Drive along the Southern Scenic Route (from Te Anau to Dunedin) and discover what Southland is all about. See the rarest penguins in the world at Curio Bay, and look for other marine life like sea lions, seals, and dolphins along the way! You'll find a fossilised forest, plenty of waterfalls, limestone caves, and great beaches and bays.
Highlights:
Marine life (seals, sea lions, dolphins, penguins)
Curio Bay (a fossilised forest)
Waterfalls, caves, beaches, bays, and other natural surprises
NZ’s southern most city, Invercargill, is the gateway to the countries most southern point – Bluff (actually the southern most point is further East but if you have been to Cape Reinga (the top) you need to go to Bluff (the bottom)).
From Bluff you can get a ferry to Stewart Island, which if you have time is one of the most unique places in NZ.
BLUFF: Fondly known as 'The Mighty Bluff', this is a place to visit briefly and take in the end-of-the-island feel.
- Bluff is well known for its Oysters and other seafood. There's an Oyster Festival here in May so check that out if you're around then.
- If you're keen for a wander, the Foveaux Walkway is a good spot to take in the wild coastline and spot some wildlife. The Walkway starts at Sitrling Point (follow the main road in Bluff round to get there) which is also the start of State Highway 1 which runs the length of the country. The walkway follows the coastline and gives you great views of Stewart Island, you can wander for a couple of hours or do a shorter turn-around trip.
WESTERN SOUTHLAND: - For a scenic drive, head to Southland via the Southern Scenic Route from Te Anau. This route will take you via Manapouri which is a great, mellow township just South if Te Anau. It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful sorrunds of lakes and mountains.
- The Southern coastline to the West of Invercragill is beautiful.
- West of Te Waewae Bay is the starting point of The Humpridge Track. This is one of NZ's newest tracks which is operated by a Charitable Trust as oppossed to DoC. It was created and is now managed by a group of passionate locals from Tuatapere which is an excellent example of the kiwi can-do attitude. It will take you through some beautiful scenery over 3-ish days. You can walk the track independently or purchase 'add-ons' to make the trip more comfortable. The independent walk will cost you $90/person and this includes porridge for breaky and cooking utensils, bunk accommodation plus other stuff so it's a good deal! Check out www.humpridgetrack.co.nz for info and bookings.
THE CATLINS:
The Catlins is the pearl of Southland and even if you just drive this route home, without spending much time there, it's definately worth it. The Scenic Route through the Forest Park twists and meanders through what seems like Forest Park mingled in with farm land. You'll get some amazing views and opportunities to see wildlife. There's heaps of short walks and places to camp.
The Southern GOOT Girls advice for the adventurous is to just 'follow your nose' - take random roads that head off to the right (East towards the sea) and you're bound to end up on a beautiful beach all by yourself with only golden sand, wildlife and the odd sandfly to keep you company. Trust your car though, as it may be a long walk back out to the main road :)
Some other suggested highlights incude:
Slope Point is NZ’s southern most point and a good place to say you've been
Curio Bay contains an ancient fossilised forest and the next bay around (Porpoise Bay) is a popular place to spot Hectors dolphins. These are a rare dolphin and if you see one you can feel pretty stoked. It is likely that you will see penguins in this area too. There is a campsite at Curio Bay.
The walk down to Tautuku Bay through native forest is definitely worth it.
There is a walk out to the Cathedral Caves which are cool rock formations and caves that you can walk in. It'll take about 30 minutes through forest and over beach to get there. Check the tides though as you can only get there at low-tide.
North of Cathedral Caves is a walk to Matai Falls. It'll take you only about 20minutes and the falls are very pretty.
North again of Matai Falls is the walk to Purakanui Falls. Another short walk of only 10minutes will take you to native forest and to a stunning waterfall.
Stop at Cannibal Bay where there is the opportunity to see Sealions.
The walk out to Nuggett Point is also good. Nugget Point has one of NZ's oldest lighthouses which was built in 1869. This is also a good spot to spot Yellow Eyed Penguins. The best spotting time is early morning or during the afternoon evening when they're coming back from feeding in the ocean.
SURF'S UP: Being open to the full brunt of the Southern Ocean, the Catlins get some sizable swell. Check back soon and the Southern Guide will have some suggestions but in the mean time, ask a local.
If you still have time, head out to Steward Island. Most people don't make it out there, but if you do, you will be rewarded with untouched native bush and feel like you stepped back 400 years. You can take the ferry from Bluff, or a flight from Invercargill.
NORTH: The fastest way to head North from the Catilins is to follow Highway 1. Obviously you can head back following the inland routes, but the coastal drive is cool. Highway 1 will take you straight to Dunedin and all the cool stuff that place holds.
WEST: If you're 'doing the loop' the other way, the best way to get West from the Catlins and Southland is to take the Southern Scenic Route from Clifden to Manapouri - it's a stunning drive that takes you right into Fiordland and Fiordand is on the 'must see' list for the South Island!
5. Cathedral Caves along the Southern Scenic Route Hector Dimaunahan (BU), Unregistered
The Cathedral Caves in the Catlins were pretty sweet. One cave had two openings and you can go through it only at low tide. It sucked that you had to pay, but it was only 5 bucks. They shouldn't charge for a natural cave.
Posted 2009-05-28 10:17:11
4. Spending a few days in the Catlins Nick Cohn (BU), Unregistered
The Catlins were really cool because there are so many things to do in the area. We did a bunch of hikes and went to a bunch of beaches and the scenery there is great.
Posted 2009-05-28 09:51:46
3. Southern Scenic Route is sweet as Grace Andrews (BU), Unregistered
The Southern Scenic Highway is awesome because you’re just crusin’ and chillin’ and there’s a bunch of free stuff to do on the road. It’s really great if you’re into wildlife like I am because there’s a ton of it. We saw sea lions, seals, penguins and albatross.
Posted 2009-05-28 09:51:02
2. Invercargill or Queenstown? Geetali Chitre (BU), Unregistered
Invercargill was better than Queenstown because it was an actual city. But don’t go to Invercargill because there’s nothing to see.
Posted 2009-05-28 09:47:47
1. No real reason to go to Bluff Allison Young (UNC Chapel Hill), Unregistered
There’s no reason to go to Bluff or Invercargill unless absolutely necessary. There was nothing there. Don’t expect to be entertained there, but it’s a good place to stop and break up your drive and stock up on supplies before Stewart Island.
