Southern Scenic Route: Dunedin to Queenstown in 9 Days
The Southern Scenic Route between Dunedin and Queenstown covers roughly 600 kilometres of coastline, forest, fiords and alpine lakes, and is best enjoyed over 7 to 9 days so you have time for the Catlins, Invercargill, Te Anau and Milford Sound. This 9-day road trip itinerary highlights the most scenic sections, waterfalls, caves and viewpoints, with practical tips from our RaD teams in Dunedin, Invercargill, Te Anau and Queenstown.
Why the Southern Scenic Route deserves 9 days
The Southern Scenic Route links Dunedin with the Catlins, Invercargill, Te Anau and Queenstown, and is often described as one of the best South Island road trips and one of the most underrated scenic routes NZ has to offer. Rather than blasting directly between Dunedin and Queenstown on the inland highway, you follow the coast and then cut back through Fiordland, stacking multiple “wow” moments into a single loop.
A 9-day plan lets you:
- Spend real time in the Catlins instead of just ticking off one waterfall.
- Enjoy a proper Fiordland base in Te Anau with at least one Milford Sound day.
- Pause in small towns like Invercargill and Riverton that big tours often skip.
- Arrive in Queenstown with enough energy left to actually enjoy it.
RaD staff in Dunedin, Invercargill, Te Anau and Queenstown all see people who regret rushing this route; their shared advice is simple - “you will never wish you had less time here”.
Day 1 – Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula
Start by picking up your RaD hire car in Dunedin and spending a full day exploring the city and its nearby coastline, so you are not jumping straight into a long driving day.
Ideas for your first day:
- Explore the historic railway station, street art trail and Toitū Otago Settlers Museum to get a feel for the region’s stories.
- Drive the Otago Peninsula high road for harbour and ocean views, stopping at lookouts and small bays along the way.
- Book an evening wildlife tour to Taiaroa Head to see Royal albatross and, if you choose the right tour, blue penguins coming ashore.
RaD Dunedin tip: Staff often suggest keeping your first driving day “soft”; get used to the car, check how long you like to drive in one stretch and pick up groceries for the Catlins. Once you leave Dunedin, you will still find food, but choice is limited compared with the city.
Related Posts
· Places to Visit Near Dunedin: Coastal Wonders and Wildlife
· Things to do in Dunedin (RaD Guide)
Day 2 – Dunedin to the Catlins (Nugget Point and Owaka area)
From Dunedin, follow the Southern Scenic Route south, joining SH1 briefly before peeling off toward Kaka Point and Nugget Point. This is where the coastal drama really begins.
Key stops:
- Nugget Point / Tokata Lighthouse – an easy 20-minute walk each way on a clifftop track to one of the most photogenic lighthouses in the country, with ocean “nuggets” scattered offshore and regular seal and seabird sightings.
- Kaka Point – a laid back seaside settlement with a beach, café and great picnic spots.
- Owaka – the main service town in the Catlins and a logical base for 1 or 2 nights, with a small supermarket, fuel, café and museum.
RaD Dunedin tip: Fill the tank before leaving Dunedin, and again if necessary around Balclutha; fuel in the Catlins is limited and opening hours can be shorter than you expect. It keeps the trip relaxed if you are not watching the gauge all day.
Day 3 – Waterfalls and caves of the Catlins
Devote a full day to exploring the Catlins, focusing on waterfalls, caves and viewpoints. Distances are short, but the roads are slower, and you will want time to wander.
Waterfall and viewpoint highlights:
- Purakaunui Falls – perhaps the most photographed waterfall in the Catlins, reached via an easy forest walk of around 10 to 20 minutes return. The multi-tiered cascade framed by bush is a classic South Island image.
- McLean Falls – a taller, more powerful waterfall approached on a slightly longer but still straightforward bush track, roughly 40 minutes return.
- Florence Hill Lookout – a must-stop viewpoint near Tautuku Bay; on a clear day you get sweeping views of the crescent beach, and bush backed hills.
Cave highlight:
- Cathedral Caves – enormous sea caves that are only accessible around low tide, via a private access road and a 1-hour return beach and forest walk. Check the tide table and opening hours posted locally before committing; if conditions are right, these caves are a trip stand out.
