MAKAREWA BUS TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Door-to-door across Southland: the practical run from Dunedin to Invercargill (note — Bus Stop to Bus Stop excludes bikes)
A concise guide to Catch-a-Bus South’s Dunedin–Invercargill service via Makarewa, summarizing fares, luggage rules, pick-up windows and passenger responsibilities.
Door-to-door across Southland: the practical run from Dunedin to Invercargill (note — Bus Stop to Bus Stop excludes bikes).
This scheduled Southland connection links Dunedin and Invercargill with personalized door‑to‑door pickups, a small‑group bus environment and a strict policy that places luggage responsibility with each passenger — a streamlined option for travelers moving light between cities in the south of New Zealand.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Door‑to‑door convenience with scheduled pick‑ups
Catch‑a‑Bus South operates a door‑to‑door run between Dunedin and Invercargill, advising passengers that pick‑up times are confirmed shortly before travel and offering travel windows on weekdays and weekends.
Travel light — clear luggage and lost‑property terms
The ‘Bus Stop to Bus Stop’ travel‑light fare allows one piece of luggage per seat, additional luggage or cycles incur charges or are excluded for this fare, and a minimum NZ$30 fee applies for returned lost property.
Predictable windows and a mid‑journey break
Pick‑ups run in defined afternoon windows during weekdays and weekends, with an allowance of an extra 45 minutes for drop‑offs and a scheduled mid‑journey stop for restrooms and food.
What the day feels like
How the trip feels
Expect a utilitarian, passenger‑focused run: drivers advise your exact pick‑up time shortly before departure, you board for an afternoon windowed service, there’s a mid‑route bathroom/food stop, and the company emphasizes safety, comfort and passenger responsibility for luggage.
THE SERVICE
Door‑to‑door convenience with scheduled pick‑ups
Catch‑a‑Bus South operates a door‑to‑door run between Dunedin and Invercargill, advising passengers that pick‑up times are confirmed shortly before travel and offering travel windows on weekdays and weekends.
THE RULES
Travel light — clear luggage and lost‑property terms
The ‘Bus Stop to Bus Stop’ travel‑light fare allows one piece of luggage per seat, additional luggage or cycles incur charges or are excluded for this fare, and a minimum NZ$30 fee applies for returned lost property.
THE TIMING
Predictable windows and a mid‑journey break
Pick‑ups run in defined afternoon windows during weekdays and weekends, with an allowance of an extra 45 minutes for drop‑offs and a scheduled mid‑journey stop for restrooms and food.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this service suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Pick‑up times are assigned shortly before travel. Weekday window: 2:15pm–5:30pm; weekend window: 1:45pm–5:15pm. Allow an extra 45 minutes for drop‑offs.
Bring personal items, your single permitted suitcase (per fare rules), a water bottle, a mask if unwell, and your smile. No food is permitted onboard.
The travel‑light fare includes one piece of luggage; parcels up to 19kg and 20–25kg have specified charges—parcels over stated ranges will incur double charges and 21–50kg items are no longer accepted. Enter the correct fare/area when booking to avoid fees.
Drug or alcohol use is not tolerated; suspicion will result in removal and police notification. The service is totally non‑smoking; do not light up near the vehicle.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Can I travel with my bike on the Bus Stop to Bus Stop fare?
No — the official title and fare indicate Bus Stop to Bus Stop is NOT available with bikes; cycles and additional pieces may incur fees or be excluded on the travel‑light fare.
How many pieces of luggage can I bring on the travel‑light fare?
The travel‑light fare includes only one piece of luggage (carry on or checked). Additional pieces or cycles will be charged or may be excluded if the fare is incorrect.
What are the door‑to‑door fares for adults and children?
Door‑to‑door fares are listed as Adult (14+) $65, Child (6–13) $55, Senior (65+) $60, Student (with NZ student ID) $60, Infant (0–5) $30 plus $10 if a car seat is supplied.
When will I be told my pick‑up time?
Your pick‑up time will be advised shortly before travel by the driver; the operator provides windows for departures on weekdays and weekends and asks passengers to allow up to an extra 45 minutes for drop‑offs.
What happens if I leave an item on the bus?
Passengers are reminded to take all personal items before departing; the operator now charges a minimum NZ$30 fee for returning lost property.
Will the operator guarantee my onward flight or ferry connection?
No — the operator does not guarantee ferry/flight/bus/appointment connections and accepts no liability for missed connections; you must notify such connections in the booking comments.