Southern Scenic Route

The Southern Scenic Route is a spectacular 600-kilometre drive through New Zealand's deep south, linking the alpine landscapes of Queenstown and Wanaka with the rugged Catlins coast and the historic city of Dunedin. This is not just a road trip; it's a journey through ever-changing scenery – from pristine lakes and snow-capped mountains to dense native forests, wild surf beaches, and dramatic sea cliffs. The route is well-signposted and can be driven in either direction, but many travellers start from Queenstown or Wanaka, heading south through the pastoral farmland of Southland. Allow at least three days to do it justice, though a week gives you time for detours and walks. The road is sealed all the way, though some sections are narrow and winding, so take your time and savour the journey.

Highlights & What to See

• Milford Sound / Piopiotahi – A side trip from Te Anau, this fjord is a must-see with its towering cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife. Take a cruise or kayak for the full experience.
• Te Anau – Gateway to Fiordland National Park, with the magical glowworm caves and the Kepler Track. It's also the launchpad for Doubtful Sound.
• The Catlins – A wild coastal area with the iconic Nugget Point lighthouse, the Cathedral Caves, and the chance to see yellow-eyed penguins and sea lions at Curio Bay.
• Dunedin – New Zealand's wildlife capital, home to the world's only mainland royal albatross colony on the Otago Peninsula, plus the quirky Baldwin Street and a thriving craft beer scene.
• Wanaka – A scenic lakeside town with the famous Wanaka Tree, Roy's Peak Track for epic views, and the quirky Puzzling World.
• Queenstown – The adventure capital, offering bungy jumping, jet boating, and skydiving, plus the serene beauty of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.
• Fiordland National Park – Beyond Milford Sound, explore the Hollyford Track, Lake Marian, or the Chasm Walk for jaw-dropping scenery.

Suggested Time to Spend

For a comfortable trip, allocate at least 3 to 5 days to drive the full Southern Scenic Route from Queenstown/Wanaka to Dunedin (or vice versa). If you have a week, you can add side trips to Milford Sound, Stewart Island, or the Catlins' lesser-known walks. The route is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, stopping often for short walks and photo opportunities. Many travellers break the journey in Te Anau, Invercargill, and Dunedin, spending a night in each. If you're short on time, focus on the Fiordland and Catlins sections – they offer the most dramatic landscapes.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Fiordland National Park – Extend your trip with multi-day hikes like the Milford, Kepler, or Routeburn Tracks.
• Stewart Island / Rakiura – A ferry from Bluff takes you to this bird-watcher's paradise, with kiwi spotting and the Rakiura Track.
• The Catlins Forest Park – Explore deeper into the forest for waterfalls, including the impressive McLean Falls.
• Otago Peninsula – From Dunedin, spend a day visiting the royal albatross colony, penguin reserves, and Larnach Castle.
• Glenorchy – A scenic drive from Queenstown, this is the gateway to Paradise and the start of the Routeburn Track.

Please check official sources for current details.