It is worth spending a day exploring Dunedin city centre and the surrounding beautiful landscapes before you get behind the driver's seat and head off to Invercargill.

Dunedin is rich in a unique Scottish heritage, with stunning architecture and a lively arts scene. The Otago Peninsula just outside of Dunedin should not be missed:

• Feel like a royal at Larnach Castle: marvel at the architectural grandeur of this Scottish castle built in 1871. New Zealand only has 2 castles and this one you can stay in. You do not want to miss a trip to learn about its intriguing past.
• Spot penguins at Victory Beach: This secluded beach is one of the best places to spot rare yellow-eyed penguins and blue penguins native to the Otago region.
• Watch sea lions at Sandfly Bay: During the warmer months, you can marvel at the cute sea lions and fur seals lounging along the golden shores. Just make sure you keep a distance as they can move fast.

Where to stay in Dunedin

• Larnarch Castle: Start your road trip with a little bit of luxury in a New Zealand Scottish castle! Choose between a traditional castle room or a contemporary upgrade and feel like a king or queen.
• Fable Dunedin: Relax in a beautifully restored Victoria-era boutique hotel and enjoy fine dining in the hotel restaurant.
• The Chamberson Hotel: For a simpler option, why not pick a studio or apartment with cool city views, great for both business travellers or families!

Where to eat in Dunedin

• Scotia Restaurant & Whisky Bar: Experience a blend of Kiwi and Scottish food in this unique restaurant.
• Etrusco at the Savoy: A family-run Italian restaurant that is loved by the locals. We hear the tiramisu is to die for!
• Vault 21: For a crowd-pleaser, head to this Asian fusion restaurant with a flavour-packed menu.

Dunedin to Nugget Point: 109km

Nugget Point lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots in the Catlins and is an absolute must-visit! Most people try to get here for sunrise to see the picturesque lighthouse and panoramic views lit up by the varying colours of the morning sun.

The name is derived from the coastal rocks that Captain Cook declared looked like nuggets of gold! Standing on the lighthouse platform, you can marvel at the 1870 lighthouse, and the nugget rocks and even try to spot a hector dolphin (the smallest in the world).

Nugget Point to Cannibal Bay: 19.2km

The Catlin region provides beautiful white sand beaches with pristine waters, so our Dunedin to Invercargill itinerary takes you along the coastline. Cannibal Bay is a breathtaking stop you won't regret.

Stretch your legs with a short walk from Cannibal Bay to Surat Bay and take in the crisp sea air. With rolling hills, green bush and native wildlife, the walk is a serene break in your driving trip. Finish with a dip in the ocean and try to spot the cute sea lions lounging on the beach.

Cannibal Bay to Purakaunui Bay: 28.5km

If you are making the Dunedin to Invercargill trip over a few days, we recommend stopping over in Purakaunui Bay to make the most of the Catlins region. This captivating bay offers stunning dramatic cliffs and coastal views with many relaxing beach walks to take. With many waterfalls to marvel at, Purakaunui Bay is a perfect spot to camp or find a lodge for the night and take in the serene beauty of New Zealand's landscapes.

Where to stay in Purakaunui Bay

• Purakaunui Bay Campsite: Set up camp right on the beach for a Kiwi bucket-list experience. Wake up to stunning sunrises and the sound of waves, absolute heaven.
• Purakaunui Bay Bach: In New Zealand, bach (pronounced batch) translates to "holiday home". There are many private holiday homes in the Otago and Catlin region for those wanting more comfort than camping.

Where to eat in Purakaunui Bay

• Lumberjack Cafe & Restaurant: Nearby in Owaka, this cafe is a cosy option serving up local, home-style cooked meals.
• Plan ahead: This bay is stunning but remote. If you plan to camp or stay in a bach, we recommend planning ahead and stocking up on food. But trust us, it is worth it for the views!

