Seamless Travel from Invercargill to Te Anau with Catch a Bus South
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
No physical exertion required; suitable for all fitness levels as a transport service.
Overview
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.
Invercargill to Te Anau
Off Season 1st May to 30th Oct - Charter service only starting from $600.
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the award-winning service of Catch a Bus South, recognized as a top tour operator. Enjoy seamless travel to stunning destinations like Five Rivers Cafe and Te Anau, with options for charters and drop-offs. Book early to secure your spot and ensure a smooth journey through New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes.
Trip Advisor Awards… #1 Tour Operator 2021. Traveller's' Choice Awards 2022, 2023 & 2024 Top 10% of Tour operators on TripAdvisor, in the World#
Please note: We may operate Code Share with another provider if insufficient bookings. This mean you would travel on our Queenstown service to Five Rivers Cafe, where you would await the Tracknet bus. Tracknet pick passengers up near the lay-by, opposite the Cafe entrance, approx 11.50am… but may be delayed due to road/traffic constraints.
This would be fully arranged by Catch a Bus South, but some drop-off destinations may become unavailable. Also arrival time in Te Anau may be delayed by 1 hour.
Charters are available all year round, starting from $600, with adequate notice.
We can drop-off or pick-up in Tuatapere, for The Humpridge Track, but only travel this way if booked prior to the day of travel. These bookings must be rung in.
Similarly, we can pick up/drop-off cyclists from/to Mavora Bus Shelter to Mossburn or Te Anau. This needs rung to book.
Please note: Early online booking preferred so we can assess if CodeShare is required. We only travel if forward bookings. Therefore availabilities may be locked out, if no forward bookings. Our Queenstown service will generally fill in the height of Summer, so CodeShare is not possible if this happens.
Book early!
Parcels/small freight must be rung to book as we can only take these if running the service ourselves. They must be within the weight range stated. Parcels over the stated weight range may be charged double.
16-30kg Must have a second able-bodied person to assist with lifting, at both ends of travel.
31 and above will not be carried. Oversized objects to space availability.
Adventure Tips
Book in Advance
Secure your seat early, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability on this popular route.
Pack for All Seasons
Weather in Southland can change quickly; bring layers to stay comfortable on your journey.
Prepare for Limited Stops
Some stops like Five Rivers Cafe provide the only major breaks on route—plan accordingly for snacks and restroom breaks.
Travel Light for Charters
If booking a private charter, pack efficiently to maximize comfort in the vehicle.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- New Zealand fantail (pīwakawaka)
- Paradise shelduck (putangitangi)
History
Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland, a region protected as a national park since 1952 renowned for its rugged terrain and Maori heritage.
Conservation
Catch a Bus South supports low-impact tourism to protect Southland's native ecosystems and promote sustainable travel practices.
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Adventure Hotspots in Invercargill
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered Clothing
Southland’s weather can range from chilly to mild, so layers help maintain comfort.
fall specific
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during scenic stops or on the bus.
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the stunning Southland landscapes along the route.
Portable Charger
Ensure your devices stay powered for maps and photos throughout your trip.