Southern Scenic Route
New Zealand
The long U-shaped journey around New Zealand's deep south, from Dunedin's Scottish history through the Catlins' wild surf beaches, coastal cliffs, and waterfalls, past Invercargill to the remote Fiordland and the sea-kayaking wilderness of Doubtful Sound. The South Island's least-driven great road.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Dunedin
The Edinburgh of the South, a Victorian Gothic university city. The Otago Peninsula hosts the world's only mainland royal albatross colony above penguin beaches.
- Nugget Point
Wave-battered basalt islets below an 1869 lighthouse, crowded with fur seals, Hooker's sea lions, yellow-eyed penguins, and spoonbills. One of NZ's most dramatic headlands.
- Papatowai
The Catlins' surf-and-forest village, base for Cathedral Caves' 30-metre sea-carved chambers accessible only at low tide. The Lost Gypsy Gallery nearby is a must.
- Curio Bay
A 180-million-year-old petrified forest exposed at low tide on a wave-lashed shore. Yellow-eyed penguins return from the sea each evening to nest in coastal grass above.
- Invercargill
New Zealand's southernmost city, flat-streeted and quietly surprising. The Bluff oyster season runs March to August and draws serious food pilgrims from across the country.
- Manapouri
Gateway to Doubtful Sound via a boat crossing of the lake and a bus over Wilmot Pass. The underground Manapouri Power Station is carved from bedrock beneath the water.
- Doubtful Sound
Three times longer than Milford and far less visited, Doubtful Sound is reached by boat across Lake Manapouri. Bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and near-total wilderness silence.
- Te Anau
Gateway to Fiordland, NZ's largest national park. The Kepler and Milford Tracks both start near here; Te Anau Glowworm Caves lie beneath the lake's western shore.
Where to Eat
- Fleurs PlaceSeafood
A renowned seafood restaurant located in Moeraki, offering fresh, locally sourced dishes in a rustic setting.
- The Batch CafeCafe
A popular cafe in Invercargill known for its excellent coffee and homemade baked goods.
- Fat DuckContemporary New Zealand
A Te Anau restaurant offering modern New Zealand cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
- Speight's Ale HousePub
A Dunedin institution serving hearty meals and a range of Speight's beers in a historic setting.
Things to Do
- Nugget Point LighthouseLandmark
An iconic lighthouse perched on a rugged headland, offering panoramic coastal views.
- Curio Bay Petrified ForestHistoric Site
A 180-million-year-old fossilized forest, visible at low tide, showcasing ancient tree stumps and logs.
- Te Anau Glowworm CavesNatural Attraction
A subterranean network of caves illuminated by thousands of glowworms, accessible via guided boat tours.
- Bluff Hill LookoutScenic Viewpoint
A vantage point in Bluff offering panoramic views over Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island.