The Catlins area has a reputation for stunning waterfalls, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. From short walks and viewpoints to longer hikes, our top picks of waterfalls in the region can cater for every type of traveller:

• Pūrākaunui Falls: This is the most iconic waterfall in the Catlins, with a spectacular three-tiered cascade that crashes over 20 meters. To get to Pūrākaunui Falls, it is a short walk through beautiful native bushland.
• McLean Falls: For a longer hike, taking around 40 minutes return, then make your way to the awesome McLean Falls. At over 22 meters high, the waterfall cascades over tiered rocks and you can even venture over them to immerse yourself in the upper falls. It's only a 20-minute walk from the parking lot so it's an easy stop for any traveller.
• Horseshoe Falls: Curved into the rocks like a horseshoe, this waterfall is small but mighty when the water flow is high.

Purakaunui to Papatowai: 30.1km

"Where forest meets the sea"

The Papatowai small coastal town is a popular stop on a Catlins road trip and welcomes the buzz of tourists every peak season. With pristine hidden gem beaches, great walks and quaint small town attractions, Papatowai is a quintessential South Island experience.

Notable must-see attractions near Papatowai

• The Lost Gypsy Gallery: Make sure you check out the Lost Gypsy Galley, a truly unique and quirky gallery that captivates all visitors. The whimsical gallery is converted from a 1951 Leyland bus and features interactive art made from found treasures and recycled materials. Immerse yourself in the Lost Gypsy Gallery humorous creations and marvel at the ingenious creativity of the artist owner, Blair Somerville.
• Florence Hill Lookout: One of the most breathtaking views on the Catlins road trip, the Florence Hill Lookout sits above the stunning Tautuku Bay. The view on Florence Hill is truly mesmerizing as you can see a distinctive glow in the golden sand. This is not a figment of your imagination, the sand captures the light due to the high level of quartz rock.

Where to stay in Papatowai

• Papatowai DOC Campsite: Save money on accommodation and base yourself within walking distance of Papatowai Beach for an early morning swim before the crowds arrive.
• Tram Track Retreat Cabin: Book into a cosy cabin with tranquil views overlooking where the forest meets the sea. A perfect relaxing stop on your Invercargill road trip.

Papatowai to Cathedral Caves: 12.6km

Accessible only at low tide, the Cathedral Caves are a remarkable natural attraction steeped in Maori history. The two sea-formed passages stretch around 200 meters and reach heights of up to 30 meters, giving it the majestical feel of a cathedral.

Māori people have inhabited the area since the 14th century and the Cathedral Caves hold a significant sacred importance. Managed by Kāi Tahu descendants, visitors can learn about the history and Māori culture on a short easy walk tour. There is a small entrance fee, and the caves are typically open from late October to May but it is well worth a visit on your Invercargill road trip.

Cathedral Caves to Curio Bay: 34.6km

Curio Bay is a must-stop on the Dunedin to Invercargill via the Catlin route. Home to a remarkable 180-million-year-old petrified forest and one of the few accessible fossil forests in the world, you do not want to miss this rare opportunity. We recommend staying overnight to make the most of the stunning natural beauty of this Catlins area.

What to do in Curio Bay

• A cute Curio Bay Penguin Walk: This cool short walk and viewing platform was created so visitors can spot yellow-eyed penguins in their natural habitat without disturbing the colony. The best time to visit is around sunset when the rare yellow-eyed penguins return from the sea to nest.
• Walk the Petrified Forest: Best viewed at low tide, you can explore the awe-inspiring 180-million-year-old petrified forest and walk along the designated paths to see exposed fossils, tree stumps and logs.
• Visit Tumu Toka Curioscape Heritage Centre: Spend a few hours in an interactive centre to learn about the local history, wildlife, and the significance of the fossil forest.
• Spot the Wildlife: Along with the yellow-eyed penguins, you can seek out New Zealand fur seals, sea lions and hector dolphins playing in the surf along the coastline.

Where to stay in Curio Bay

• Curio Bay Salthouse: With stunning views of the bay and walking distance from the beach, you can stay in a spacious and open-plan unit in the heart of Curio Bay.
• Curio Bay Beach House Apartment: This beachfront studio or apartment provides a cozy retreat, perfect for beach walks. Close to the Curio Bay penguin walk, you can ensure you beat the crowds.
• Curio Bay Camping ground: A unique coastal camping experience overlooking the beach with basic facilities, perfect for a Kiwi road trip experience.

