Top 10 Day Trips from in Otago Region, South Island

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

After being picked up from your hotel in Queenstown, you will take one of the most beautiful road journeys in New Zealand to the Western end of Lake Wakatipu, led by a knowledgeable local guide.The world-renowned Routeburn Track provides stunning variation in vegetation, bird species, and topography as it climbs 6.5 kilometers one way, on a moderate fitness trail through gorges and valleys. This is small group tour with a maximum of 6 people that you will be spending the 7 hour day with. Your lunch sandwich, wrap or bread roll is an additional cost, afternoon tea / coffee fruit and cookies are included.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), National Park fees, Afternoon tea & cookies, Fresh fruit, Bottled water, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Lunch is not included, a stop is made at a local bakery for you to select a bread roll, wrap or salad.

This is your chance to photograph one of the most spectacular and majestic places on Earth; Queenstown and the Southern Lakes. This half-day photography for you or your group will take you to the iconic locations you see in brochures as well as those special spots only a local would know, to explore and capture the beauty and splendor for yourself. This tour is designed for photography enthusiasts and your guide is a passionate landscape photographer, with years of local knowledge. Enjoy 4-5 hours of visiting some of the most interesting and beautiful destinations close to Queenstown. Your expert guide will help you with creative advice and show you how to get the most from your camera. The weather in this amazing region is constantly changing bringing many moods that to the mountains, lakes, rivers and forests. Whatever the conditions we always know where to take you to and how to capture unique scenes of outstanding natural beauty.

Inclusions: Private tour for small-groups or individuals, Flexible itinerary, Advice on creative composition and using your camera, Local photographer guide, Comfortable 4WD, Light refreshments, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch, Camera (Nikon D5100, available to rent), SD Card (available for purchase)

Marvel at the natural wonders of Milford Sound on this full day Heli Tour from Queenstown with a boat cruise on Milford Sound!  This multi-stop Milford Sound, Glaciers and Waterfalls heli tour is an unforgettable way to experience the must-see highlights including a boat cruise on Milford Sound.  Get whisked away by helicopter, soar over the Fiordland National Park on a thrilling helicopter flight to Milford Sound, get up close to seals and dolphins on a Milford Sound nature boat cruise.  Followed by a snow landing on the peak of Mt Tutoko and then experience an unforgettable picnic and stunning photo opportunity below the waterfalls and hanging glaciers of the Earnslaw Burn Middle Earth waterfalls, one of the most magical locations featured in 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' before flying back to Queenstown over the Richardson Mountain range.

Inclusions: Round-trip helicopter flight from Queenstown with 3 landings, Scenic Milford Sound Boat Cruise, Hotel pickup and drop-off (central Queenstown), Picnic Lunch with wine, beer or juice, Local taxes

Exclusions: Gratuities

We photograph your tour professionally, so you can sit back and relax. From posed photographs through to candid ones, we'll be helping you feel relaxed in this beautiful place creating images you'll treasure for decades to come. All of our tours are private and our Land Rovers have full leather interiors. You won't be sharing the vehicle with anyone other than your guides and your party. Nor will we be rushing, we want you to wind down. We are DOC concession holders, SMS Safety Management Audited and NZTA Licensed Operators, so you can relax knowing you're in very safe hands.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Food and Drink - a light meal, snacks and fresh spring water will be provided for you, Professional photographs - supplied digitally, a small selection within 24 hours or during the trip

Exclusions:

This is your chance to photograph one of the most spectacular and majestic places on Earth; Queenstown and the Southern Lakes. This full-day private photography tour will take you to the iconic locations you see in brochures as well as those special spots only a local would know, to explore and capture the beauty and splendor for yourself. This tour is designed for photography enthusiasts and your guide is a passionate landscape photographer, with years of local knowledge. Enjoy 8-9 hours of visiting some of the most interesting and beautiful destinations close to Queenstown and around the Southern Lakes. The weather in this amazing region is constantly changing bringing many moods that to the mountains, lakes, rivers and forests. Whatever the conditions we always know where to take you to and how to capture unique scenes of outstanding natural beauty.

