Road trips
Queenstown to Dunedin road trip: South Island guide
)
On the hunt for the perfect way to spend your next break? Travelling on a Queenstown to Dunedin road trip takes you through an iconic tourist scenic highway that passes some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world.
We’ve dedicated an itinerary entirely to this route, as it’s one of the best adventures you can experience on the South Island. To start planning the holiday of a lifetime, check out our Queenstown to Dunedin road trip guide below!
5-Day Queenstown to Dunedin Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Queenstown
First things first, pick up a campervan rental in Queenstown. Before you even hit the road, it makes sense to make the most of the amazing sites on offer in Queenstown!
Coronet Peak and The Remarkables
Are you the type of person who enjoys a bit of a thrill now and then? Queenstown is the perfect place for you. If you happen to be travelling in the winter months, then you can hit up Coronet Peak for some skiing, which is rated as one of the best resorts. The Remarkables Ski Area is another favourite, ready for you to test your skis.
Skippers Road
If you’re enjoying some warmer weather, don’t worry, there’s plenty to do. Head to Skippers Road for some bungee jumping or rafting adventures. Jump on a jet boat and make your way down the canyons, or head off on a zipline.
Bushwalking Trails
There are so many places to explore, it’s time to pop on your hiking boots and set off. Head to Lake Alta for some gorgeous trails, make it to the top of Bob’s Peak for some stunning views, or hop on Skyline Queenstown to see it all. You can also check out the Hollyford Track for some more hiking, or the Tiki Trail.
Lakes District Museum
You may be looking to soak up a little culture in your travels. You can head to the Lakes District Museum & Gallery. The Winery is also perfect for some wine tasting and country air, or head to the historic Arrowtown Chinese settlement.
Where to camp
Day 2: Queenstown to Te Anau
Travel time: 2 hours and 2 minutes
Distance: 171km
**This stunning town on the South Island is known as the gateway into the Fiordland National Park and Milford Sounds. There is plenty of adventure waiting for you here.
Fiordland National Park
This is the largest of the 14 national parks in New Zealand, with an area of 12,607km. On all sides of the Fiords, you’ll see some amazing waterfalls and plenty of natural beauty around you. Discover bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, penguins and so much more.
Milford Sound
This is another stunning Fiordland that is home to fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins. There’s also plenty of rainforests to explore, with some incredible waterfalls. Head to Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory for some views of rare black coral and other marine life. You can also hop on a boat to see more of the sights around you. ****
Te Anau Caves
This is one of the main highlights when you visit Te Anau. These limestone caves were rediscovered in 1948 and you can now hop on a boat and go and explore them for yourself. You will be greeted by thousands of glittering glow worms, which is something you’ll remember for years to come. Another great adventure for the whole family.
Where to camp
Getaway Te Anau Holiday Park & Apartments
Day 3: Te Anau to Tapanui
Travel time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Distance: 158km
Whisky Gully
If you’re up for a bit of nature, this walk is just for you. There are a few routes to choose from, including a short 15-minute track, or the longer 2-hour option to the waterfall. This second one offers stunning views of Whisky Falls.
West Otago Museum
Take a trip back in time and check out some of the vintage tractors at this amazing museum. All of them still work, made back between 1913 and 1950. There’s plenty more history to soak up within the museum as well.
The Leithen
The Leithen Glen is a popular spot to head for a picnic and swim in the warmer months. Everything is set up for you, including stone barbecues, toilets and a changing shed, all nestled amongst an amazing pine forest. It’s the ideal spot to spend the day as a family.
Where to camp
Tawanui Campsite
Dolamore Park ****
Day 4: Tapanui to Dunedin
Travel time: 1 hour and 48 minutes
Distance: 146 km
Larnach Castle
This mock castle is one of the best visitor attractions that has been restored in recent years. It offers a complete castle experience, so you kids can play prince and princess for the day while you explore. There are amazing gardens, plenty of accommodation and some great places to eat.
Galleries
If you’re hoping to soak up a little culture during your stay then you’re in luck, there’s plenty here for you. The Dunedin Public Art Gallery holds the main public art collection and is one of New Zealand’s four major metropolitan art galleries. You can also head to Otago Museum and discover nature, culture and science all in one place, with one of the largest museum collections in New Zealand.
Baldwin Street
While you’re there, don’t miss Baldwin Street. This residential street has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the steepest street in the world!
Dunedin Botanic Garden
Head to the northern end of Dunedin to enjoy the Botanic Garden, which has been internationally recognised for its incredible collection of plants, along with the many beautiful walks you can take throughout.
Where to camp
Here are some of the best Dunedin camping grounds:
Aaron Lodge Holiday Park
Day 5: Dunedin to Queenstown
Travel time: 3 hours 31 minutes
Distance: 279km
The trip from Dunedin to Queenstown can be done in a day if you are in a rush to get back from your road trip. It only takes 3 hours and 31 minutes, so with a quick break on the way, you’re good to go.
It helps to visit somewhere new on the way back, so you can see even more of New Zealand in your travels. Plus, it breaks the trip up as well.
Lake Roxburgh
Lake Roxburgh is a great place to stop to break up the trip. You can stretch your legs by taking a hike down the Roxburgh Gorge Trail. It takes about a day to complete on a bike, so don’t head too far! But there is plenty of amazing landscape to check out as you walk.
You can then stop for a bite to eat at Lake Roxburgh Lodge, which is considered a hidden gem by many tourists. You can enjoy some delicious seasonal food, before making your way back to Queenstown.
Ready for Your Queenstown to Dunedin Road Trip?
Equipped with the above itinerary and campsites, you’re all set to start planning the next aspect of your adventure - hiring the right campervan or motorhome!
And once you get just a taste of life on the road and all the amazing places you can visit, it’ll be hard to stop. So don’t! Extend your trip and head off on another adventure straight away. There is so much to see and do in New Zealand and so many different routes you can take - head fromQueenstown to Lake Tekapo, venture a little further on theQueenstown to Christchurch route or keep travelling all the way to Wellington (with a ferry ride, of course!).