy short walks, photographic stops and exploration with the nature guide. Plus, from November to April guests can select 2 ½ hours hiking (unguided) on the renowned Routeburn Track to Key Summit.

Inclusions: Afternoon or morning tea, Local driver/guide, Te Anau accommodation pickup and drop-off (if advised), Sightseeing boat cruise, Guided and Self-Guided Walking tours, Modern air conditioned minivan (max 15)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Queenstown pick ups - the tour departs from Te Anau

Reviewed By mike61119

Fabulous trip to Milford Sound today. Andrew's commentary and knowledge of the area was outstanding. Would definitely use Trips and Tramps again. Highly recommend for those looking to book in Fiordland. ????????????????????

7. Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Te Anau

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 23 reviews

Premium small group tour including boutique Milford Sound cruise onboard TripAdvisors No.1 rated cruise operator, Cruise Milford, and picnic lunch from Te Anau. There is no better way to see this famous attraction. Highlights: • Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford • Fiordland National Park • Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel and Mitre Peak • Wildlife Spotting While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Cruise Entry, Picnic Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks

Exclusions: Gratuities, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

Reviewed By lauramareehay

Mark was an excellent tour guide with a lot of local knowledge. The bird sanctuary was eye opening to the number of native bird species and we even saw a morepork which was a first for us! We absolutely love Lord of the rings and we're happy that the tour could be altered to our interests slightly to incorporate a few more Lord of the rings spots. These additions did not add to much time to the overall travel time which was good! The Mavora lakes area was a highlight and had so many hidden filming spots. We appreciated having exploration time at each point for photos and to soak in the scenery to truely picture what is was like to film in these areas. We were thrilled to get our pictures taken in Amon Hen although it would have been better if we were able to get photos together. Some more in depth knowledge for Lord of the rings super fans would have been awesome like more behind the scenes facts unique to these locations. It was an awesome opportunity to actually walk through Fangorn forest, an activity not usually in the tour. Overall we loved the tour, it introduced us to some areas that we will have to return to!

8. Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Queenstown

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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4.9 based on 153 reviews

Premium small group tour including boutique Milford Sound cruise with Cruise Milford, the number 1 Trip Advisor rated cruise company, and picnic lunch from Queenstown. There is no better way to see this most famous of attractions. Highlights: • Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford • Fiordland National Park • Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak • Wildlife Spotting While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and little details that set our tours apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Cruise Entry, Picnic Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages (available to purchase), Gratuities, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

Reviewed By tinanU2049PP

Lance was an excellent driver/Guide. He was patient and kept us entertained throughout-Thanks Lance!

9. Milford Sound Coach and Scenic Cruise with Picnic Lunch from Queenstown

110 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises
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4.9 based on 15 reviews

Journey in comfort on one of our low-emission coaches and take in incredible, panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound. The overland journey is a spectacular showcase of sheer mountains and towering cliffs, rugged valleys and the native rain forest surrounded by spectacular waterfalls and glacial lakes. Experienced local drivers provide engaging and informative commentary, and show you the best short walks and photo stops along the Milford Road. On arrival in Milford Sound cruise in comfort and style on our Milford Sound Nature Cruise while you enjoy some of New Zealand's most iconic and beautiful scenery. Cruise the length of this famous fiord and out to the Tasman Sea, stopping at waterfalls and points of interest along the way. Enjoy a freshly prepared Picnic Lunch with FREE tea and coffee onboard your cruise. Complimentary accommodation pick up and drop off from central Queenstown.

Inclusions: Return transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound on premium glass-roof coach, USB charging ports on board coach, Informative commentary provided by local coach driver, Headset commentaries in several languages available, Milford Sound Nature Cruise, Freshly prepared Picnic Lunch, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By michblaz

Had an amazing afternoon on the Discover More cruise. We were so fortunate that there was 270mm of rain the night prior so the waterfalls were out of this world! The underwater observatory was also fascinating. The staff were friendly and knowledgable. Highly recommend this tour.

10. Milford Sound Cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau

Real Journeys Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9640, New Zealand Real Journeys
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4.9 based on 60 reviews

An extended and leisurely cruise of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea on a cruise designed for the free, independent traveler. Nature cruises have a relaxed and flexible itinerary designed to allow guests to see and experience what makes Milford Sound world renowned. Spend around two hours nudging into waterfalls, spotting wildlife and listening to the informative commentary from our specialist Nature Guide who mingles with guests. Keep a look out for wildlife including seals, dolphins and penguins. If you wish to pre-purchase a picnic lunch, please contact the supplier directly after making your booking. The coach travel from Queenstown is around 5 hours and around 2.5 from Te Anau (one way). The cruise is 2 hours long. Please note, the cruise will take place on board a wide selection of purpose built Real Journeys boats.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Hot drinks, Live commentary on board (English only) - interpretation handouts available in German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Thai, Hotel pickup and drop-off (from Queenstown and Te Anau departures if option is selected), Air-conditioned vehicle, Free WIFI (on coach, where there is reception)

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Lunch (but available at extra cost)

Reviewed By fionanNZ

Wonderful full day of exploring Lake Manapouri & Doubtful Sound. The team are passionate about their work and their backyard and we saw so much because of their knowledge. The trip was adjusted based on the weather & what was around - the Dolphins were a special treat and beautifully managed. Our driver, Tony was very accommodating for the wide age group & special requirements. The facilities were very good considering how remote we were. This was so wonderful - PLEASE don't tell anyone about this! Keep it our secret of wonderfulness!

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