Southern Scenic Route Overview

When heading to or from Te Anau and Invercargill, consider taking the Southern Scenic Route. While the inland route passes through the service towns of Lumsden and Mossburn, the Scenic Route takes an equally efficient, more enjoyable path, skirting ocean vistas and mountain panoramas before heading inland and upland to Te Anau. The stretch of road from Tuatapere to Riverton is dotted with small towns, a handful of motor parks and taverns, and innumerable bays and inlets with great surfing and paua shells.

The Kiwi Experience Bottom Bus runs from Invercargill to Te Anau with an overnight in Riverton. (☎442 9708. Daily 5:30pm, $55.) Scenic Shuttle runs in both directions. (☎249 7654. May-Oct., 1pm; Nov.-Apr., 2pm. Invercargill to Te Anau $40; Te Anau to Tuatapere or Tuatapere to Invercargill $25. Book ahead.) While gas stations are abundant, there are no ATMs between Te Anau and Invercargill. Though Let’s Go doesn’t recommend it, hitchhiking along the Scenic Route is reportedly a good prospect in summer, but uncertain in winter.

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