TE ANAU – DUNEDIN

Driver Information
New Zealand ItinerariesTravel distance is approximately 291kms (182 miles).
Allow at least 4 hours drive time (not including stops

Leaving the stunning mountains and fiords of Te Anau, your self drive journey along the main highways and motorways today will showcase the best of the Southern land and it’s scenery. Deep rivers, lush farmland and nature parks are just an appetiser for what this area of the South Island has to offer.

Some notable stops along the route to Dunedin include:

LUMSDEN
This beautiful rural township is located in Northern Southland and is a great place for trying your fishing skills against the famous Brown Trout.

CROYDON AVIATION HERITAGE TRUST
Located at Mandeville Airport (on route to Gore) offers flights in vintage and classic aircrafts, including the Tiger Moth, Fox Moth and Dragonfly. Flights from 10 – 30 minutes.

HOKONUI MOONSHINE MUSEUM
Located in Gore, this unique museum celebrates the history of illicit whisky making in the southern region that stemmed from origins in Scotland. The museum’s “pre-Prohibition colonial bar” is also available for tour groups.

MILTON “THE KINK”
This rural service town has an unusual planning anomaly! Union Street is the main street, however it has a ‘kink’ in it. If you are heading North on the main street you will notice the main road moves a whole road width to the west.

LAKE WAIHOLA
This tidal freshwater lake is located half an hour south of Dunedin. This shallow lake is surrounded by wetlands, including the internationally renowned and protected Sinclair Wetlands that are home to many species of wading birds. There are plenty of walking tracks.

DUNEDIN
The city of Dunedin is situated at the head of the spectacular Otago Harbour and is the second largest city in the South Island. Along with the famous Otago University, the city is also considered New Zealand’s architectural heritage capital, offering historic Victorian and Edwardian buildings lovingly restored to make this city truly unique.

You will have no problems finding suitable accommodation! From ultra luxurious romantic resorts to holiday houses, self-catering apartments, luxury hotels, motels, bed & breakfast or campgrounds… it’s all here!

As far as dining goes… where do you start? Cheap takeaways to first class, award winning dining, its all here for the tasting! Along with the normal choices of fast food options, there are a great range of cafes and restaurants offering some of the best local cuisine.

Highly recommended Dunedin tourist attractions include…

Otago Peninsula – Take a tour with Elim Wildlife Tours or Monarch Wildlife Cruises to view this spectacular region and wildlife. View the Royal Albatross, penguins, seals and bird life galore!

Larnach Castle & Gardens – If you love New Zealand antiques, carved ceilings, castles, stunning views and beautiful gardens then a visit to historic Larnach Castle is a must! New Zealand’s only castle boasts spectacular tower views and a Garden of International Significance where you can meander through 9 different gardens before enjoying a refreshment break in the Ballroom cafe.

Cadbury World – A must for chocolate lovers! Located in the centre of Dunedin, enjoy a fun filled and fascinating guided tour around the Cadbury chocolate factory and sample Cadbury product along the way!

The Octagon – A well known meeting place with the locals in the heart of the city, this is where you will find plenty of ‘top-notch’ bars and cafes or just sit on the grassy bank and enjoy the bustle of the inner city.

Otago Settlers Museum – Established in 1898, the museum is considered one of the country’s most significant social history museums. Learn about the indigenous Maori, Chinese goldfield workers and other migrant groups. We suggest you pre-arrange a guided tour.

Speight’s Brewery Heritage Tour – The Speight’s Brewery is truly an Otago icon and this 90 minute our of a working brewery and heritage centre is a “must see” for any visitor to the Otago region. Of course at the end of your informative and interactive tour you can enjoy the range of beers in the private Heritage Bar!
New Zealand Itineraries: South Island Suggested Itineraries

Our modern self-drive travel Itineraries have routes specifically for the North Island as well as the South Island, ranging from 5 to 11 days, plus there are some travel routes that take in both the North and South Island’s. Our range of travel itineraries include information regarding travel distances and time to ensure that you can make the best of your time in New Zealand, no longer how short your visit!

  • 5 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Greymouth, Greymouth – Fox Glacier, Franz Josef – Wanaka, Wanaka – Mt Cook and Mt Cook – Christchurch
  • 5 Day Itinerary (route 2): Christchurch – Hanmer Springs, Hanmer Springs – St Arnuad, St Arnuad – Blenheim, Blenheim – Kaikoura and Kaikoura – Christchurch
  • 5 Day Itinerary (route 3): Christchurch – Mt Cook, Mt Cook – Queenstown, Queenstown – Dunedin, Dunedin – Oamaru and Oamaru – Christchurch
  • 7 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Dunedin, Dunedin – Invercargill, Invercargill – Stewart Island, Stewart Island – Te-anau, Te Anau – Milford Sound, Te Anau – Queenstown and Queenstown – Christchurch
  • 8 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Greymouth, Greymouth – Fox Glacier, Fox Glacier – Wanaka, Wanaka – Queenstown, Queenstown – Te Anau, Te Anau – Dunedin and Dunedin – Christchurch
  • 9 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Dunedin, Dunedin, Dunedin – Invercragill, Invercargill – Te Anau, Te Anau Milford Sound, Te Anau – Queenstown, Queenstown – Mt Cook, Mt Cook – Lake Tekapo and Lake Tekapo – Christchurch
  • 9 Day Itinerary (route 2): Christchurch – Omarama, Omarama – Dunedin, Dunedin, Dunedin – Te Anau, Te Anau – Milford Sound, Te Anau – Queenstown, Queenstown – Haast, Haast – Greymouth and Greymouth – Christchurch
  • 9 Day Itinerary (route 3): Christchurch – Hanmer Springs, Hanmer Springs – Greymouth, Greymouth – Nelson, Nelson – Takaka, Takaka – Motueka, Motueka – Nelson, Nelson – Blenheim, Blenheim – Kaikoura and Kaikoura – Christchurch
  • 11 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Dunedin, Dunedin – Te Anau, Te Anau – Milford Sound, Milford Sound – Queenstown, Queenstown – Wanaka, Wanaka – Franz Josef, Franz Josef – Greymouth, Greymouth – Nelson, Nelson – Blenheim, Blenheim – Kaikoura and Kaikoura – Christchurch