A rural deserted beach at sunset, hypnotising rays of pink mirror across the sea, fishing boats float aimlessly, Halfmoon Bay, New Zealand

Stewart Island & The South East Coast Holidays

New Zealand holidays in the idyllic and lesser-traversed Stewart Island and South East Coast offer an abundance of wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery.

Explore the historic harbour city of Dunedin, renowned for its Scottish heritage, then spot waddling penguins on a cruise around the nearby Otago Peninsula or further north in the charming town of Oamaru. Venture truly off the beaten track in the Catlins Forest Park, where Nugget Point Lighthouse, tumbling waterfalls, and a rugged, undulating coastline reveal vast, deserted beaches.

Offshore, remote Stewart Island marks the country’s southernmost point - a haven for hikers and one of the best places in New Zealand to spot timid kiwis roaming freely in the wild.

Trailfinders is the UK's No.1 Leisure Tour Operator for New Zealand holidays*

and our expert travel consultants are mine of information about what to do here, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore New Zealand on a fly drive holiday, a sociable guided group tour, or are looking for advice on how to combine New Zealand with Australia or the Pacific – they are the perfect people to ask.

*by volume of clients to New Zealand as confirmed by the national tourist board, Tourism New Zealand, in September 2025.

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OUR HOLIDAYS TO STEWART ISLAND & THE SOUTH EAST COAST

Nobody offers more ways to explore New Zealand than Trailfinders.

Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular Stewart Island & the South East Coast holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.

New Zealand's Great Outdoors

Fly Drive Holiday
44 days / 43 nights

Spanning the length and breadth of New Zealand, this extended expedition ticks off all of the major national parks and natural wonders that this exceptionally scenic country is famed for.

Guide Price: €15,049 £12,629 pp

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South Island Uncovered

Fly Drive Holiday
12 days / 11 nights

Explore the path less trodden on this captivating journey encompassing the delights of Akaroa, abundant nature experiences on the scenic south east coast and the rural beauty of Stewart Island.

Guide Price: €3,139 £2,599 pp

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New Zealand's Food and Wine Trail

Fly Drive Holiday
17 days / 16 nights

Couple outstanding gourmet delicacies with world-class wineries on this foodie journey of the senses, staying in some of New Zealand’s most unique and distinctive properties.

Guide Price: €4,545 £3,775 pp

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South Island Discovery

Motorhome
18 days / 17 nights

The South Island is home to some of the world’s most dramatic scenery.

Guide Price: €3,699 £2,779 pp

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Ultimate Rail, Cruise & Coach

Luxury Guided Group Journey
19 days / 18 nights

Discover the very best of New Zealand’s rail, cruise and coach experiences on this extensive ultimate small group tour showcasing breathtaking landscapes, iconic cities, rich culture and unforgettable adventures across both islands in comfort and style.

Guide Price: €6,329 £5,499 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)

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New Zealand South Island Adventure

Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
12 days / 11 nights

From an ancient world of forests and glaciers to a culture of hospitality that has long defined New Zealand’s people, discover the best of the South Island on a 12-day adventure.

Guide Price: €4235 £3675 pp

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WHERE TO GO IN STEWART ISLAND & THE SOUTH EAST COAST

Stewart Island and the South East Coast each boasts its own attractions and merits a visit in its own right.

Take a look at the tiles below the Stewart Island and South East Coast map for more details on each area. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants?

Stewart Island

Easily reached by ferry, Stewart Island is a hidden gem and a peaceful escape from the modern world. With only 400 or so residents, the small town of Oban is full of charm and local history and is the island’s only settlement. A huge 85% of the island is national park with hundreds of miles of walking tracks and unspoilt coves and bays to explore. Stewart Island is also home to the brown kiwi which outnumbers humans by 50 to 1!

Dunedin & Otago Peninsula

New Zealand’s 'first city' Dunedin is home to some of the finest Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere, while the rugged Otago Peninsula is a haven for wildlife with a spectacular coastline.

The South East Coast

The less traveled south east coast of South Island is a host of beautiful and genuine experiences waiting to be explored. Stop in Moeraki to hear the folklore behind the monolithic Moeraki Boulders strewn across the beaches. Further north Oamaru’s Victorian history is celebrated annually whilst the harbour’s resident blue penguins, artisan brewery and cheese produced in the area are enjoyed daily. Timaru’s rugged coastline is popular for wildlife spotting, agritourism as well as beautiful Maori rock art.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN STEWART ISLAND & THE SOUTH EAST COAST

We feature a great range of accommodation in New Zealand’s Stewart Island & the South East Coast, with something to suit all styles and budgets.

What you won’t find here are thousands of New Zealand hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.