Think you’ve seen everything New Zealand has to offer?
Auckland’s harbour, Hobbiton’s rolling hills and the famous fiords might already be ticked off your list. But many travellers miss one of the country’s most rewarding road trips — the Southern Scenic Route.
Stretching from Queenstown to Dunedin, this spectacular journey winds through Fiordland, Southland, the Catlins and Otago. It’s a route filled with dramatic coastlines, native forests, wildlife encounters and hidden gems that many visitors never discover.
What Is the Southern Scenic Route?
The Southern Scenic Route is a 610km self-drive journey linking Queenstown and Dunedin via Fiordland, Invercargill and the Catlins. Often ranked among the world’s great road trips, it showcases some of New Zealand’s most remote landscapes, unique wildlife and lesser-known attractions away from the main tourist trail.
The Basics
Length: 610km
Drive type: Scenic self-drive holiday
Transport: Self-drive
Perfect for: Travellers seeking a less-travelled side of New Zealand
Highlights: Fiordland, the Catlins, Bluff oysters, Stewart Island, royal albatross, yellow-eyed penguins and spectacular coastal scenery
Queenstown
A pocket-sized capital of adventure, Queenstown has earned its reputation.
Outdoor activities, excellent dining and mountain scenery make it difficult to leave. But the Southern Scenic Route rewards those willing to venture beyond the familiar.
Head south and discover a very different side of New Zealand.
Fiordland
Step into a landscape of ancient rainforest, towering mountains and pristine lakes.
Te Anau and Manapouri are the gateways to Fiordland’s many attractions. From Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound to glowworm caves and walking trails, this region rewards travellers who slow down and explore.
With more than 600km of tracks throughout the area, there’s plenty to discover beyond the driver’s seat.
Western Southland
Imagine a place where sunset seems to linger for hours.
Western Southland offers peaceful landscapes, fascinating history and some of New Zealand’s best dark skies. Riverton is a popular stop, where visitors can learn about the region’s Māori and European heritage at Te Hikoi Southern Journey.
Nearby Colac Bay provides the perfect place to relax with a meal while watching the waves roll in.
When darkness falls, head to the historic Clifden Suspension Bridge for an unforgettable stargazing experience.
Invercargill
Invercargill often surprises first-time visitors.
The city combines heritage architecture with expansive parks, gardens and cultural attractions. Explore Queens Park, visit local museums or wander through the city centre’s collection of historic buildings.
Then make time for nearby Bluff.
Famous for its oysters and gateway location to Stewart Island, Bluff offers another excellent wildlife experience for travellers wanting to venture even further south.
The Catlins
If you’re searching for authentic New Zealand, you’ll find it here.
The Catlins is a region of rugged coastlines, native forest, waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Purakaunui Falls is one of the area’s most photographed natural attractions, while nearby Curio Bay reveals a remarkable 180-million-year-old petrified forest at low tide.
The Cathedral Caves provide another highlight, opening only during suitable tidal conditions.
Wildlife lovers are in for a treat. Hector’s dolphins are regularly spotted around Curio Bay, while New Zealand sea lions often relax on beaches and rocky shorelines throughout the region.
Dunedin
Many Southern Scenic Route adventures conclude in Dunedin.
Known for its impressive Edwardian and Victorian architecture, the city combines history, wildlife and great food in equal measure. Nearby Taiaroa Head is home to the world’s only mainland breeding colony of royal albatross, while yellow-eyed penguins can also be spotted along the Otago Peninsula.
Back in the city, cafés, craft breweries, restaurants and local wine experiences provide the perfect way to celebrate the end of an unforgettable road trip.
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Ready to explore New Zealand’s forgotten south?
Speak with the team at New Zealand Holidays about adding the Southern Scenic Route to your next adventure.
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