You could be forgiven for calling New Zealand’s Southern Scenic Route one of the world’s most spectacular drives. Connecting Dunedin and Queenstown, the route stretches for 610km, winding through the Catlins to Invercargill and Bluff, along the southwestern coast and inland to Te Anau and Queenstown.
Along the way are historic villages, awe-inspiring fiords, snow-capped mountains and clear lakes. The traffic is light, the air fresh and the sense of freedom invigorating.
Welcome to the deep south.
This is the New Zealand often seen in postcard photos.
Where to Stop?
Attractions include the Hokonui Whisky Distillery in Gore – stop here to sample a drop or two of liquid gold made according to illicit recipes from moonshine days – and the Mandeville Aero Company, where experts restore old aeroplanes sent from around the globe.
The Seriously Good Chocolate Company in Invercargill offers chocolate-making classes and delicious lunches, among other things. It is, as its name suggests, seriously good.
There are also plenty of great walking, fishing, surfing and bird-watching spots along the route that are perfect for whiling away some time in.
Invercargill, Southland’s largest city, is packed with heritage buildings, and a highlight is St Mary’s Basilica, a Catholic church that opened in 1905. The famous Southern hospitality is one of the best things about this place, as Louie’s Café and Tapas Bar, which serves delicacies such as muttonbird pate.
Go West
Head west from Invercargill towards Te Anau and you’ll pass through Riverton, known by locals as the Riviera of the south.
Riverton was established as a whaling station around 1837 and it’s worth lingering here for a spot of fishing, swimming and kayaking, or you can explore on foot – there are plenty of easy walks and diverse wildlife. If you’re a history buff you’ll love Te Hikoi Cultural Heritage Museum, a popular attraction on the main street that brings the area’s legends to life.
Next on the route is Colac Bay, the best surf spot around these parts, and Cosy Nook, a tiny settlement 5km off the highway a bit further on. Originally named Cozy Neuk by early settler Captain George Thomson, after his homeland Scottish village, it’s an historic Maori site with a rocky cove harbouring fishing boats and salt-spattered holiday cribs.
Away From the Coast
The road then heads inland, to Tuatapere. If you’ve got a few days to spare, try walking the Hump Ridge Track.
Residents of Tuatapere, midway along the route, came up with the idea in 1985 as a way to showcase the delights of Southland. The track was built entirely by volunteers and meanders through some of the forests, rugged beaches and alpine territory of Fiordland National Park.
Further inland, distant mountains shimmering in a hazy sky and hawks soaring above green fields are common sights as you near Te Anau, gateway to Milford Sound. The sound, 120km away down the Milford Road, is a must-see. Home to Mitre Peak, arguably one of NZ’s most-recognisable landmarks, it’s just as magical as it looks in pictures.
From Te Anau it’s a 170km drive to Queenstown. Rugged mountains stretch as far as the eye can see, hardy locals tend sheep around Athol and Garston, creating a pastoral scene straight out of a fairytale. The road winds around one side of Lake Wakatipu, and snowy mountains rise above the glassy water; they’re visible most of the way to Queenstown.
Be warned: you might find it hard to concentrate on the road from here on in. Photos don’t do the Southern Scenic Route justice.
Featured image by Tomas Sobek
