Stewart Island & Lower South Island

Drive 100+ miles south from the World Heritage Fiordland National Park to the southernmost point in New Zealand situated at Bluff. We rate the Southern Scenic Highway is one of the great drives that New Zealand has to offer, with short detours available off the main road to see magnificent lakes, rivers, and native forests.

New Zealand's 'third island' lies 15 miles to the south of the South Island (after that the next stop southwards is Antarctica!) If you have the time then make a visit; you will be rewarded with a truly unique experience. 85% of the island is protected by official National Park status (Rakiura National Park) and on an island of over 1,000 square miles, almost totally covered in native forests just 400 people live. The feeling of remoteness, the beauty of the 400 miles of coastline, the forests, and the people make Stewart Island a special place.

If you are moderately fit, this two day experience is an opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful and remote places on the planet and to seek out the Kiwi, the national icon and most ancient bird in New Zealand. Travel across the heart of Stewart Island, along a primeval river, through wetland, and across dunes to a wild west coast beach at Mason Bay. It has 10 miles of beach, one of the most extensive natural sand dune systems in New Zealand, native coastal plants, some seabird's and a healthy population of kiwi. This trip provides an opportunity, with some luck, to actually see a kiwi, something that even the majority of New Zealanders have never experienced.

From $313 USD per person

Ulva Island is situated in Paterson Inlet, an island of just 250 hectares and a short 15 minute boat ride from Stewart Island itself. It's a place where visitors can view and enjoy rare birds and native plants at close quarters. Your guide will tell you about the inquisitive weka which will readily approach visitors, the South Island Kaka (parrot), parakeets, woodpigeons, bellbirds, tomtits, fantails, and tui. Kiwi are also present but in low numbers. Recent releases on this predator free oasis of beauty are the South Island Saddlebacks, Stewart Island Robins, yellowheads, fernbirds and rifleman.

From $77 USD per person

If you select this option uplanit.com will incorporate a 2 day journey into your vacation itinerary travelling northwards from Bluff to Dunedin with an overnight stay in The Catlins. This is a place where time has stood still, a place of forests, wildlife, farmlands, beaches and the lifestyle of a bygone era. A great region to enjoy some of New Zealand's most beautiful scenery and to get a little off the beaten track!