Road trips
Southern Scenic Route: 7 unmissable stops guide
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The Southern Scenic route offers just over 610km of stunning natural sights to explore. From watching wildlife and taking scenic walks through nature to jumping on mountain bikes, fishing, caving and more, this Southland road trip is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true.
The Southern Scenic Route is guaranteed to take you through deserted beaches, stunning rainforests, crystal lakes and towering mountains. It’s time to get planning and discover these 7 incredible places to stop along this ultimate South Island itinerary!
Southern Scenic Route: 7 places you can’t miss
Total distance: 1,137km | Recommended days: from 7 to 10 days | Best time to do the route: between December and February | See route in Google Maps
1. Queenstown
This is the best place to start the Southern Scenic Route. It’s worth setting aside a few days to explore, either at the beginning or end of your trip. You won’t regret it!
Queenstown offers the perfect combination of adventure and stunning scenery to keep everyone happy. You can go rafting, skydiving, jet boating or even bungy jumping, depending on your level of thrill-seeking!
Grab those walking boots and head up Queenstown Hill for a picturesque view at sunrise or sunset. You’ll be able to view Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables. Of course, if it’s stunning vistas you’re after, then head up on the Skyline gondola.
One thing to put on your list before you leave is checking out the famous Fergburger, which is world-renowned! Make sure you’re hungry because they are big.
2. Dunedin
Known for its Scottish and Maori heritage, Dunedin is the perfect place to meet some local wildlife. Start off with a tour of the Royal Albatross Centre, before heading on a Monarch Wildlife Cruise and checking out the sea.
Make sure you don’t miss the Dunedin Botanic Garden, New Zealand’s first botanic garden that is home to nearly 7,000 plant species. Next, head to Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, which takes you through the history of the Maori tribes in the area.
The Dunedin Public Art Gallery is one of New Zealand’s top art galleries, with a collection of amazing work by local artists right through history until the present day. If you’re after a spot of water, head to Tunnel Beach where you can dip your toes in the water at the bottom. Just make your way down carefully!
3. Papatowai
Believe it or not, this amazing place has a population of just 30 people! This grows to about 150 during peak season, with all the tourists coming to visit the area. With a stunning landscape, plenty of swimming spots, sandy beaches and walking tracks, there’s plenty to do in this sleepy town.
Start off by exploring the downtown area and checking out the museums and boutiques in the centre of town. You can even settle back in that main thoroughfare and just enjoy a spot of people watching while soaking up the culture in the area.
Travel beyond the town and head up to Nugget Point Lighthouse, where you can sit back and enjoy some breathtaking views. You can then head for a trek to the Purakaunui Falls, and set your eyes on the famous waterfalls that are well worth the walk.
Invercargill
Welcome to the capital of Southland, where you will find plenty to see and do to keep you busy. If you’re into motor vehicles, then this is the place to be. Take a trip to the amazing displays at Bill Richardson Transport World and Class Motorcycle Mecca. If history is more up your alley, then head to He Waka Tuia, which houses the Invercargill Public Art Gallery and the Southland Museum and Art Gallery.
Prefer some fresh air? Head out to Queen’s Park, where you can take a stroll, enjoy a picnic, or sit back and bird watch at the aviaries and animal enclosures. It’s perfect for kids with a playground nearby, as well.
If you have time on your hands, head to Stewart Island and spend a day exploring the national park, which makes up 85% of the island! You can get there by ferry or plane, both of which are an experience in themselves.
5. Te Anau
Te Anau is quite literally a breath of fresh air, and perfect for lovers of the outdoors. It features some of the most gorgeous scenery in New Zealand, so make sure you have those hiking boots on and cameras in hand. Not up for walking? Then head on a horse riding tour through a working farm, while enjoying the incredible backdrop.
The first thing on your list should be checking out the glowworm caves. You can travel via boat, crossing the lake to make your way into the caves. They are well worth seeing! Right on the border of Fiordland National Park, it’s worth jumping across and enjoying a hike or two through the fjords, mountains and rainforests on offer. Cleddau Valley is well worth your time, where you can steal a view of the amazing peaks in the clouds.
6. Milford Sound
It’s time to take a cruise and hit the water. Sit back and watch the extraordinary mountain landscapes and stretching lakes while you peacefully enjoy the views. If you’re a bit more adventurous, then jump off for some kayaking and get up close with some of the wildlife.
If you like to get into nature with some hiking, then challenge yourself to the Milford Track. You will need to set aside four days for this one, but in the process, you will be guided through some of the world’s most beautiful wilderness. Just be sure to book far in advance.
Wanaka
Wanaka is a great place to wrap up the Southern Scenic Route before heading back to Queenstown. This resort town is the perfect opportunity for you to enjoy a spot of relaxation towards the end of your road trip to truly recharge those batteries.
Make sure to grab your camera and head out to Wanaka Lavender Farm to meet the animals, try a bite at the cafe, and of course get some great photos in the lavender. Another photo opportunity awaits you at the Wanaka Tree - the most photographed tree in New Zealand!
There are plenty of hikes for you to take in the area. Choose from Roys Peak Track, Isthmus Peak Track and finish off at the Blue Pools where you end your trip with a dip in the amazing waters.
Of course, there’s also plenty of adventure if you’re in need. Go horse trekking, 4WD tours, kayaking, parasailing, paddle boarding, canyoning, skydiving and more.
Organise your Southern Scenic Route road trip with Camplify
Once you sort out campervan hire in Queenstown, you’re ready to head south and check out some of the amazing natural sights the Southern Scenic Route has to offer.
As they say, it’s the journey that counts, so if you have time on your hands, it’s worth taking it slowly and staying a few extra nights here and there! Stop off at The Catlins on your way to Invercargill, add in Riverton on the way to Te Anau and loop around to Arrowtown before ending your trip in Queenstown.
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