Curio Bay to Slope Bay: 14km

Slope Bay, located at Slope Point, is iconic on the Southern Scenic Route as the most Southerly point on New Zealand's South Island. Offering uninterrupted views of the rugged cliffs and the Southern Ocean, the Southernmost point is unique due to the wind-sculpted trees that have grown sideways. The fierce wind that sweeps through this area has created a bizarre but cool area of trees you would likely not see in any other region. Enjoy a 20-minute short walk from the car park to glimpse this rare sight and note the signpost indicating the distance to both the South Pole and the Equator.

Slope Bay to Fortrose: 27.3km

This historic small town was a whaling station in the 1830s and today, has a quaint port in which you can see a shipwrecked Ino steamship at low tide. Along with the cute cafes and shops to explore, you can play a round of golf at the Southernmost Point 9-hole Tokanui Golf Club. New Zealand golf courses are renowned for amazing games with stunning landscape backdrops.

Just a short 16.5-kilometre drive from Fortrose, you will get to the beautiful Waipapa Point lighthouse sitting along the dramatic southern cliffs. As one of the last wooden lighthouses built in New Zealand, Waipapa Point lighthouse dates back to 1884 and makes for a picturesque picture on the Southern scenic route.

Fortrose to Bluff: 60km

Bluff is a great location to spend a night or two on your Southern Scenic route. Famous for its seafood due to being located at the southern end of New Zealand's South Island, you can taste the epic Bluff oysters all year round (fresh between March and August and frozen the remainder of the year). Visit around May to attend the Bluff Oyster and Food Festival and you won't regret it.

As the gateway to the magnificent Stewart Island where you can potentially catch a glimpse of the incredible Southern lights, you will want to ensure you have enough time to explore this area. Known as Rakiura in Māori, Stewart Island is New Zealand's third-largest island with over 85% designated to Rakiura National Park. The Southern Lights often make an appearance, giving the Island the name "the land of glowing skies".

Where to stay in Bluff

• Foveaux Hotel: For an affordable night stay on your New Zealand road trip, The Foveaux Art Deco hotel in the centre of Bluff offers comfortable rooms, a guest lounge and breakfast.
• Lands End Boutique Hotel: For a more luxurious night, stay in this boutique hotel on the Southern tip of the coastline. With sea views, stylish rooms and breakfast, you can truly relax on your Dunedin to Invercargill trip.
• Stewart Island Hananui PurePod: If you want to visit Stewart Island at night, book into a truly unique glass cabin to immerse yourself in nature and the Southern Lights. What an epic way to top off your Southern Scenic Route drive.

Bluff to Invercargill: 25.7km

You made it to Invercargill! This Southern City is the perfect place to end your epic Southern Scenic Route trip. Steeped in agricultural and Scottish heritage, the city centre provides a charming mix of Art Deco, Edwardian and Victorian-era architecture.

Take a few hours exploring Bill Richardson Transport World, a great day out for the whole family! This world-class museum has an amazing collection of over 300 vehicles, from vintage cars to motorcycles and it has an awesome LEGO room for children and the coolest adults.

Where to stay in Invercargill

• The Langlands Hotel: For a chic end to your Dunedin to Invercargill trip, stay in the luxurious Langlands Hotel in the Southern city centre.
• Ascot Park Hotel: Sitting just outside the city centre, you can stretch out with a bit more space in a 4-star deluxe suite or apartment.
• Kelvin Hotel: For a more affordable option, stay in the city centre Kelvin Hotel with everything a tourist or business traveller would need.

Where to eat in Invercargill

• Buster Crabb: A popular for locals, you can grab a hearty meal from steak to seafood in a dimly-lit, cosy restaurant.
• The Batch Cafe: For healthy and delicious food, head to the Batch Cafe for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Try their signature french toast!
• The Rocks Cafe: To try local ingredients, from seafood to meat, try The Rocks Cafe for lunch or dinner.