Absolutely. This tour has been designed specifically for mature travellers who enjoy comfortable travel, authentic experiences and a relaxed pace. At Seemore Tours, we design our holidays to be as active or as sedentary as you choose. While there are opportunities to enjoy short guided walks and nature experiences, these are generally not long or strenuous. If you'd prefer to sit back, admire the scenery, enjoy a quiet coffee or lose yourself in a good book, you're more than welcome to do so while others explore.

To ensure everyone enjoys the tour safely, guests should be able to walk approximately 300 metres unassisted and manage a few steps. Walking sticks and hiking poles are most welcome and are often used by our guests. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate walkers or mobility frames on our standard tours, as many of the locations we visit include uneven terrain, steps and boarding coaches, trains and boats where these mobility aids cannot be used safely.

If you're unsure whether this tour is suitable for you, we'd be delighted to have a chat and help you decide.

This tour includes a mixture of short walks, guided nature walks and sightseeing stops. At Seemore Tours, we design our holidays to be as active or as sedentary as you choose. The walks are generally not long or strenuous, and if you would prefer to sit one out, you are welcome to relax nearby, enjoy the scenery, have a quiet coffee or read a book while others explore.

To ensure everyone enjoys the tour safely, guests should be able to walk approximately 300 metres unassisted and manage a few steps. Walking sticks and hiking poles are most welcome. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate walkers or mobility frames on our standard tours, as many of the places we visit include uneven terrain, steps, boats, trains and coach access where these mobility aids cannot always be used safely.

The Deep South is one of New Zealand's richest wildlife regions, offering incredible opportunities to encounter native birds and marine life in their natural habitat. Depending on the season and conditions, you may see New Zealand fur seals, New Zealand sea lions, little blue penguins, yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho), Hector's dolphins—one of the world's smallest and rarest dolphin species—dusky dolphins, Northern Royal Albatross, and a wide variety of native forest birds and seabirds.

On Stewart Island and Ulva Island, keep an eye out for South Island robin / toutouwai, South Island saddleback / tīeke, mohua / yellowhead, kākā, tūī, kererū and other native birdlife. Guests also have the opportunity to join an optional evening kiwi spotting excursion on Stewart Island. Widely regarded as one of the best places in New Zealand to see wild kiwi, this guided experience offers a memorable chance to observe these iconic birds in their natural environment.

We fly from Invercargill to Stewart Island, allowing us to maximise our time exploring the island. We return to the mainland aboard the Stewart Island ferry, giving you the opportunity to experience both scenic modes of transport across Foveaux Strait.

Flying to Stewart Island allows us to maximise our time exploring the island, while returning by ferry provides a completely different perspective of Foveaux Strait and the rugged southern coastline. Experiencing both modes of transport gives you the best of both worlds.

The evening kiwi spotting experience is an optional extra and can be booked when you reserve your tour. Led by specialist local guides, this small-group excursion offers one of New Zealand's best opportunities to see wild kiwi in their natural environment.

Stewart Island kiwi are naturally curious and surprisingly fearless. If you're lucky, they may wander right up to you—or even give your shoes a gentle peck—as you quietly observe them in the darkness. It's a truly magical experience and, for many of our guests, one of the absolute highlights of the tour.

Yes. We offer a convenient home pick-up and drop-off service for many locations (conditions apply). Simply ask us when booking and we'll discuss the options available from your area.

We specialise in small-group escorted holidays, with most tours welcoming between 8 and 16 guests. Travelling in a smaller group creates a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where everyone quickly gets to know one another, and many lifelong friendships begin along the way.

Smaller groups also give us the flexibility to visit unique locations, meet local hosts in their homes and businesses, and enjoy authentic experiences that simply aren't possible with large coach tours. It means less time waiting, more time exploring, and a far more personal holiday from beginning to end.

We stay in quality accommodation throughout the tour, including two nights in Arrowtown, two nights on Stewart Island, one night in the Catlins region and one night in Dunedin, allowing plenty of time to experience each destination without feeling rushed.

Yes. Your tour includes daily breakfasts, all dinners and five lunches, including a memorable farewell High Tea at the elegant Fable Dunedin Hotel. We also enjoy a number of unique dining experiences that showcase regional flavours and local hospitality. You can also upgrade your meal in Stewart Island to crayfish, should the kitchen have them in stock!

March and April are wonderful times to explore the Deep South. The summer crowds have eased, temperatures are generally mild, autumn colours begin appearing across the landscape, and wildlife viewing remains excellent. These months also provide fantastic opportunities for photography and comfortable sightseeing.

Absolutely. Around half of our guests travel solo, making Seemore Tours a wonderful way to meet like-minded people. We keep our single supplement as affordable as possible, and many lasting friendships begin on our tours.

If you'd prefer to share a room, just let us know when you book. We'll happily check whether there is another solo traveller of the same gender who is also interested in sharing accommodation. While we can't guarantee a suitable roommate will always be available, we'll certainly do our best to match you with a compatible travelling companion.

Our itinerary has been carefully designed to showcase much more than Stewart Island. Alongside two nights on the island, you'll experience Royalburn Station with Nadia Lim and Carlos Bagrie, the historic Kingston Flyer, the dramatic Catlins coastline, Larnach Castle and the extraordinary wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Throughout the journey you'll meet passionate local guides who bring each destination to life.

Yes. If you're travelling from Auckland, your return flights are included in the tour price, along with all transfers and transport throughout the holiday.

If you're joining us from elsewhere in New Zealand, we'd be delighted to arrange connecting flights from your nearest airport to seamlessly connect with the tour. We'll provide you with the available options and pricing at the time of booking, making the journey as easy and stress-free as possible.

Stewart Island (Rakiura) is one of New Zealand's last truly untouched wilderness destinations. With around 85% of the island protected as national park, life moves at a slower pace and nature takes centre stage. There are no traffic lights, no crowds and very few places in New Zealand where you can feel so completely immersed in the natural environment.

The island is renowned for its abundant wildlife, pristine forests, sheltered bays and exceptional birdlife. It's also one of the best places in the country to see kiwi in the wild. Whether you're exploring the welcoming township of Oban, cruising the tranquil waters of Paterson Inlet or walking through the predator-free sanctuary of Ulva Island, you'll discover a peaceful and authentic side of New Zealand that few visitors experience.

For many of our guests, Stewart Island isn't just another destination—it's a place that quietly captures your heart and leaves a lasting impression long after you've returned home.