Drive Queenstown To Dunedin

Drive Queenstown To Dunedin – The Southern Scenic Route brings together the best of the South, showcasing the natural environment, scenery, wildlife, heritage and people.

New Zealand’s oldest walking route, the Southern Scenic Route was developed in his 1985 by a Tuatapere local. After a lot of hard work and lobbying, the route officially opened in his 1988 and has since established itself as not only a staple of the New Zealand tourist experience, but one of the world’s great road trips. is established.

The 610km road trip starts in Queenstown or Dunedin and can be driven in either direction. Explore the route at your own pace, from the electrifying excitement of Queenstown to Dunedin’s historic university town, and discover hidden treasures along the many side roads. Stunning scenery, historic towns and warm tropical hospitality await you.

Complete Road Trip Guide For South Island Of New Zealand

The raw beauty and varied nature of the Southern Scenic Route range from the rugged coastlines of the Catlins to the ancient forests and glaciers of Fiordland to the majestic lakes and alpine landscapes of the Whakatipu Basin.

Highlights along the route include seeing albatrosses, penguins, fur seals and hooker seals in their natural habitat; swimming with dolphins; bushwalking; exploring waterfalls, caves and glaciers; including exploring the southern part of Te Waipounum.

Start (or end) your Southern journey in Queenstown, the home of adventure. Dramatic alpine scenery, a wide variety of activities and attractions, and a cosmopolitan heart make Queenstown a jewel of the Southern Scenic Route.

Heading south, you’ll pass through historic Kingston. This charming hamlet on the shores of Lake Wakatipu was once an important stopover connecting Otago’s central gold mines with the ports of Invercargill and Dunedin. Get a taste of history aboard the Kingston Flyer, an old steam train. Afterwards, stretch your legs with a walk, play a round of golf at the Kingston Golf Club or relax on the picturesque picnic grounds.

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Head to Te Anau past famous highland fishing rivers such as the Mataura, Oreti and Waikaia rivers. Before arriving in Te Anau, Lumsden has some relics from the steam age.

Te Anau is the gateway to Milford Sound, Fiordland, Kepler, Milford and the Routeburn Track, a boat tour across Lake Te Anau to Glowing Worms Cave, Takahe feeding at Te Anau Bird Sanctuary , offers attractions such as scenic flights.

Enter Milford Sound and explore the natural wonders of Fiordland National Park. Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage Site as one of the greatest wilderness areas on earth. Explore Milford Sound by kayak, overnight cruise or hike. A guided diving experience or visit to an underwater observatory gives another perspective on this national treasure.

Welcome to West Southland. The first stop before reaching the coast is Tuatapere, home of the Humpridge Track. Enjoy a spectacular walk from the sea to the mountains via forests and ancient viaducts. Also nearby is Lake Hauroko, known as New Zealand’s deepest lake, and the Lady of the Lakes, chief of Ngati Moimoi, who is buried in a cave on an island in the lake.

Nz Drives: The Southern Scenic Route Through The Catlins

From there, the route follows the south coast, past surfable beaches such as Colac Bay. Pass through the picturesque coastal town of Riverton, with cafes lining the edge of a wide beach. Main Street is home to galleries, shops and the Te Hikoi Museum, where you can learn about the region’s Māori and European settler history before heading to Invercargill.

Invercargill is the heart of Southland, home to tuatara, heritage sites, gardens of international significance, Queen’s Park, Transport World, a treasure trove of Southern icons, wearable art, and transport you can even drive a bargain at. . .

It’s worth taking a short detour to Bluff at the start of Highway 1 to take a selfie in front of the seafood and Bluff sign.

Southland plains roll into Catlin forests and tranquil beaches. Nostalgia mixes with nature as the road winds its way through the forest of Podkaap to a long white beach. The history of the area, ancient lighthouses, small towns with chilling pasts, 180-million-year-old petrified forests of Curio Bay, waterfalls, the world’s rarest penguins, sea lions, dolphins and other wildlife Explore the natural history of

Best Things To Do In Dunedin: The Dunedin Must Dos!

