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Dunedin

Dunedin is recognised as the most Scottish city outside Kilt-land - "Dunedin" is actually the original name of Edinburgh.  Burgh and Dun both mean "hill" in Old Gaelic and Edin has just changed ends. It’s also the wildlife capital of New Zealand. It boasts the only mainland Albatross colony in the world, rare penguins, seals, and lots of sharks!

There’s also Larnach’s Castle (one of New Zealand’s oldest and most striking buildings), an excellent museum and art gallery, beautiful beaches (one of New Zealand’s surfing meccas), harbour cruises, and Carisbrook (a rugby temple).

Thousands of ‘scarfies’ (university students) live in the inner city studying (occasionally) at the University of Otago. Dunedin is a classic university town. To reach a desired level of academic achievement they must enrich their diet with healthy doses of Speights - the local beer which is legendary throughout New Zealand. We recommend you try a drop in one of the many fine pubs, where a lively atmosphere is always guaranteed. Your Driver Guide will point you in the right direction of bars, they’ll also keep you in the know with the frequent events and festivals in the city.

We reckon Dunedin is the best place to watch rugby in the world and Bottom Bus in conjunction with HeadFirst Events puts on trips to all the games at Carisbrook Rugby Ground (‘The House of Pain’).

The All Blacks are regular visitors to Dunedin playing Wales in 2010 the last test match at Carisbrook. Followed in 2011 for the Rugby World Cup in the purpose built stadium.

Otago (the National Provincial team) and the Highlanders (the Super 14 team) also play at the stadium. Your driver will have the details of the next game.

Invercargill

Invercargill is the country’s southernmost city and the capital of Murihiku (the tail end of the land). Invercargill shares Dunedin’s origin as a mainly Scottish city. Its prosperity rests in the grass surrounding the city on the Southland plains. This is ideal food for the livestock. sheep and dairy farming is big business here.

Stewart Island - Te Punga a Maui (Maui's anchorstone) - Rakiura (Glowing Skies)

Stewart Island is the smallest of New Zealand’s three main islands. It has a hundred times as many feathered kiwi as human ones and also more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in New Zealand - all wearing gumboots and Swanndris. Visit Ulva Island - a predator free bird haven. Or, you can kayak on Paterson inlet. Guided options are available for both. There is a great cruise on the inlet which includes a nature guide on Ulva Island. Ask your Driver Guide for more details. For the blister freaks there are lots of walks/tramps ranging from 30 minutes to 12 days.
Your Driver Guide will assist you with bookings to Stewart Island. There are several scheduled flights, and 2-3 ferry crossings per day. Most people will head over on the early morning ferry or flight. Activities on the Island include cruises, sightseeing trips, and tramping options.

The Maori legend of the forming of Stewart Island is .....

The water between the mainland and Stewart Island is known as ‘Te Ara a Kiwa’, or ‘the pathway of Kiwa’. Kiwa ordered a whale called Kewa to chew through the narrow section of land which attached Stewart Island to the mainland. He did this so that he could travel by waka (canoe) from point to point. After biting the land Kewa lost some teeth. These teeth transformed into the Solander Islands (which we see off the south coast near McCracken's Rest). The Solander Islands Maori name is ‘Te Niho a Kewa’meaning the tooth from the mouth of Kewa.

Te Anau - Gateway to Fiordland and Milford Sound

Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and World Heritage Area. For those that want to experience the outdoors at their own pace, the park is home to some of the great walks. These are only open during the summer months and are very popular, see the Department of Conservation Centres for availability, Kiwi Experience and Bottom Bus can help you get to these tracks.

Once there you should try the Te Anau Glowworm Caves or say hi to some of the groovy local birds at the wildlife centre. These include the rare New Zealand Takahe. Also get a sneak preview of Fiordland with Ata Whenua, an awesome movie showcasing the stunning wilderness of the area.