Are you driving from Queenstown to Invercargill and wondering what there is to see and do along the way? I’ve got you covered!
Invercargill is the gateway to the Catlins and Bluff, forming part of the Southern Scenic Route. It’s a popular journey through an underrated part of the South Island that will take you away from the main tourist destinations and into the heart of rural New Zealand.
Although a short drive, we recommend leaving extra time to experience all the great stops along the way.
In this blog I’m sharing the 10 very best stops based on our own experience to help you create your own customised road trip itinerary. It’s a journey we’ve enjoyed on more than one occasion, discovering new places and little gems each time.
The Garston Honey Shop, outdoorsy Kingston, quirky Lumsden, and country music loving Gore are all in there along with some lesser known but equally beautiful spots.
Related Blog Post: New Zealand South Island Itinerary: 2-Week Road Trip
What to Expect Driving from Queenstown to Invercargill
The scenic journey between Queenstown and Invercargill is 188 kilometers (117 miles) long and generally takes around 2.5 hours without stopping.
There are two options to get from Queenstown to Invercargill. Both options are on fully sealed roads for the whole journey. State Highway 6 (SH6) is the most direct route, or you can take a detour to State Highway 1 (SH1) which passes through Gore. We highly recommend the latter option if you have the time.
Either way, you’ll pass through beautiful small towns of the South Island along the way, each with their own history and rural charm.
Shortly after leaving Queenstown, you’ll follow SH6 along the Devils Staircase which curves along Lake Wakatipu. Then it’s a flat drive through the countryside.
Overall, it’s an easy drive that is well signposted and generally safe to travel all year round.
Best Places to Stop Between Queenstown and Invercargill
From scenic hikes and picturesque lookouts to historical towns with quirky cafes and homemade honey, there are quite a few places to stop on the drive from Queenstown to Invercargill.
And to make it easy, we’ve listed all the stops in order, so if you’ll be travelling from Invercargill to Queenstown, just follow them in reverse order starting with number 10.
1. Ma Boulangerie
Ma Boulangerie is an authentic French bakery located in Frankton and easily one of the top spots for a quick breakfast in Queenstown. They have the best coffee and a selection of freshly made bread, pastries and sandwiches.
It’s a take-out establishment, perfect for grabbing a coffee and pastry on your way out of Queenstown. We also recommend getting there early to avoid a line out the door. Yes, it’s that good!
Highly recommend their almond croissant, the filling is just divine and the pastry soft but flaky just like it should be. Each coffee comes with a square of their freshly baked brioche for an added touch.
2. Wye Creek
If you’re an avid hiker, the Lower Wye Creek track is an underrated hike near Queenstown with beautiful views over Lake Wakatipu. It’s located about 15 minutes from Frankton, heading from Queenstown to Invercargill. You’ll see the sign for the Lower Wye Creek car park, where there is plenty of parking.
This 6.6-kilometer (4-mile) out and back trail leads you through the forest along the pipeline to a hydro dam with a couple of clearings where you can take in the views. You’ll even pass a waterfall before arriving at the viewing platform with epic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding area.
It’s rated as a challenging hike due to the incline, so a good level of fitness is needed for this one. Also, it will take around 4 hours return to complete the walk which you’ll need to factor into your timing for the day.
Don’t worry, if you are setting off early enough, you’ll still have plenty of time for some of the other stops along the way.
3. Devil’s Staircase
Shortly after Wye Creek, you’ll drive along the Devils Staircase. I’m not sure how it got this name, but it’s a winding section of the road along Lake Wakatipu offering pretty spectacular views.
Toward the end of the ‘staircase’ you’ll see a sign for the lookout where you can pull over. Just be careful as you’re turning in, there is a curve in the road which makes visibility of oncoming traffic a bit tricky.
It’s a quick stop for photos, worth doing if it’s a clear day. From the lookout you can see the shape of the road winding along the mountain on one side and the stunning blue Lake Wakatipu on the other.
4. Kingston
As you near the end of Lake Wakatipu, you come to the small town of Kingston known for outdoor adventures including off-roading, fishing, mountain cycling and snow biking.
In fact, Snowmoto in Kingston, is the only place in New Zealand where you can ride snow bikes. You’ll need a half or whole day for this one, but if you have some motorcycle skills and are staying in Queenstown for a bit you may want to check them out. It’s a unique experience!
Kingston is also home to the Kingston Flyer, a restored historic steam train that takes visitors on a 1.5-hour ride from Kingston to Fairlight. It runs from September to December and the incredible mountain scenery is sure to impress.
