Our History
Catlins Coaster began life with Ralph back in 1993 with a dinky old Toyota van running day trips Catlins for independant travellers especially the mushrooming backpacker market. The rugged scenery and wildlife of the Catlins were the highlights at a time when the Catlins seemed even more remote than today with many of the now sealed roads still gravel (loose chip) and locals that had never seen foreigners, ever!
Initially it was Dunedin to Invercargill, overnight and return the next day with a full day exploring this fascinating and spectacular region. Over time the trips have developed and evolved to offer a variety of options for travellers including a one-day tour from Dunedin and connecting in with other shuttle services to offer Queenstown to Dunedin and Te Anau to Dunedin services in one day too.
Working in with fellow operators has always been a key part of how Ralph and his partner Evan have operated and how they have built such popular tours.
Catlins Coaster today runs year round and works in conjunction with Bottom Bus with a small team of dedicated staff from their office and yard in Dunedin.
