THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover the scenic journey from Invercargill to Te Anau aboard Catch a Bus South. This award-winning charter service offers flexible, eco-conscious transport perfect for exploring Southland’s wild landscapes and accessing Fiordland National Park’s iconic adventures.
Discover the scenic journey from Invercargill to Te Anau aboard Catch a Bus South. This award-winning charter service offers flexible, eco-conscious transport perfect for exploring Southland’s wild landscapes and accessing Fiordland National Park’s iconic adventures.
Book with Catch-a-Bus South
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Catch-a-Bus South · Makarewa, Southland
Traveling through New Zealand’s Southland region offers a feast for the eyes, and the journey from Invercargill to Te Anau is no exception. This route, serviced by Catch a Bus South, an award-winning charter operator, lets visitors glide effortlessly across landscapes rich with rugged charm and tranquil beauty. Beginning near Makarewa, a small township southwest of Invercargill, the trip threads through rolling farmland, patches of native bush, and shimmering waterways that embody Southland’s distinct character.
Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park, is surrounded by fiords, mountains, and lakes that rank among the country's most iconic natural wonders. The ride with Catch a Bus South is more than just transportation—it's an introduction to the region’s natural grandeur. Passengers can hop off at scenic stops like Five Rivers Cafe, a perfect place to soak in rural New Zealand’s peaceful vibe, before continuing on toward the township of Te Anau.
Catch a Bus South stands out in this region not only for its punctuality and professional service but also for its awareness of the outdoor recreation opportunities that abound. Te Anau serves as a base camp for adventures including hiking the Kepler Track, exploring glowworm caves, and cruising the fiords themselves. This makes the bus service a vital link for eco-tourists and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Fiordland without the hassle of self-driving.
The company’s focus on charter options offers flexibility, whether it’s a solo traveler seeking a quiet ride or a group wanting a private transfer. Operating off-season from May through October with charter prices starting around $600, this service ensures year-round access to Southland’s changing seasons—from crisp autumns with golden beech trees to snowy winter landscapes.
Travelers appreciate that Catch a Bus South respects the environment and local communities by encouraging low-impact travel and responsible tourism. Booking early is recommended to secure seats during peak seasons, as this route is popular among those wanting to experience the raw wilderness of Fiordland without renting a car.
With its eye on customer comfort, scenic access, and sustainable practices, Catch a Bus South transforms a simple regional transit into an essential part of any Southland outdoor adventure.
easy.
3–4 hours.
No physical exertion required; suitable for all fitness levels as a transport service.
Yes, Catch a Bus South offers one-way tickets and charter options tailored to your travel plans.
Policies vary, so contact Catch a Bus South directly to confirm pet accommodations.
Wi-Fi is not typically available, so plan accordingly for connectivity needs.
Luggage is limited to what fits comfortably; oversized items may require prior arrangement.
Yes, stops such as Five Rivers Cafe provide opportunities for rest and refreshments.
Visit the referral booking link to reserve private charter services directly online.
Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland, a region protected as a national park since 1952 renowned for its rugged terrain and Maori heritage.
Catch a Bus South supports low-impact tourism to protect Southland's native ecosystems and promote sustainable travel practices.
Catch-a-Bus South is a regional transport and tour operator serving Southland, Otago and the Queenstown-Lakes district. The business specialises in tailored charter services for groups of up to 11 passengers and offers scheduled and door-to-door transfers linking Bluff, Invercargill, Te Anau, Queenstown and Dunedin. Catch-a-Bus South operates a range of trip types: private charters, VIP transfers, short scenic connections (such as Bluff–Invercargill and Invercargill–Bluff), and longer regional transfers between Invercargill, Te Anau and Queenstown. The operator also runs guided day tours including the Bluff Half Day Tour, The Catlins Day Tour and the Southern Catlins Shore Excursion, and provides specialised cycle transport for Milford Sound departures. Service details and constraints are stated clearly: some services exclude certain local stops (for example, Queenstown transfers do not serve Arrowtown or Arthurs Point and require flights to arrive by 1pm), and some routes have specific bike policies (Dunedin to Invercargill bus-stop-to-bus-stop service is not available for bikes). Catch-a-Bus South is featured on The Adventure Collective and presents clear pick-up options, mid-trip stops and charter flexibility that suit travellers heading to Stewart Island, Fiordland walks and regional attractions. All service descriptions, destination links and booking instructions are provided up front to help passengers plan seamless regional journeys.
Book with Catch-a-Bus South