For a quick stop, visit Kinston Beach. There are picnic tables and a small sandy beach to soak in the sun and scenery. If you’re feeling brave, you can even go for a swim in the icy lake.
Or the Te Kere Haka Track is an easy 1-hour stroll along the shore of the lake with beautiful views.
For a more challenging option, the short but steep Shirt Trail Track will have you climbing up through the forest, past a waterfall and over the bush line for spectacular views over Kingston and Lake Wakatipu. The track is only 1.5-hours but gets pretty rough after the waterfall, so a good level of fitness and sturdy footwear is required.
5. Garston
Garston is a popular stop on the drive from Queenstown to Invercargill for its local honey which you can try at the Garston Hunny Shop. They offer free tastings of their pure locally produced New Zealand honey, with a variety of flavors and types to choose from.
The Wild Thyme is one of my favorites! There is also a selection of honey based health and beauty products as well as a small selection of gifts and homewares.
Next door to the Hunny Shop is Garston Stables, an antique furniture store selling all kinds of unique treasures.
Plus, The Coffee Bomb retro food truck is located right in the parking lot which has pretty good coffee and a selection of light bites.
6. Athol
Athol is small town along State Highway 6, about a 10-minute drive from Garston, with a history rich in goldmining and farming. It’s location near the Mataura River and surrounding mountains draws outdoor enthusiasts for its trout fishing and Around the Mountains Cycle Trail connecting to other nearby towns.
For a quick stop we recommend visiting the Athol Art Gallery showcasing a selection of local artists sharing the beautiful landscapes and rural life of the South Island.
After that, stop into The Brown Trout Café to try the cheese rolls. This simple dish is unique to Southland and one of the foods you must try when visiting New Zealand.
7. Lumsden
Lumsden is a cute little town full of heritage buildings that are now home to a selection of quirky cafes, restaurants, and bars.
The Lumsden Railway Precinct was once a significant railway junction connecting in each direction. Railway enthusiasts will appreciate the collection of old locomotives and carriages seen in the town.
Like Athol, Lumsden is situated near the Mataura River and a popular destination for trout fishing.
But if you’re not here to fish, you might like to stop into the Five Finger Craft Shop located in the Old Railway Station. You’ll find a selection of locally handmade crafts, perfect for gifts and to take home as souvenirs.
Before you head out, why not grab a burger at the Route 6 Café & Bar, a 1950’s American themed diner with a 1955 Dodge Kingsway parked inside. It’s seriously cute and the coffee is excellent.
8. Gore
Gore is actually a 40-minute detour off SH6 but worth the extra time on your journey from Queenstown to Invercargill. Instead of continuing along SH6, you’ll follow SH94 from Lumsden to get to Gore.
It’s one of the larger towns in the South Island and the official country music capital of New Zealand. In fact, New Zealand’s annual Tussock Country Music Festival is held in Gore. It’s a 10-day affair celebrating all things country music. So if you’re a country music fan visiting late May through early June, go check it out!
Not only that, but there are plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants. We enjoyed good coffee and delicious waffles at Café Ambience, a vibrant place with friendly staff.
Keep an eye out for art-walled alleyways and enjoy a walk through the Gore Public Gardens. Take a walk past the iconic Fleming’s Cereal factory, a major landmark in Gore that used to produce Creamoata, a smooth porridge that was a New Zealand breakfast staple for many years before it closed.
And of course, you can’t leave Gore without a snap of the giant trout statue.
From Gore, you can continue on State Highway 1 to Invercargill for the most direct route, or cut across to State Highway 96 to our next stop on the list, Winton, which will take about 45-minutes.
9. Winton
If you choose to stay on State Highway 1 you’ll come to the small town of Winton shortly after Lumsden.
If you have the time, we recommend heading to Winton to walk the 5km (3.1-mile) Heritage trail which stops at 14-heritage-listed buildings around the town.
You’ll also find a selection of cute shops, friendly bars, and delicious cafes in Winton.
10. Anderson Park
Anderson Park is a lovely spot located on the outskirts of Invercargill. This 300-acre block of land was purchased by a prominent businessman in the early 1900s which he and his wife transformed into an idyllic green space, and later gifted to the city for use as a public park.
There is a beautiful homestead on the property, and a replica Māori Whare Whakairo (meeting house) that sits just behind it. Unfortunately, the homestead is closed due to earthquake risk, but the grounds remain open to the public and are lovely to walk around.
A highlight of the park is the miniature rose garden and an easy walking track that takes you through the picturesque native forest of the area, as well as a playground for the kids.
FAQs About the Drive
Is it worth going to Invercargill?
