Scenic driving routes New Zealand
There are 2 scenic driving routes in New Zealand that you simply shouldn't miss.Inland Scenic Route | Southern Scenic Route
Inland Scenic Route
For some magical South Island views take the Inland Scenic Route (72) between Christchurch and Queenstown.
Lake Tekapo is approximately the halfway point and a perfect place to enjoy lunch. There is a great mix of restaurants to choose from that look out over the lake and what better way to burn off that delicious lunch than to take a walk down to the lake front. The Church of the Old Shepard and McKenzies Dog are just two of the many spots where you can capture some magnificent photos!
About 15-20 minutes down the road you can stop at the lookout point to Mt Cook . On a clear day you will be able to see the snow tipped Mt Cook across Lake Pukaki.
Grab your camera, hop in your rental car and experience the Inland Scenic Route for yourself!
Southern Scenic Route
Southland is a beautiful area of New Zealand with many hidden secrets and native bush areas to explore.
The best road to take south of Dunedin is the Southern Scenic Route; this takes you down the East Coast to Papatowai, along the South Coast past Invercargill to Tuatapere and inland up to Te Anau.
When taking your rental car along this route be sure to stop at the following places ...
- Take a walk to the lighthouse and lookout at Nugget Point for some magnificent views of the coast and wildlife below. It's only a 20 minute return walk and if you're lucky you might spot a couple of fantails on the way!
- Cannibal Bay is not as the name suggests! Instead you'll be excited to know this bay and Surat Bay are great places to watch the Hooker Sea Lions on their home ground!
- The Purakaunui Falls is an impressive 20 meter long waterfall only 10 minutes walk through native forests from the car parking area.
- The Cathedral Caves are spectacular and only a 30 minute walk through bush and beach. The caves are only accessible at low tides and there is a small fee to use the track. Make sure you have a torch and some sturdy shoes.
- If you want to see some Jurassic fossilised forests, be sure to visit Curio Bay (best viewed at low tide).
- Slope Point is the most southern point of the South Island.
- For huge swells and great surf, visit Colac Bay on Foveaux Strait.
- The Hector dolphins are a must see. The largest pod in New Zealand likes to swim near Tuatapere so grab your binoculars and head out to Te Waewae Bay. You might even be able to swim with the dolphins if you're lucky!
- Lake Hauroko is the deepest lake in New Zealand with fantastic views.
For more information on touring Southland see: www.southlandnz.com .
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