Dunedin and the Catlins

Stewart Island

Stewart Island, off the far south coast of the country, is New Zealand’s third-largest island and a truly unspoilt spot; trek one of the many tracks, spot kiwis on the beach and enjoy the rich birdlife of Stewart and nearby Ulva Island.

Tunnel Beach, Dunedin, New Zealand — Dunedin, New Zealand

Wildlife around Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula

The area around Dunedin is home to the endangered yellow-eyed penguin as well as the world’s smallest penguin; the little blue. Also residing on these southern beaches are fur seal colonies as well as Hooker’s sea lions and elephant seals with the oceans beyond being a playground for dolphins including the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin, the hector which can often be seen surfing in on the waves.

This area is also an ornithologist’s delight with a colony of albatross as well as kiwi and a host of smaller species.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Railway track of Taieri Gorge tourist railway crosses a bridge across a ravine on its journey up the valley

Taeri Gorge Railway

Take in early pioneers engineering feats alongside spectacular scenery on this rail journey from Dunedin to Taeri Gorge.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Explore Dunedin

Settled by Maori, whalers, gold miners and migrants from Scotland and China, Dunedin has some fabulous historical architecture.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Moeraki boulders

Take a stop to visit the Moeraki boulders, located on Koekohe Beach, north of Dunedin. Formed over millions of years, these large spherical boulders are scattered along the beach.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Spot kiwi on Kapiti Island

Visit Kapiti Island, a nature reserve off the west coast of the North Island, which is home to a wealth of birdlife including the kiwi.

The Catlin’s Wildlife

Search for sealions, Hector’s dolphin and abundant birdlife in the little-visited Catlins.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Bullers Albatross, Kaikoura, New Zealand

Stewart Island Wildlife

View wonderful wildlife including penguin, sea lion, albatross and kiwi.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

View Profile

Clare Wiggins

My love for Asia began with living there. Based in Vietnam and then Malaysia, I also explored the surrounding regions before eventually finding my way back home via China and the Trans-Siberian railway. At Steppes Travel, I get to share that love for Asia every day, helping clients experience the places I know best as if they were locals themselves.

Talk with our experts

01285 880 980

Contact Us

Start planning your trip

01285 880 980

Send us an enquiry

Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.

Review Contact Form

Where would you like to go?(Required)

Name(Required)

Title First Last

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Explore other regions

Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo

Enjoy one of New Zealand's most scenic drives towards World Heritage site Aoraki Mt Cook National Park with beautiful mountains and lakes.

Nelson, Marlborough & Abel Tasman

Marlborough basks in year-round sunshine, providing perfect conditions for walking, mountain biking, sea kayaking and vineyard explorations.

Christchurch and Kaikoura

The Canterbury landscape covers the northeastern part of New Zealand’s South Island and ranges from miles of silvery beach to the jagged…

South Island West Coast and Glaciers

This strip of the South Island boasts five of New Zealand’s 14 national parks and is a rugged land of wild beaches,…

Franz Josef Glacier, Snow Landing, New Zealand

Queenstown and Wanaka

Today Queenstown and the nearby Fiordland National Park is treasured for its magnificent scenery and adventure opportunities.

Bay of Islands

With a sub-tropical climate, you can enjoy beach and water activities, explore one of the many nature trails, visit the ancient Kauri…

Volcanic Heartland

The centre of New Zealand’s North Island is also the heart of the countries volcanic activity. At its most active some 2000…

Wellington and Martinborough Wine Regions

A fine harbour city and a centre for culture and the arts it is also home to New Zealand’s Parliament, Victoria University…

Hawkes Bay and Napiers Wineries

New Zealand's leading producer of red wines and has the greatest concentration of Art Deco architecture.

Auckland and the Coromandel

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most multicultural city and is known as the City of Sails for its fantastic sailing opportunities.

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?

More about Steppes

Stewart Island

Wildlife around Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula