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If you want to escape the material world and re-connect with nature, the Southern
Scenic Route is the road to big skies, dramatic scenery and meaningful encounters
with native animals.
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| A sea level view of Doubtful Sound, a New Zealand landmark. |
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Crowds and queues just don’t come into it. From exploring an authentic castle
in Dunedin to kayaking across a wilderness lake, the memories you’ll collect will
echo the bold beauty of the landscape and the determination of early pioneers.
Route Summary
Starting in the historic city of Dunedin, this route follows Southland’s wild
coast down to Invercargill, then continues northwest to Manapouri and Te Anau.
Highlights could include sea life encounters along the Catlins Coast, an expedition
to Stewart Island, lake cruises and walking the Tuatapere Humpridge Track – one
of New Zealand’s newest on-foot adventures.
Key Features
Dunedin is a treasure box of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. During the
gold rush, the city acquired some of New Zealand's most impressive commercial
buildings. You can see amazing examples of revival Gothic, Italianate, Palladian
and Georgian architecture, and you can stay in historic hotels and grand homes
that have been converted to bed and breakfast establishments. Eco-tours to penguin,
albatross and fur seal colonies are Dunedin's other claim to fame - some include
a cruise up the beautiful Otago Harbour.
Waterfalls, forests and marine mammal encounters await you on the Catlins Coast,
a stretch of wilderness that begins just south of Balclutha. Be sure to take the
track to Purakaunui Falls, a magnificent 20 metre, three tier waterfall. Nugget
Point is the surest bet for wildlife viewing - it's the only place where you can
find fur seals, Hooker's sea lions and sea elephants coexisting. It's also home
to colonies of yellow-eyed penguins and blue penguins. At Porpoise Bay you can
scan the waves for Hector's dolphins. Curio Bay has a very curious fossilised
forest - it's 180 million years old.
| Lake Te Anau, gateway to the Fiords |
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At the town of Bluff, admire Fred and Myrtle's paua shell house then catch a
ferry to Stewart Island, home of New Zealand's newest national park. Department
of Conservation hiking trails and an island bird sanctuary make it easy to imagine
New Zealand without people, the way it was only one thousand years ago. Back on
the mainland, the Tuatapere Humpridge Track (fast becoming a legend in the hiking
world) leads you to beach, forest and sub alpine scenery, with historic wooden
viaducts for added interest.
Your final frontier is the eastern edge of Fiordland, where you’ll come to the
lakeside towns of Manapouri and Te Anau. Cruise Lake Manapouri to the impressive
West Arm power station or embark on a kayaking and sailing expedition to the fiords.
Te Anau entertainments include a wildlife park, walking the Kepler Track, caving
and horse treks.
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www.newzealand.com Pages
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Southern Scenic Driving Route
Navigate around the Southern Scenic Route using the Driving Routes section, then print a hard copy to guide you while you’re on the road.
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SOUTHERN SCENIC ROUTE
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Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
Regular rainfall is a fact of life in the south western corner of the South Island. When you're touring the Catlins Coast you will appreciate the deluges that come with spring - the waterfalls are absolutely magnificent.
On the bird sanctuary of Ulva Island (accessible from Stewart Island), the birds are noisily enjoying the breeding season. It’s a great time for trout fishing.
Key Tips
- The southern portions of the South Island enjoy a long twilight in summer - as late as 10pm.
- There are i-SITE Visitor Centres in Dunedin, Invercargill, Te Anau, Gore and Stewart Island.
- If you're planning to visit Milford Sound, consider a coach tour - ice and snow can make the road hazardous.
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