RaD Invercargill tip (for Catlins days): Coverage is patchy and weather changes quickly, so staff recommend downloading offline maps and packing a dry bag for your camera or phone. A spare towel and basic first aid kit in the boot are handy too when you are in and out of the damp forest all day.
Day 4 – Curio Bay, Slope Point and on to Invercargill
Continue south, aiming for Curio Bay and Slope Point before looping west into Invercargill.
Do not miss:
- Curio Bay / Porpoise Bay – Curio Bay’s exposed rock platforms contain a 180 million-year-old fossilised forest; at low tide, you can clearly see the petrified stumps and logs. The area is also known for visiting Hector’s dolphins and, with luck and quiet behaviour, yellow-eyed penguins.
- Slope Point – the southernmost point of the South Island. A short farm track leads to a windswept signpost that is catnip for photographers.
Afterwards, drive on to Invercargill along the Southern Scenic Route. This is a good place to stock up on supplies, enjoy city comforts and swap remote bush for parks and museums for a night or two.
RaD Invercargill tip: The team often recommends spending two nights in Invercargill; one night can feel rushed if you want to visit Queens Park, Bill Richardson Transport World and Bluff. Booking ahead is wise in peak summer or during big events.
Day 5 – Invercargill and Bluff
Use this day as a breather in the middle of the itinerary.
Ideas close to town:
- Bluff – about 25 minutes’ drive south; stand at Stirling Point for the iconic international signpost and, in season, try Bluff oysters at one of the local spots.
- Queens Park – a surprisingly extensive city park with gardens, walking paths and a small animal area; great for stretching your legs without getting back on the highway.
- Bill Richardson Transport World – a huge private collection of trucks, cars and memorabilia; even non petrol heads often come away impressed.
RaD Invercargill tip: On this “city day” staff suggest checking your tyre pressures, fuel levels and windscreen washer fluid; the next legs to Te Anau and Milford involve more stone chips, bugs and weather, so a quick once over now can save headaches later.
Related Reading
· Things to do in Invercargill (RaD Guide)
Day 6 – Invercargill to Te Anau via Riverton and Tuatapere
Leave Invercargill heading west and north, following the Southern Scenic Route toward Te Anau. This stretch feels quieter and more local than the Catlins, but has its own rewards.
Recommended stops:
- Riverton / Aparima – one of New Zealand’s oldest European settlements, with a sheltered harbour, galleries and cafés; a nice coffee or lunch stop.
- Gemstone Beach – near Orepuki, where the gravelly shore often yields colourful stones; conditions change often, so think of it as a bonus rather than a guarantee.
- Tuatapere – self‑proclaimed “Sausage Capital of New Zealand” and gateway to the Hump Ridge Track; if you are a fan of small town butchers, this is the place to try a few specialities.
Arrive in Te Anau by late afternoon; from here, Fiordland National Park is on your doorstep.
RaD Te Anau tip: Te Anau staff strongly recommend a minimum of two nights here, preferably three, to allow one Milford Sound day, one “buffer” day for weather or local walks, and then onward travel. Accommodation and cruise slots can sell out, so planning ahead is key.
Day 7 – Milford Sound day trip from Te Anau
Milford Sound is a must for almost every Southern Scenic Route traveller. Even though it is not technically on the official coastal section, it completes the Fiordland story.
On the drive between Te Anau and Milford:
- Stop at Eglinton Valley for classic glacier carved valley views.
- Walk the short Mirror Lakes boardwalk – early mornings or still days give the best reflections.
- Check whether The Chasm track is open; if it is, the powerful water‑carved rock formations are worth the detour.
At Milford Sound, take a cruise that suits your style, from shorter, standard sightseeing runs to longer, nature‑focused trips. Expect towering cliffs, waterfalls like Stirling and Bowen Falls, and frequent seal sightings; dolphins and penguins appear with luck and timing.
RaD Te Anau tip: If you are not confident on alpine roads, consider booking a coach‑cruise combo so you can enjoy the scenery without worrying about chains, ice or the Homer Tunnel. If you do self drive, leave Te Anau early to avoid the heaviest traffic and give yourself a generous return time buffer.
Related Reading
· 10 Best Natural Wonders in New Zealand (plus 3 bonus attractions)
· Things to do in Te Anau and Fiordland (RaD Guide)
Day 8 – Te Anau to Queenstown via Mossburn and Kingston
The final driving leg to Queenstown is shorter but still scenic; most travellers take around 2 to 2.5 hours without major stops.
