Auckland → Southland & Fiordland
Travelling from Maraetai to Invercargill is one of those New Zealand journeys where the route matters as much as the destination.
Invercargill sits in Southland & Fiordland — Fiordland's sheer walls of rock and water, plus the wide green south. Travel privately with a local driver-guide and the day becomes yours: stop for the view, take the short walk, and let someone else handle the wheel.
Southland & Fiordland
A taste of what a day around Invercargill can hold.
Around Southland & Fiordland you'll find the fiords, waterfalls and sheer cliffs of Milford and Doubtful Sound. Ask your guide about fiord cruising — it's the kind of thing that turns a transfer into a day you remember.
Around Southland & Fiordland you'll find Great Walk trailheads and beech forest. Ask your guide about wildlife spotting — it's the kind of thing that turns a transfer into a day you remember.
Around Southland & Fiordland you'll find big skies over southern farmland. Ask your guide about kayaking — it's the kind of thing that turns a transfer into a day you remember.
Around Southland & Fiordland you'll find a rugged southern coast facing Antarctica. Ask your guide about Great Walk day hikes — it's the kind of thing that turns a transfer into a day you remember.
Ways to travel between Maraetai and Invercargill.
A big day out with your own guide — viewpoints, short walks and the landmarks that pull people to the South Island in the first place.
Move between towns the slow way, stopping at lake edges, passes and lookouts that most travellers drive straight past.
Guided time on foot, from gentle lakeside strolls to a genuine day walk, matched to your fitness and the conditions.
String several highlights together in one private vehicle, with the flexibility to linger where it's worth lingering.
Premium vehicle, a hand-picked guide and a day shaped around cellar doors, private walks and quiet corners.
Invercargill sits in Southland & Fiordland, which means the fiords, waterfalls and sheer cliffs of Milford and Doubtful Sound and Great Walk trailheads and beech forest are both within reach on the same outing.
Starting in Maraetai puts you on the doorstep of Auckland, so you can layer a local highlight into the start or end of the day.
Your driver-guide is a local. They know which lookout is clear in the morning, which café is worth the stop and which short walk is worth the shoes.
Make the most of both ends of your journey.
Before you set out, Maraetai is a good place to slow down — Auckland is known for a food and arts scene shaped by Pacific, Asian and Māori cultures and harbour views from volcanic summits.
Once you arrive, Invercargill opens up Great Walk day hikes, kayaking and wildlife spotting in and around the wider Southland & Fiordland area.
Tell us what you'd like to do and we'll come back with a private itinerary and a clear quote.
