MAKAREWA BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Between Invercargill and Te Anau: A Southland Passage Run by an Award‑Winning Operator
Catch a Bus South runs a scheduled service from Invercargill to Te Anau with stops such as Five Rivers Cafe and options for charters and special drop‑offs—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.
Between Invercargill and Te Anau: A Southland Passage Run by an Award‑Winning Operator.
Adventure brief
Between Invercargill and Te Anau: A Southland Passage Run by an Award‑Winning Operator
Ride the route from Invercargill toward Te Anau with Catch a Bus South and travel through some of New Zealand’s celebrated Southland landscapes while relying on an operator recognized repeatedly on TripAdvisor; book early to secure seats, arrange charters, or confirm special drop‑offs.
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.
Route Schematic
Route schematic
Key stops and operational notes along the Invercargill–Te Anau run.
Ex Invercargill
Official meeting and departure point for the service is ex Invercargill, New Zealand; passengers board the Catch a Bus South service here.
Five Rivers Cafe (Tracknet lay‑by)
A scheduled stop where passengers may need to wait for the Tracknet pickup in the lay‑by opposite the cafe entrance at approximately 11.50am—this transfer can be delayed by road or traffic constraints.
Te Anau arrival
The route terminates in Te Anau; note that arrival times may be delayed by up to one hour and some drop‑off destinations may become unavailable if operational changes occur.
Optional: Tuatapere or Mavora Bus Shelter
By prior arrangement (booked and rung in before the day) the operator can pick up or drop off at Tuatapere for the Humpridge Track or handle cyclist transfers from Mavora Bus Shelter to Mossburn or Te Anau; these options are not available on CodeShare days.
Operator may operate a Code Share with another provider, some pickups/drop‑offs can be unavailable, and arrival times or connections can be delayed—confirm bookings and special arrangements in advance; parcels and heavier items have carriage restrictions.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
The journey is less an expedition than a dependable connector across Southland: scheduled departures ex Invercargill, a planned stop at Five Rivers Cafe where transit connections can be made, and onward travel to Te Anau—with charter options and special drop‑offs available when arranged in advance.
THE OPERATOR
Award‑winning service you can rely on
Catch a Bus South is a highly rated operator—recipient of multiple Traveller’s Choice awards and recognized among TripAdvisor’s top operators—so the route benefits from an established, professional service and guidance on bookings and charters.
THE ROUTE
Five Rivers Cafe and Tracknet connections
The service links Invercargill with waypoints such as Five Rivers Cafe, where Tracknet passengers are picked up in the lay‑by opposite the cafe entrance (approx 11.50am), though that transfer may be delayed by road or traffic constraints.
FLEXIBILITY
Charters, cyclist pickups and tailored drop‑offs
Beyond the scheduled route, Catch a Bus South offers charters year‑round (from $600) and can arrange prebooked pick‑ups or drop‑offs—such as Tuatapere for the Humpridge Track or cyclist transfers at Mavora Bus Shelter—provided these are booked in advance and rung in to confirm.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this service suits—and who should make extra arrangements.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Small parcels or freight must be rung to book; weight limits apply: items 16–30kg require a second able‑bodied person to assist with lifting at both ends; items 31kg and above will not be carried. Oversized objects are carried subject to space and the operator’s assessment.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Are charters available year‑round?
Yes—charter service is available all year round, with charters starting from $600 when booked with adequate notice.
Where does the service meet and depart?
The service meets and departs ex Invercargill, New Zealand.
What happens at Five Rivers Cafe?
Passengers transferring to Tracknet wait in the lay‑by opposite the cafe entrance for a pickup scheduled at approx 11.50am; that transfer may be delayed by road or traffic constraints.
Can you arrange special drop‑offs, for example Tuatapere or cyclist transfers?
Yes—prebooked drop‑offs to Tuatapere (for the Humpridge Track) and cyclist pick‑ups/drop‑offs from Mavora Bus Shelter to Mossburn or Te Anau can be arranged but must be rung in and booked before the day; these services are not available on CodeShare days.
What are the rules for parcels and freight?
Parcels and small freight must be rung to book; items 16–30kg require a second able‑bodied person to assist lifting at both ends, items over 31kg will not be carried, and oversized items are subject to space availability and operator approval.
What is CodeShare and how might it affect my trip?
The operator may run a CodeShare with another provider if bookings are insufficient, which can mean traveling on a Queenstown service to Five Rivers Cafe and awaiting the Tracknet bus; some drop‑off destinations may become unavailable and arrival in Te Anau may be delayed by up to an hour.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-16T09:27:55.796Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.