Southern Scenic Route: Dunedin to Queenstown

Drive from Dunedin along the Catlins coast to the southern tip, then head north to Fiordland on the South Island's quietest highway.

Follow the Southern Scenic Route: spot wildlife in Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, explore lighthouses, waterfalls, and petrified forests in the Catlins, and enter Fiordland via Bluff and Riverton. Expect quiet roads in excellent condition, but note that mobile signal can be weak. This itinerary excludes Stewart Island and Mount Cook, making it perfect for return visitors or those looking to escape the crowds.

Cathedral Caves are closed from approximately May to October and are only accessible at low tide; check the official website for opening times.

Day by day

Day 1 · Dunedin Old Town & Tunnel Beach

Dunedin（Dunedin Railway Station、The Octagon & St Paul's Cathedral、Baldwin Street、Tunnel Beach）

Drive about 30 minutes from the airport to the city. Explore the city center on foot; Tunnel Beach is a 15-minute drive away.

Stay: Octagon City Centre

Day 2 · Otago Peninsula Wildlife

Dunedin（Larnach Castle、Royal Albatross Centre, Taiaroa Head、Penguin Place）

Drive about 45 minutes along the peninsula harbor road to the tip (round trip on the same day, or stay in Portobello).

Reservations are required for both the Albatross and Penguin sanctuaries; evening slots are the most popular.

Stay: Portobello, Otago Peninsula

Day 3 · Nugget Point to Catlins Forest

The Catlins（Nugget Point / Tokatā、Purakaunui Falls、Matai Falls & Horseshoe Falls、The Lost Gypsy Gallery）

Drive about 180 km via Balclutha and Owaka to Papatowai (approx. 2.5 hours).

Mobile signal is weak and fuel stops are limited in the Catlins; stock up on supplies in Balclutha.

Stay: Papatowai

Day 4 · Caves & Petrified Forest to Invercargill

The Catlins（McLean Falls、Cathedral Caves (Waipati)、Curio Bay Petrified Forest、Porpoise Bay、Waipapa Point Lighthouse）

Drive about 110 km along the coast to Invercargill (approx. 1.5 hours, or 2.5 hours including detours).

Plan your day around the opening hours of Cathedral Caves; check tide tables first.

Stay: Central Invercargill

Day 5 · Bluff Signpost to Fiordland Gateway

Invercargill & Bluff（E Hayes & Sons (World's Fastest Indian)、Stirling Point、Riverton (Aparima)） → Te Anau & Fiordland（Lake Manapouri）

Drive about 215 km from Invercargill via Bluff and Riverton to Te Anau (approx. 3 hours).

Stay: Te Anau Town

Day 6 · Full Day in Milford Sound

Te Anau & Fiordland（Mirror Lakes、Homer Tunnel、Milford Sound、The Chasm）

The round trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound is about 240 km, taking about 2.5 hours each way. Plan for a full-day trip including the cruise.

Book your cruise in advance. There are no petrol stations along the route, so fill up before you leave.