Nau Mai, Haere Mai
We welcome you to the Southern Way
Southern Way celebrates the best of New Zealand scenery and experiences in the lower South Island. We invite you to visit, taking your time to explore and immerse yourself in the spectacular southern regions.
From Waitaki in the north, to Stewart Island in the south, and from the Tasman sea in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east, Southern Way offers so many diverse places and reasons to visit.
Whether you want to be immersed in nature in the iconic Fiordland and Stewart Island Rakiura national park or along the Catlins and Otago coastlines; cycling or walking an extensive network of world class tracks and trails; tasting the flavours of regions renown for producing award winning food and wine; marvelling at the unique flowing tussock covered landscapes of Central Otago; or enjoying the more urban experiences and architecture of Oamaru, Dunedin, Invercargill and Queenstown – Southern Way is sure to tempt you back time and time again.
Explore The Southern Way
Central Otago
Central Otago is comprised of small towns and communities including Alexandra, Cromwell, Bannockburn and Clyde, nestled amidst stunning landscapes and expansive open spaces. Central Otago is renowned for its breathtaking views, large skies, distinct seasons, gold mining heritage, and cycling trails. Visitors to the region can experience a diverse range of attractions, from sampling award-winning wines and summer fruits to exploring the great outdoors on bike trails. Central Otago offers a World of Difference.
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Clutha
Clutha is the southernmost district in the Otago region, located on the east coast of Te Waipoumanu (South Island).
Take a journey off the beaten track to this amazing area, which celebrates nature and history. Clutha is a part of the Southern Scenic Route and has many treasures to share.
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Ōtepoti Dunedin
Tucked into a sheltered harbour on the eastern side of Te Waipounamu South Island, Ōtepoti is a city rich in heritage, renowned for its wildlife and distinctly quirky character. Discover an intriguing mix of vibrant urban culture, wildly beautiful places and exceptional cuisine.
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Fiordland
Visitors from all around the world are drawn to Fiordland, a UNESCO world heritage site, famous for its natural icons like Piopiotahi/Milford Sound and the Great Walks.
Fiordland is a place where scale is unfathomable, it is a treasured part of the world where mountains and valleys battle for space and wildlife reigns supreme.
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Queenstown
Let Queenstown awaken your inner explorer. Whether you’re into chasing steep slopes, exploring trails, indulging in food and wine, teeing off the fairways or seeking adrenaline thrills, there are adventures to be found for all tastes and tempos.
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Southland Murihiku
Southland is renowned for its unmatched beauty which provides a natural playground, no matter what your passion.
As Aotearoa’s ultimate nature and wildlife destination, its dramatic scenery spans pristine rainforest, fertile farmland, and rugged coastlines. Southland has something for everyone.
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Waitaki
The Waitaki region has natural geological marvels, historic treasures and wildlife. Overflowing with natural beauty from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean, rich in culture and heritage and brimming with activities for all types of explorers.
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Wānaka
Wānaka is incredibly unique and every part of it has something to offer. From the beech forests of Makarora, to the high country stations of Cardrona, and the beautiful serenity of Lake Hāwea. You will always find a reason to stay here a little longer.
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Dunedin International Airport
Dunedin Airport connects the lower South Island with daily domestic flights to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. From 24 June 2025, enjoy direct Jetstar flights between Dunedin and the Gold Coast.
With easy access and excellent connectivity, Dunedin Airport is your gateway to regional adventures and international escapes.
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Queenstown International Airport
Queenstown Airport is in Frankton, 8km (about a 10-minute drive) from central Queenstown. With daily scheduled flights from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and the east coast of Australia, ZQN is an international gateway to the lower South Island, providing easy access to some of New Zealand's most iconic destinations across the Southern Way, such as Queenstown, Wānaka, Fiordland, and Central Otago.
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Invercargill Airport
The airport is only 3 km from Invercargill’s city centre; it serves as Southland’s primary air transport hub and the gateway to the Southern Tourism Region . Regular air transport services with scheduled direct flights to Auckland and Christchurch (operated by Air New Zealand), Invercargill Airport is also the gateway to Stewart Island with flights to Stewart Island (operated by Stewart Island Flights).
Visit Invercargill AirportInspiration
Expand your horizons by exploring ours, discover the regions and the multitude of experiences of the Southern Way.
Arrive as visitors, leave as Whānau
Wairua - It’s the feeling you get standing beneath mountain giants, hearing glaciers groan, watching seagulls soar in front of cliff faces, the deep breath in—standing with your feet in the sand. It’s the indescribable spirit that holds you close and sets you free.
No matter where you go or what you do, it’s the people that will leave the biggest impression. The connection with those people, the places and the experience. That’s what makes you feel inspired to go further and explore more.
Itineraries
Discover the Southern Way
The Waitaki Way
The Waitaki Valley valley stretches from the coastal city of Oamaru to the beautiful Lake Wanaka in the south. Start this journey through dramatic lan…
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Nature Seeker
Wildlife and nature are easily accessible in the Southern Way regions and from Dunedin down the coast via the Catlins and to Invercargill is a Nature …
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Central Otago Landscapes
From the sea to the plains to wine country. This trip will take you through incredible landscapes, offer a step back in time and a taste of the amazin…
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Scenic Wonder
This five to six day trip will take you to some of the most picturesque places in New Zealand. Get your camera at the ready, you will want to capture …
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3 Days in the Deep South
Invercargill is the southernmost city in New Zealand. Perched at the bottom of Te Waipounamu (The South Island) it is the gateway to the Southern Ocea…
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Food and Wine Explorers
For wine lovers this journey takes you into the heart of wine country and exploring all this area has to offer including wine experiences, culinary de…
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The Southern Way offers a wide range of experiences that allow you to enjoy the natural beauty, history, culture, and cuisine of these beautiful regions while also being mindful of your impact on the environment.
Slow down and indulge in the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Southern Way regions, forge meaningful connections with the locals, and embrace a genuine, authentic experience that captures the essence of this extraordinary destination.