While not a major tourist destination, Invercargill is one of the larger towns in Southland with a range of accommodation and amenities. It’s conveniently located along the Southern Scenic Route and worth visiting if you have extra time or are enjoying slow travel around the South Island.
How far is Queenstown from Invercargill?
The drive from Queenstown to Invercargill is 188-kilometers (117-miles) long.
How long does it take to drive from Queenstown to Invercargill?
It generally takes 2.5 hours to drive from Queenstown to Invercargill, however we recommend leaving extra time to enjoy some of the stops along the way.
Where do you stop between Queenstown and Invercargill?
There are several scenic and interesting places to stop between Queenstown and Invercargill including the Garston Hunny Shop, Lumsden’s quirky cafes and the Winton Heritage Trail.
How to get to Invercargill from Queenstown?
Driving yourself is the quickest way to get to Invercargill from Queenstown offering the most flexibility. However, if you are unable to drive there is a daily Intercity bus service between Queenstown and Invercargill.
Now you’ve arrived in Invercargill and are ready to explore!
Things to do in Invercargill
Invercargill is the perfect mix of old-world character meets modern city with a laid-back vibe. Whether you’re here for a couple of nights or just passing through there are plenty of great things to see and do.
Here are our top choices.
- Visit Bill Richardson Transport World, a must-do for vintage car enthusiasts. There are literally hundreds of vehicles on display. I’ve never seen a collection of this magnitude all in one place before, it’s truly impressive!
- Take a stroll around Queens Park. A spectacular public park right in the heart of the city with 80 hectares of green space, stunning gardens and wildlife habitats.
- Wander around Demolition World for something a little different. It’s a collection of items found and abandoned across the South Island cleverly turned into a ‘ghost-town’ of sorts. It’s creative, inventive, and quirky.
- Take a ride to Oreti Beach for spectacular views across the Foveaux Straight and out to Stewart Island.
Where to stay in Invercargill
Although not the biggest city in the South Island, Invercargill has plenty of accommodation options to suit a variety of budgets.
Here are some of our preferred options.
Tower Lodge Motel: A 4-star motel offering a range of studio, 1 and 2-bedroom units. Great location in walking distance to the CBD and popular attractions offering value for money. » Read Reviews on Tripadvisor
Invercargill Holiday Park & Motels: Accommodation options to suit a range of budgets from spacious camping grounds to cozy units. Located in a rural setting near amenities and a 5-minute drive to the CBD. Quiet and peaceful, a good budget option. » Read Reviews on Tripadvisor
Ascot Park Hotel: Invercargill’s largest hotel in a park like setting. Modern and upscale with an indoor heated pool and fitness center. There is also a highly rated onsite restaurant and bar. » Read Reviews on Tripadvisor
Invercargill to Te Anau
Why not take a side trip on the Scenic Southern Route from Invercargill to Te Anau next?
Te Anau is an incredible place to visit with plenty of fun things to do and several great walking tracks to explore.
It’s also the ideal base in which to explore Fordland for a couple of days, being the closest town to Milford Sound with plenty of accommodation options to suit a range of budgets.
Not only that but there is a selection of high-quality restaurants plus convenient amenities right in town
Te Anau to Milford Sound
A road trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound is a must do experience, with some incredibly scenic stops along the way. Once you arrive in Milford Sound you won’t want to miss a Milford Sound cruise along the length of the fiord with its towering cliff faces and thunderous waterfalls.
A cruise isn’t the only thing to do in Milford Sound, there are lots of other fun ways to experience Milford Sound from kayaking to exploring the foreshore on foot.
And, if you enjoy hiking, we highly recommend leaving some time to experience one of the incredible hiking trails near Milford Sound.
The Lake Marian Track is our personal favorite along with the popular Key Summit Hike, both good options for more experienced hikers. Although, you can walk to the Lake Marian Falls as a short and easy walk.
You can even experience part of the famous Milford Track as a day walk that takes you to Giant Gate Falls, an easy walk on a well graded path with incredible scenery.
Te Anau to Doubtful Sound
Te Anau is also a great base for exploring the small town of Manapouri and the more remote Doubtful Sound. A cruise through Doubtful Sound is an incredible experience through some of the most pristine landscapes this country has to offer.
It’s the perfect day trip for those who prefer a more off the beaten path experience.
As you can see there a plenty of ways to extend your road trip from Queenstown to Invercargill!
Final Thoughts
Driving from Queenstown to Invercargill is a great road trip through rural New Zealand. One that will take you through quaint towns, scenic landscapes and unique attractions. No matter how many stops you make along the way it is bound to be a memorable journey.
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Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.