Southland Scenic Drive

Stretching from the rugged West Coast to the deep south of New Zealand, the Southland Scenic Drive is a spectacular journey that stitches together some of the country's most dramatic landscapes. This route takes you from Franz Josef Glacier through rainforests, past mirror-still lakes, and across the Southern Alps to the wild coastlines of Fiordland. It's a road trip that demands you pull over constantly – for waterfalls tumbling down mossy cliffs, for kea parrots eyeing your car, and for views that make you forget the steering wheel.

Highlights & What to See

• Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers – Walk to the terminal faces or take a heli-hike onto the ice; the blue crevasses are otherworldly.
• Lake Matheson – Famous for its mirror reflections of Aoraki Mount Cook, best visited at dawn or dusk.
• Haast Pass – The gateway to the West Coast, with short walks to Thunder Creek Falls and the Blue Pools.
• Wanaka – A lakeside town with a buzzing café scene and the iconic #ThatWanakaTree.
• Te Anau – The launchpad for Fiordland, with glowworm caves and the start of the Milford Road.
• Milford Sound – The grand finale: cruise past sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and seals lounging on rocks.
• Catlins Coast – Rugged beaches, the Nugget Point lighthouse, and the chance to see yellow-eyed penguins.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give yourself at least five to seven days to do this drive justice. The full loop from Franz Josef down to the Catlins and back up to Queenstown covers about 1,000 km of winding roads. Break it up with overnight stops in Wanaka, Te Anau, and along the Catlins. If you're short on time, focus on the stretch from Franz Josef to Milford Sound – a compact three-day journey that packs in glaciers, rainforest, and fiords.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Queenstown – The adventure capital, with bungee jumping, jet boats, and a lively lakefront.
• Doubtful Sound – Quieter than Milford, with multi-day cruises deep into Fiordland.
• Stewart Island – A ferry ride from Bluff for kiwi spotting and untouched beaches.
• Aoraki Mount Cook National Park – Add a detour for glacier walks and stargazing at the Dark Sky Reserve.
• Abel Tasman National Park – Golden beaches and kayaking at the top of the South Island, a longer add-on.

Please check official sources for current details.