Experience the thrill of a beach landing at Mason Bay in a small fixed-wing aircraft as part of a ‘Coast to Coast’ package from Stewart Island Flights. Explore the natural surroundings, search for kiwi, then stay overnight in a Department of Conservation hut.
 

Next morning, get your hiking boots on for a 4-hour walk across Stewart Island to Freshwater Landing. Here you will meet a water taxi for a ride across Paterson Inlet to Oban – the main township. Spend your second night in comfort at the Bay Motel, overlooking Halfmoon Bay and 2 minutes walk from Oban's cafes and other attractions.

Your visit to Stewart Island is not complete without some fishing (blue cod is abundant in these waters!) and a visit to Ulva Island – a predator-free sanctuary where a guide will point out endangered species of birds and plantlife. Finally, enjoy a short tour of the village and it's surroundings before catching the ferry across to Bluff and transferring to Invercargill Airport for your flights home.

NB: This trip requires a moderate level of fitness, one night will be spent camping in a DOC hut with basic facilities.

Package includes:

• The ‘Coast to Coast’ package for 2 people with Stewart Island Flights (flights from Invercargill to Mason Bay, water taxi to Oban)

• 2 Department of Conservation hut tickets (bunk-style accommodation)

• One night's accommodation at the Bay Motel for 2 people (twin share)

• Fishing trip and visit to Ulva Island for 2 people with Rakiura Charters

• "Village and Bays" tour with Stewart Island Experience

• Ferry tickets for 2 people from Stewart Island to Bluff and transfers to Invercargill with Stewart Island Experience

Travelling west on the Southern Scenic Route from Invercargill, you will pass through lush green farmland and quaint coastal towns. You will learn about early Maori and European history at Te Hikoi ~ Southern Journey in Riverton before continuing to Gemstone Beach in search of an elusive sapphire in the sand! Your first night will be spent at the iconic Waiau Hotel in Tuatapere.

Next day is your awesome trip across Lake Hauroko and down the Wairaraurahiri River to the south coast. Meet Peanut (remember the space junk he found on South?) and tuck into a delicious Kiwi BBQ before returning. Overnight again at the Waiau Hotel in Tuatapere.

Today you will drive into the heart of Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound for an overnight cruise. Dine onboard, observe the landscape and wildlife, then be rocked gently to sleep in the cozy cabins.

Package includes:

• Rental car for three days

• Two passes to Te Hikoi ~ Southern Journey, in Riverton

• Two nights accommodation at the Waiau Hotel, Tuatapere for 2 people (twin share)

• Wairaurahiri River jet-boat adventure with Wairaurahiri Jet
• Milford Sound overnight cruise for 2 people with Real Journeys (includes dinner and breakfast)

• Milford Mariner package cost $1585.50 per twin share

• This package is also available on the Milford Wanderer (4 pax) for $3237.00                                                                  

   

Travel to the small town of Mandeville in Eastern Southland where you will find the Croydon Aircraft Company. A guided tour will give you an insight into the special aircraft restoration that takes place on-site, then you have the opportunity to take to the skies in one of their spectacular aircraft. 

Next stop is just down the road at Gore. Here you can sample a wee dram of Hokonui Moonshine and learn about the illicity whisky distilling days of old. Art lovers will also want to view the Ralph Hotere works next door in the Eastern Southland Art Gallery. Overnight at the Heartland Hotel.

Then you're off to the Catlins where the bush walks and beaches all call for exploration as do the museums and cafes dotted along the way. Join Curio Bay Guided Tours for an interesting and educational tour of the Curio Bay petrified forest and surroundings. Discover seals, sealions and penguins then retreat to Mohua Park's comfortable beds in a remote rural setting. Return to Invercargill for your flights back home.

Prize includes:

• Rental car for three days

• A flight in a vintage aeroplane with the Croydon Aircraft Company

• Entry for 2 people to the Hokonui Moonshine Museum

• One night's accommodation at Heartland Hotel, Gore for 2 people (twin share)

• Nature and heritage tour with Curio Bay Guided Tours

• One night's accommodation at Mohua Park Eco Cottages for  2 people (twin share)