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Dunedin to Te Anau Southern Scenic Road: Route Guide

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Nugget Point lighthouse above the islets
Photo: Stephan Ridgway · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Trace the Southern Scenic road from Dunedin through the Catlins and Invercargill to Te Anau. Five warm-season days allow two different Catlins coast days; plan remote fuel and check roads, weather and coastal access as you go.

Dunedin to Te Anau Southern Scenic Road is a 665 km one-way journey (self-drive). It works best as a 5-day trip; the plan below is the 5-day version for December, built from 193 verified places, with planned transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

5
days
665km
distance
5
Stops
193
curated stops

View ready-made plans 5-day plan · best time to go

The route

Dunedin public culture day→ 110 kmNorth Catlins confirmed-open coast day→ 140 kmSouth Catlins confirmed-open coast day→ 140 kmInvercargill public heritage day→ 275 kmTe Anau public lake and information day
The clocktower, stone facade and lawn of the University of Otago in Dunedin

Dunedin · Day 1

Otago University

Roam among stately historic buildings on the campus grounds.

5-day plan →

Photo: Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand · CC0

What you'll see

Speight's Brewery
Hear the rush of malt and hops in New Zealand's oldest brewery.
Dunedin public culture day
North Catlins confirmed-open coast circuit
Use only confirmed-open public coastal lookouts and short walks; wildlife is never guaranteed and viewing restrictions apply.
North Catlins confirmed-open coast day
South Catlins confirmed-open coast circuit
Use confirmed-open forest, coast and fossil-forest access suited to current weather and tides; wildlife and water safety are not promised.
South Catlins confirmed-open coast day
Victoria Railway Hotel
View an ornate 1896 landmark that recalls Invercargill's rail history.
Invercargill public heritage day
Te Anau public lake and information circuit
Use confirmed-open public lakefront and the current visitor-centre service; Milford, cruises and Great Walks remain separate products.
Te Anau public lake and information day
Dunedin Public Art Gallery
View classic and contemporary artworks in a modern setting.
Dunedin public culture day

Choose your length

5-day plan16 stops · 13.1 h transit3.2 stops/day · 2.6 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: November, December, January, February, March

The published journey uses longer warm-season daylight; check NZTA, local roads, weather, fuel and DOC coastal access before each remote leg.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

Similar journeys

View ready-made plans