Southern Scenic Route is the first touring route in New Zealand. The coastal journey along the Southern Scenic Route unlocks secrets found only in the south of the South Island, New Zealand. Discover the rugged southern coast and the majestic beauty of the jagged Fiordland mountains. Explore native bush, or stroll down a white sandy beach. Enjoy peace and solitude.

Day One: Dunedin - Catlins Depart Dunedin for the Catlins and travel south on the Southern Scenic Route, via Ocean Beach, Brighton, Taieri Mouth - the fishing village, Waihola, Milton and Balclutha. Rare fossils can be seen at the Milburn Limeworks. View glow worms in the Manuka Gorge Tunnel. Obtain information at the Milton Information Centre. The Catlins area is a nature tourism destination with easily accessible wildlife. Enroute you would witness attractions like Nugget Point - Walking path leads to lighthouse. Spectacular coastal views. New Zealand fur seals (kekeno), Southern elephant seals (Ihupuku), New Zealand (Hooker) sea lions (rapoka), sooty shearwaters (titi), the rare yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho) and many other seabird species. Binoculars recommended. Cannbal Bay - sea lions often sighted, Patowai - take the Picnic Walk, Purakaunui Falls and McLeans Falls - spectacular water falls, Cathedral Caves. The experience is entirely authentic - nature on nature's terms. Overnight in the Catlins. Stay in one of the many Farmstay/B&B in the region.

Day Two: Catlins - Invercargill Depart for Invercargill and discover breathtaking coastlines in the South Catlins region, from the beauty of sweeping beaches to the history of a petrified forest, it is a place of natural wonder. On the way see Curio Bay - One of the world's most extensive and least disturbed examples of Jurassic fossilised forest (best viewed at low tide), Slope Point - the southern-most point of the South Island, Waipapa Point - Golden beach and rock platform, Lighthouse and scene of the wreck of the "Tararua" one of New Zealand's worst civilian shipping disasters in 1881. Travel on to Invercargill and explore the city, parks and gardens, The Southland Museum, The Roaring 40's Exhibition, Tuatariam and Art Gallery. Fie a small fee there is the opportunity to view Invercargill city from the Watertower. Overnight in Invercargill. A Choice of hotels and Motels available.

Stewart Island : Those wish to visit Stewart Island can extend a day over here. Fly from Invercargill to Stewart Island or take the ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island. Experience Ulva Island, a predator free, open bird sanctuary. Stewart Island is New Zealand's newest National Park and a nature lovers paradise. Please see further details on our Activities/Sightseeing Packages for Stewart Island. Overnight in Stewart Island.

Day Three: Invercargill - Tuatapere Travel from Invercargill via Riverton to Tuatapere. On the way visit Paua shell factories and souvenir shops, Riverton Rocks, Colac Bay/Oraka - long history pf Maori occupation, Round Hill - Site of Chinese and Euroean gold mining, Cosy Nook - craggy cove sheltering several fishing boats and holiday cribs, McCracken's Rest - brilliant sea views and occasional viewing of Hector's dolphins, Bushman's Museum - picture of Tuatapere's past, Clifden Suspension Bridge - a fine example of 19th Century design. At Tuatapere there is family run Hotel or try a Western Southland farmstay (B&B).

Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track : Tuatapere is renowned for Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track - Three day/Two night walking experience. Key attraction - Percy Brun viaduct - largest remaining wooden viaduct in the world.

Day Four: Tuatapere - Fiordland In the morning, you can enjoy a jet boat/heli adventure. Jet boat across Lake Hauroko and down the Wairaurahiri Rover. Travel from Tuatapere via Te Anau to Garston and Fiordland along the Southern Scenic Route. On the way visit Manapouri - the departure point for launch trips to West Arm power station, Dusky Track and Doubtful Sound/Patea. Access to walking tracks across the Waiau River (hire dingy in Manapouri). Te Anau - An attractive holiday resort nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the hub of Fiordland National Park and World Heritage Area, within walking distance of magnificent rain forest. Attractions include

Te Anau Glowworm caves. A Te Anau, cruise the deep dark waters of Lake Te Anau. Te-Anau also acts as a base to explore and enjoy the Doubtful Sound adventures through Wilderness Cruises. When you discover Doubtful Sound you will be struck by its silence - a silence broken only by birdsong, or maybe the rushing of a distant waterfall.

Milford Sound - Milford Sound is world renown and extremely accessible. 2 & 1/2 hour drive from Te Anau with approx a 2 hour drive from Te Anau with approx a 2 hour launch cruise on sound. Wildlife such as bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins. Milford Sound, is the place to board and enjoy a choice of luxury Red Boat /The Pride of Milford / Scenic Cruises or Nature Cruises for a breath taking experience in New Zealand's most famous waterway, viewing the spectacular waterfalls including the Sterling and Bowen Falls and famous Mitre Peak. Further you can enjoy a wonderful journey from Milford Sound to Queenstown. Scenic Flight may be taken to Queenstown.