An unspoilt, greens-were-never-so-green, blues-never-so-blue ride from New Zealand’s tartan town, to the southernmost point of the South Island, and on to the country’s famous adventure playground, your journey along the Southern Scenic Route is sure to be a spectacularly memorable holiday. Dramatic and rugged, lush and peaceful, whether you are looking for relaxed solitude or days packed with biking, walking, skiing and surfing, the Southern Scenic Route is the best of the southern wild and an essential part of any New Zealand adventure.
Because there’s just so much to do, we have curated the best mixture of natural wonder, charming wildlife and quirky attractions to fit into a perfect two-day road trip from Dunedin to Queenstown. If you crave more southern goodness (and let’s be honest, once you get started you’re sure to be left wanting), check out our Dunedin to Fiordland version of this trip, but in the meantime, put your foot on the pedal and experience New Zealand’s awe-inspiring deep south.
Alexandra, Otago Region, New Zealand
Cromwell, Otago Region, New Zealand
Wellington, Wellington Region, New Zealand
Picton, Marlborough Region, New Zealand
Christchurch, Canterbury Region, New Zealand
Fairlie, Canterbury Region, New Zealand
Twizel, Canterbury Region, New Zealand
Arrowtown, Otago Region, New Zealand
Now, get ready, because it’s time to head to New Zealand’s adventure playground, Queenstown. The options to eat, drink and have a long night out are innumerable, partnered with endless opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, cruising on the lake, jet boating the shotover... the list just keeps going. But before you get there, enjoy the spectacular 2.5 hour drive through rolling farmland hills, quaint country towns and along the infamous ‘Devil’s Staircase’ which steers you between the depths of Lake Wakatipu and the staggering Remarkables mountain range.
Once you arrive in the busy resort town, head straight up the famous Skyline Gondola, leading you to the best place to feast on breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. At the top of the gondola, you are spoilt with choices for activities, from cultural activities, to the fun and exhilarating luge ride, to the more adventurous ledge bungy or mountain biking. There are also lots of pretty special dining opportunities up at Skyline Queenstown, so the fun doesn’t have to end when you get hungry.
