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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

A five-day warm-season public-road journey from Dunedin through two bounded Catlins coast days and Invercargill to Te Anau. Wildlife may sometimes be seen but is never promised; remote fuel, narrow roads, weather, stock and every coastal access point remain live checks.

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

Plan your own version → 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

What you'll see

Otago University
Roam among stately historic buildings on the campus grounds.
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
Speight's Brewery
Hear the rush of malt and hops in New Zealand's oldest brewery.
Dunedin public culture day
Awarua Communications Museum
Trace New Zealand’s telegraph and communications history through exhibits.
Invercargill public heritage day
Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
Spot rare birds including the striking blue takahē in quiet woods.
Te Anau public lake and information 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

Plan your own version →