Southern Scenic Route

Exploring the Southern Scenic Route

Few journeys capture the wild beauty and rich character of the South Island quite like the Southern Scenic Route. Stretching from Dunedin to Queenstown, this ridiculously beautiful road trip winds through dramatic coastlines, ancient forests, wildlife-rich peninsulas and some of the country’s most jaw-dropping alpine landscapes. This is a route best taken slowly, with plenty of excellent food and beverage stops. And you definitely won’t be short on those. Here are some to add to your itinerary.

Starting in Dunedin

Your adventure begins in Dunedin, where wildlife lovers are spoiled with everything from sea lions and blue penguins to the world’s only mainland northern royal albatross breeding colony, plus a thriving historical city centre and New Zealand’s only castle. When it comes to eating, you’re equally spoiled - start the day at Vanguard Café for coffee (roasted by them), fun, creative brunches and a cabinet groaning with baked treats - or if you’re on the Otago Peninsula, maybe Augustine’s of Portobello Farmstore and Kitchen, for a true taste of Central Otago (do not skip the lamingtons under any circumstances) For dinner, No 7 Balmac delivers arguably the city’s best neighbourhood dining with flavour-packed plates with nods to the Middle East and the Med - the kind of place everyone wishes was just down the road from them. And Piccolo is the perfect stop for drinks and fabulous Italian snacks right on stunning St Clair Beach.

Heading South: The Catlins

The road reveals a series of quietly scenic and historic stops before pulling you into the untamed beauty of The Catlins - a place of waterfalls, lighthouses, rugged coastline and even a 180-million-year-old fossil forest. If you haven’t experienced Southland's famous blue cod yet, definitely make a pitstop at Waihola Fish and Chips on the way, for some of the best in the region.

A Night in Invercargill

Invercargill makes a great overnight stop, and if you’re staying at The Langlands Hotel - or even if you aren’t - head straight to their rooftop bar for an excellent selection of New Zealand gins, including some produced just kilometres away (if you have time, definitely visit award winning Bluff Distillery on your travels). During the day, locals will all recommend The Batch Café, a place known for its unwavering devotion to supporting local producers - and a chef who really knows how to make those great ingredients shine. Pie lovers should also make time for Fat Bastard Pies, a local institution with a cult following.

Exploring Fiordland

From here, it’s on to Fiordland, home to both Milford and Doubtful Sound. This is one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural regions, with its glorious mountains, forests, glaciers, alpine lakes, waterfalls, towering cliffs and fiords. Te Anau, often used as a base for exploration, has some great spots for a bite. Milford Road Merchant is a local go-to for excellent coffee, cheese scones and shelves of artisan goods to purchase. Ditto is a standout for casual dining or grab-and-go, where the creative chef pairs Asian flavours with Southland produce (venison bao, anyone?). For something heartier, The Fat Duck, currently New Zealand’s top gastropub, serves up dishes like local lamb and venison, as well as its much-loved duck wontons.

The Road Ends in Queenstown

The final stretch leads to Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps and you’ll never be short of great eating options here. Sherwood is always a good time and definitely deserving of its prestigious awards (much of what is cooked there comes from their enormous onsite garden). Canyon Brewing provides excellent local brews with spectacular views - and if you have time the trip to Cardrona Distillery is one you’ll never forget. Heaven for whisky geeks but also those who like gin, vodka and excellent food in a truly stunning setting. Deservedly awarded, it's well worth doing the Trust The Chef menu paired with single malt spirits.

World Class Scenery

Along this route, world-class scenery is matched by seriously good eating at every turn. Pack your appetite, allow extra time for detours, and let the Southern Scenic Route deliver one unforgettable stop after another.