Inclusions: Private tour for small-groups or individuals, Flexible itinerary, Advice on creative composition and using your camera, Local photographer guide, Comfortable 4WD, Light refreshments, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Lunch (Opportunity to buy lunch), Camera (Nikon D5100, available to rent)

See spectacular marine wildlife, learn from a conservation expert, discover intriguing Māori history, and explore the geological and biological diversity of our Otago Peninsula. Join us to discover some of the iconic Otago Peninsula's wildlife residents; albatross, penguins, seals and sea lions, all call this place home. This tour is also an excellent introduction to sites of significance to Maori, a fascinating culture that is often overshadowed by Dunedin’s more recent European history. Tour highlights include a boat cruise around Pukekura/Taiaroa Head and other wildlife viewing sites. Forest walk and delicious lunch.

Inclusions: Water, Tea or Coffee, Antipasto lunch included (catered to dietary requirements), Air-conditioned vehicle, Accommodation pick up/drop off is available

Exclusions: While we endeavour to show you many animals along the way, they might have different ideas! We cannot guarantee seeing all species.

After complimentary accommodation pick-up, we will set off for the heart of Gibbston on a small private tour to visit four cellar doors and journey into the ‘valley of the vines’ to discover these vineyards nestled amongst the spectacular mountain ranges and dramatic river gorges. Before we get to the first winery there will be a stop at a scenic location and travellers will learn about wine-tasting techniques and wine aromas while soaking up the fabulous views. In one of the wineries, we will savour a vineyard platter or a cheese board to pair with the wines. There will be time for you to order more food if you think you need (at your own expense). We will visit boutique wineries that are off the beaten path. There is no set routine, so every day is an adventure. The choice of the wineries visited will vary each day based on your individual group's dynamics. The overall focus is on high-quality wines as well as friendly and informative staff.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Tasting of up to 20 of the best of Central Otago wines in all the wineries visited, Shared cheese platter, Professional photos

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

This isn't your average wine or beer tour! I've carefully sought out the best of the best. These are Queenstown's boutique taste makers. Leave the tourist trail behind and let me take you on a personal journey to meet the folks who's passion, love for their craft and location sets them apart from the rest. Take a place that is widely considered one of the top wine regions in the new world, a recent explosion in craft & microbreweries and add in the pioneering kiwi spirit and you have the perfect recipe for an all out taste adventure. Wine and beer are made, first and foremost to just be enjoyed. So, whether you're the Einstein of wine or just here for a good ol' time, come sip, slurp & savour the best local flavours. **Please Note: I'm not a large commercial operator or tour company and prefer to focus on smaller group sizes as I believe this allows for better connections to be made and a more valuable experience for travellers.

Inclusions: Beer & Food Pairing, 20+ Tastings Included, Environmentally Friendly Water Bottles Provided To All Guests, Snacks, Air-conditioned vehicle, Direct Accommodation Pick-Up/Drop-Off Included, Carbon footprint offset: For each trip, more native trees are planted in the region.

Exclusions:

• This private photography tour provides a flexible itinerary. • You can choose an astro photography tour option between February & November. • You will receive approx 5 -10 complimentary professional digital photographs within the week or two after the tour. • This local business is approved by Department of Conservation (DOC) to operate in public conservation areas in the South Island. It complies with environmental standards set by DOC, as well as safety standards set by an independent auditor. The DOC label shows visitors that the business pays fees to DOC to support conservation in New Zealand. • Your guide holds the public liability insurance, first aid certification and Passenger Service license, which allows to carry and transport clients and are the legal requirements for running this kind of business safely. All of this provides confidence and peace of mind to the clients that this local business offers only the high quality, safe and enjoyable experiences.

Inclusions: Coffee, tea & bottled water, Picnic lunch & snacks, Photographic guidance, Complimentary high resolution digital images of you during the tour, Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle with WiFi on board, Flexible itinerary and starting time, Personalized tour for solo visitors or small group (2-4 people), The Department of Conservation (DOC) approved business to operate in public conservation areas

Exclusions: Personal insurance