Welcome to the Lower South Island

You are about to experience a part of the South Island where the landscapes are spectacular, mountains are majestic and the bluest waters run deep. From one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions, Milford Sound, to the glowing skies of Stewart Island, the lower South Island is proud of what it has and loves to share it.

On this journey, you’ll discover diamonds in the rough as you traverse the hardy high country and rolling farmland, visiting quaint towns along the way. And you’ll be reminded how heartening, genuine hospitality can be.

As you get up close to Mother Nature, you’ll be humbled by her powerful presence. You’ll feel it as the fresh ocean air brushes across your cheeks; you’ll see it as you chase epic mountain views and you’ll hear it through sea waves and birdsong.

Suspension bridge, Fiordland © Adobe Stock

Moke Lake, Queenstown © Destination Queenstown

KIWI GEMS IN LOWER SOUTH ISLAND

• Central Otago Cycle Trails – with wide open landscapes, gold-mining heritage and winding rivers, Central Otago is a great spot for cycling.

• Te Anau Glowworm Caves – take a scenic cruise on Fiordland’s Lake Te Anau to discover an underground wonderland.

• St Clair Beach and Pool, Dunedin – there is nothing between the white sands of St Clair Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Explore the café lined promenade and jump in the heated saltwater pool by the sea.

• Ōmarama Hot Tubs, Ōmarama – these woodfired private tubs are filled with fresh mountain water and boast front-row seats looking across the landscape, that boasts a beautiful lake and fringing mountains.

• Moke Lake – on the outskirts of Queenstown you’ll find this serene and scenic spot surrounded by mountains. Walk the Moke Lake Loop Track that encircles the edge of this beautiful lake.

• Transport World – in Invercargill, you can visit the biggest private automotive museum of its type in the world.

Mavora Lakes, Southland © Chris McLennan

Lower South Island Road Trips

ROAD TRIP Queenstown to Wanaka via Arrowtown and Crown Range, 1hr 13min, 74.7km Queenstown to Wanaka via Kawarau Gorge and Cromwell , 1hr 31min, 114km (side trip to Lake Hāwea)

ROAD TRIP Wanaka to Cromwell to Alexandra to Milton to Dunedin via SH 6 3hr 26min, 277km (side trip to Central Otago Rail Trail)

ROAD TRIP Dunedin to Ōamaru to Ōmarama via SH 1 & SH 83 2hr 55min, 231km (side trip to Lake Ohau & Macraes)

ROAD TRIP Dunedin to Milton to Balclutha to Owaka to Bluff to Invercargill via SH 1 & Papatōwai Hwy 3hr 47min, 295km (side trip to Stewart Island, Gore, Lumsden & Winton)

ROAD TRIP Invercargill to Tuatapere to Te Anau to Queenstown via Ōtautau-Tuatapere Rd, SH 99, SH 94 & SH 6 4hr 29min, 355km (side trip to Doubtful Sound & Milford Sound)

For sure, Queenstown is the pin-up star, but elsewhere you’ll find steampunk culture and resident penguins. This region is truly unique, where basalt columns rise and giant boulders lodge. The Southern Lights sometimes make the sky their stage and, in season, snow beckons skiers to the mountains.

© AA Traveller 2021

MAIN IMAGE ABOVE: Welcome Rock Trails, Southland © Videocopter

Enjoying your road trip?

Where to next?

Visit https://issuu.com/aatraveller/docs/must-do_s_south_island_2021-2 and get planning.

On the road and need a place to stay? Book accommodation at aatravel.co.nz