Highlights along the way:
- Mossburn – a handy coffee and fuel stop.
- Kingston – at the southern end of Lake Wakatipu; the lakeside foreshore is a great spot for photos and a stretch before the road swings along the lake toward Queenstown.
- The Devils Staircase section of SH6 – one of the most dramatic lake edge drives, with sheer drops to the water and mountains rising straight from the shore.
Arrive in Queenstown by mid-afternoon to drop bags, refuel, and get your bearings.
RaD Queenstown tip: The team suggests heading straight to the lakefront for an easy first evening – grab a takeaway or simple dinner, sit by the water and enjoy the sunset. After a week on the road, a slow evening can be more satisfying than packing in one more adrenaline activity.
Day 9 – Queenstown free day or Glenorchy side trip
Use your last day to explore Queenstown at your own pace or take one more scenic drive.
Options:
- Ride the gondola and walk to a Ben Lomond lookout, or just soak up the view over town and the lake.
- Take a Glenorchy and Paradise side trip – about 45 minutes each way – for some of the most beautiful lake and valley scenery in the region and a taste of Lord of the Rings filming landscapes.
- Drive out to Arrowtown and the Gibbston wineries if you want a mix of history and wine tasting.
RaD Queenstown tip: On your final day, double-check your drop-off time, refuelling requirements, and any damage reporting steps so returning the car is simple. Building a 30 to 45-minute buffer into your schedule helps if traffic or parking is busier than expected.
Related Reading
· Best Things to do in Queenstown: Adventure and Scenic Drives
· Scenic Drives from Queenstown You Can’t Miss
· Exploring the South Islands: A 10-Day Road Trip Guide
· Adventure & Adrenaline in Queenstown: The Ultimate Itinerary
· Things to do in Queenstown (RaD Guide)
Conclusion
The Southern Scenic Route from Dunedin to Queenstown is proof that New Zealand's best stories unfold slowly, one waterfall, one coastal view and one quiet lakeside moment at a time. Whether you are chasing Cathedral Caves at low tide, watching seals at Nugget Point, standing at Slope Point or cruising Milford Sound under towering fiord walls, this 9-day journey delivers more than just kilometres; it delivers memories that stick.
Ready to tackle this iconic drive or any other scenic routes NZ wide? Rent with RaD Car Hire from our 22 branches nationwide - from Dunedin and Invercargill in the south to Auckland, Whangārei and beyond in the north. Our local teams know every twist, every must-stop viewpoint and exactly which car suits your adventure, so you can focus on the road ahead rather than the details.
FAQ – Dunedin to Queenstown Southern Scenic Route
How long does it take to drive the Southern Scenic Route from Dunedin to Queenstown?
The full route via the Catlins, Invercargill and Te Anau is around 600 kilometres and takes roughly 10 to 11 hours of pure driving; most travellers spread this over at least 4 days, with 7 to 9 days recommended if you want to explore waterfalls, caves, wildlife and Fiordland without rushing.
Do I need a 4WD for this itinerary?
No, the official Southern Scenic Route uses sealed state highways and main local roads that are suitable for standard 2WD cars in normal conditions. Some optional side roads to remote beaches or trailheads may be gravel and winter can bring ice or snow, so driving to the conditions and carrying chains when advised is important.
What are the must see waterfall and cave stops in the Catlins?
Purakaunui Falls and McLean Falls are the two most popular waterfalls, both reached by short forest tracks. Cathedral Caves is the standout cave experience and can only be visited around low tide when the access road and beach are open, so tide timing is critical.
Where should I base myself for Fiordland and Milford Sound?
Te Anau is the best base; it has a good range of accommodation, food options and services, and sits about 2 hours from Milford Sound by road. Staying here for at least two nights lets you pick the best weather day for your Milford trip and still have time for local walks or a lake cruise.
Is this route suitable for a first-time South Island visitor?
Absolutely, as long as you are comfortable with some narrow and winding roads and plan realistic daily distances. The Southern Scenic Route is one of the best South Island road trips for combining coast, forest, fiords and alpine lakes in a single itinerary, and works well for visitors who prefer scenic drives and short walks over very long hikes.