Join the main road to Balclutha, famous for its fishing. Stop at the South Otago Museum or follow the Blair Atholl Walkway through Naish Park. A short detour takes you to the Lost Gypsy Gallery in Papatowai. Here, automaton makers create twisty wonders out of junk.

As we approach Dunedin, we pass the sleepy village of Mosgir. Between Mosgiel and Dunedin are sandstone cliffs carved by the sea, stone arches and Tunnel Beach caves, with secret tunnels leading to the beach. Be sure to take a detour to experience this wonder.

Dunedin is known for its Gothic architecture, most notably Larnach Castle. Explore the galleries, street art, independent shops and cafes of this university town, or explore Dunedin’s beautiful countryside and surrounding Otago region on a Dunedin Railway Journey departing from the iconic Dunedin Train Station .

The Southern Scenic Route allows visitors to explore the South on their own time, discover hidden lakes and trails, meet locals and experience Southern hospitality, giving them a true sense of New Zealand along the way. Created to make it discoverable. Not only is it a great way for international visitors to explore this special part of New Zealand, but it’s also a great opportunity to come to New Zealand and rediscover the beauty of the South. Please check the route yourself. What to do and see on your trip between Queenstown and Dunedin is covered in detail. The southern scenic route includes deserted beaches, lush rainforests, pristine lakes, vibrant small towns and spectacular mountain scenery. From the natural world of the Catlins, the road opens to Invercargill, the cultural and administrative center of Southland. Small towns are unique, and sticky cheese rolls and Southern pies are kiwi staples. Freshly caught seafood, organic cheeses and vineyards provide visitors with a gastronomic experience. The rolling farmlands are dotted with country gardens, farmers markets and landscape artist studios/galleries open to the public. The road then descends, past Lake Wakatipu and up the mountains to Queenstown’s bustle and sophisticated visitor experience.

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The southern tourist route is closed, but the roads to some attractions are gravel roads. Some of the sites of interest may cross private property and access requires permission from the landowner.

On roads that are not congested, slow down and drive according to the conditions. If you see sheep or cows moving on the road, slow down.

Year-round, but winter road conditions should be checked before departure. There are no cold days. You can stay warm with NZ wool just by layering.

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Dunedin and Invercargill have renowned galleries. For more information, check out our Dunedin travel guide, best free attractions, activities and Invercargill. Invercargill travel guide, tour activities and attractions: NZ Jane.

Along the way, many artists live in small towns. To stay up to date with events and happenings, check out what’s so great about the city.

Perhaps the best part of vacationing is the urge to hit the road, take detours, and find out what’s at the end. Here are some recommendations for side trips.

Small towns and villages that form the backbone of the Southern Scenic Route Check here for more information on the towns on the Southern Scenic Route

Queenstown To Dunedin, New Zealand Driving Holiday: The Southern Scenic Route

Clyde Detail Owaka Detail Winton Detail Balclutha Detail Milton Detail Ramsden Detail Atholl Detail Kingston Detail

Yes, definitely check out our Otago Art and Culture Trail travel guide for holiday ideas and head down the side roads to Central Otago. Your guide begins this journey with a recommended detour to Lawrence

The entire route can be tackled starting from Queenstown or Dunedin. We recommend starting your trip in Dunedin. In most cases, the coast, views and lookouts are on the left. New Zealand drives on the left side of the road. It is dangerous to go to the observatory from the other side of the road. It also means drivers have a chance to catch a glimpse of the amazing scenery.

Sweeping ridges with views of Lake Wakatipu from Kingston is amazing.

Orc Signals Intent To Pare Back Bus Services

I’m worried about winter trips being delayed by ice and snow. Should I not go in winter?

In winter the road between Invercargill and Queenstown (Devil’s Staircase SH 6) is closed for up to a week. Winter creates a striking visual landscape with snow-capped peaks and bright lights for photographers.

Chester Mcintyre | AU

Drive Queenstown To Dunedin