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).
Adventure brief
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.
Traveling through New Zealand's scenic Southland region between Dunedin and Invercargill just got easier with Catchabussouth’s dedicated bus service. This personalized transport option offers more than just a ride—it provides a gateway to exploring one of the country’s most naturally rich and culturally vibrant regions without the hassle of driving or complicated schedules. Starting in Makarewa, a small town in Southland, this service enables travelers to move comfortably and efficiently along the Southern Scenic Route, a corridor famed for its raw coastlines, rolling farmland, and untamed wilderness.
Unlike typical intercity buses, Catchabussouth specializes in offering door-to-door pickups, allowing visitors to start their adventure from their accommodation or a convenient local spot. While this service does not currently support bicycles onboard, it emphasizes passenger convenience and ease with a focus on luggage responsibility, ensuring you can travel light and stress-free. This is a significant plus for adventurers wanting to enjoy the region’s many hiking trails, wildlife reserves, and coastal views without the burden of vehicle logistics.
Southland’s blend of rugged landscapes and cultural heritage is on full display along this route. From Dunedin’s historic architecture and vibrant local food scene to Invercargill’s gateway role to natural reserves, the bus connects travelers with unique experiences every mile of the way. It offers an intimate lens into New Zealand's southernmost landscapes, featuring tussock-covered plains and ancient limestone cliffs. The region’s wildlife thrives here too—keep your eyes peeled for native bird species like the kiwi and the endangered takahe.
What sets Catchabussouth apart in the region’s outdoor recreation industry is its emphasis on safety and passenger comfort paired with flexible service tailored to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. It’s perfect for those aiming to explore Southland’s many natural attractions while contributing to lower carbon travel practices, making it a sustainable choice for eco-conscious travelers.
For visitors basing themselves in Invercargill, the service opens up easy access to the wider Southland, helping you experience New Zealand’s wildest corners without the stress of rental cars or complicated transfers. With accolades including multiple TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards, Catchabussouth guarantees reliable and friendly transport designed for the modern adventurer craving simplicity in travel logistics but richness in experience.
Route Schematic
Route schematic — stops and flow
Key points along the service from origin to destination, including the mid‑journey break and local pickup/drop policies.
Dunedin (origin area)
Service collects passengers in the Dunedin area as part of the door‑to‑door run; passengers must enter the correct pick‑up address/area when booking.
Mid‑journey stop
The operator schedules a bathroom and food break mid‑journey; no food is allowed onboard and passengers may use this stop for refreshments.
Makarewa (Southland)
The service covers Makarewa within the Southland region en route between the two cities.
Invercargill (destination area)
Final drop‑off in the Invercargill area; allow up to an additional 45 minutes on top of the pickup window for final drop‑offs.
Passengers must enter the correct pickup/drop‑off suburb in booking; if a suburb is not named or available in the booking area, drop‑off there is not available. The operator does not guarantee onward connections (ferry/flight/bus/appointment) and accepts no liability for missed connections unless noted in booking comments.
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.
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: 2026-09-18T12:03:06.809Z
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.