Exploring the Southern Way the multistop way

Arrive at Dunedin Airport on your Air New Zealand flight, then pick up your rental car. Motor along scenic Otago Peninsula to the Royal Albatross Centre, where you can learn about the local wildlife. Afterward, visit either Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens or Larnach Castle, depending on whether you prefer nature or history. Continue your drive along State Highway 1 to Te Nohoaka o Tukiauau/Sinclair Wetlands to walk the trails and boardwalks. Finish your day in Balclutha, enjoying a leisurely stroll around the Blair Athol Walkway on the stopbanks of the Clutha River.

Today you're discovering the waterfalls of the famous Catlins Coast, stopping at Waipohatu Falls, Mclean Falls, Matai Falls and Purakaunui Falls. Then continue your journey to Curio Bay, where you can marvel at the ancient petrified forest. Keep an eye out for rare sea life, such as Hector's dolphins and New Zealand sea lions. Spend tonight in Invercargill, where there's a choice of good pubs and restaurants.

Get up early and drive to Bluff for photos at the famous Stirling Point signpost, then nip into Bluff Maritime Museum to learn about the area's rich maritime history. Hop on a ferry from Bluff or small plane flight from Invercargill Airport to Rakiura/Stewart Island to spot kiwi in the wild, eat blue cod and chips at the Kai Kart or South Seas Hotel, and enjoy a bird watching tour to Ulva Island. Stay the night on the island. In the morning, ferry back to Bluff or fly back to Invercargill Airport, in time to catch your Air New Zealand flight home.

Arrive at Invercargill Airport on your Air New Zealand flight, then pick up your rental car. Start exploring by walking around Invercargill's charming city centre, known for its Edwardian architecture. Then immerse yourself in automotive history at Bill Richardson Transport World. After a stroll through picturesque Queens Park, drive to Gore for moonshine history at the Old Hokonui Museum and Distillery. Keep the history theme going with dinner at the Thomas Green Public House & Dining Room. Stay the night in Gore.

Drive to Roxburgh and stop at a fruit stall to stock up on seasonal fruit. At Alexandra, hire a bike or walk part of the Otago Central Rail Trail or Roxburgh Gorge Trail before continuing to historic Clyde for lunch and some boutique shopping. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant near Cromwell, such as the Stoaker Room, Bannockburn Hotel or Panners, then stay the night in Cromwell.

Drive through Gibbston to Arrowtown, where you can wander the historic streets, eat something delicious at The Dishery, explore the Lakes District Museum and check out the Chinese mining settlement by the river. Then head to Queenstown for a gondola ride up Bob's Peak or an alfresco meal at a waterfront restaurant. Drop your rental car at Queenstown Airport and catch your Air New Zealand flight home.

Extra day: If you have more time, catch a ferry from Bluff or flight from Invercargill Airport to Rakiura/Stewart Island. Stay at a motel or hotel in Oban and experience a Wild Kiwi Encounter, where you can see kiwi feeding on sand hoppers at the beach.

Arrive at Dunedin Airport on your Air New Zealand flight and pick up your rental car. Drive to beautiful St Clair beach for coffee, then explore the city centre's street art and heritage architecture. Drive 15 minutes to Port Chalmers, a historic village with galleries, vintage shops, bookstores and cafes. Have lunch at Careys Bay Historic Hotel, then take Blueskin Road to Orokonui Eco Sanctuary, a 300ha predator-fenced reserve with guided and self-guided walks. Continue to Blueskin Bay, where you can join State Highway One and head north to the famous Moeraki Boulders. Continue to Ōamaru, where you'll stay the night. There are some excellent restaurants in the Victorian precinct.

Explore Ōamaru's Harbour Street, home to New Zealand's most complete Victorian streetscape. Visit Steampunk HQ for an interactive museum experience, inspired by a futuristic view of 19th-century Victorian England. For lunch, drive north to award-winning Riverstone Kitchen, where you'll find gardens, bird aviaries and a playground. Finish your day with a visit to the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony to see little blue penguins return from the sea after a day of fishing. The colony features a viewing area and educational exhibits on conservation. Stay another night in Ōamaru.

Head north from Ōamaru and take State Highway 83 inland, following the Waitaki River. Visit the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark to explore Zealandia's ancient history, including fossils, limestone formations and Maori rock art. Key sites include the Elephant Rocks and Anatini near Duntroon. The Waitaki Valley is New Zealand's newest wine-producing area, likened to France's Alsace region. Stop at cellar doors near Kurow to sample wines and enjoy the valley scenery. End your day with a relaxing soak at Ōmārama Hot Tubs, where the outdoor tubs come with sensational high country scenery.  

Travel from Ōmārama to Wānaka via the stunning Lindis Pass. Stop at the lookout to snap pictures of the dramatic landscape. Before arriving in Wānaka stop in at Paddons Paddock a boutique vineyard on the Wānaka-Luggate Highway, with a beautiful garden and a shabby chic tasting room and bar. Or park ethe car at the Wanaka Airport and take to the skies with a scenic flight over Milford Sound, Fiordland or the Southern Alps. Once back on the ground, visit the Wānaka Lavender Farm to appreciate lavender fields, farm animals and gardens. Enjoy lavender tea and ice cream in the café before finishing your day with a lakefront walk and a meal in Wānaka township. From fine dining to food trucks, there's plenty of choice. Stay the night (or more) in Wānaka. 

Start your day at Bike Glendhu, an adventure park with trails for all skill levels. Rent a bike and enjoy the stunning views and thrilling rides. Alternatively, check out Diamond Lake for a choice of short and half-day walks with spectacular lake and mountain scenery. You can head over the Crown Range to Queenstown, or for more things to see and do on the way travel the lower route via Cromwell where you can cycle some of the spectacular Lake Dunstan Trail, visit boutique winery cellar doors or enjoy all the excitement of Highlands with its Taycan Takeoff - EV fast lap, Loo with a View, Motorsport museum and more. Check into your accommodation and enjoy dinner at one of Queenstown's many fine dining, bistro or casual restaurants.

Grab an early breakfast, then get a fresh view of Queenstown with a ziplining adventure, a thrilling experience that glides you through native forest canopies. After lunch in town, spend the afternoon strolling around Queenstown's scenic lakefront and gardens, or enjoy a leisurely cycle along a section of the Queenstown Trail. Finish up by dropping your rental car at Queenstown Airport and catching an Air New Zealand flight home.

Arrive in Dunedin on your Air New Zealand flight, pick up your rental car and drive over the hill to the city.  Explore Dunedin's impressive collection of historic buildings, including Dunedin Railway Station, the First Church and University of Otago. You can also check out the street art scene and visit Emerson's Brewery for lunch. Later, drive along picturesque Otago Peninsula to take in the views from Sandymount Lookout before looking for fur seals at Sandfly Bay. Find a restaurant for dinner around the Octagon and stay the night at a nearby hotel.

Depart Dunedin and drive towards Balclutha, passing through scenic and historic locations along the way. Explore the stunning Catlins Coast, stopping at Purakaunui Falls, Nugget Point Lighthouse and Curio Bay for breathtaking views and wildlife sightings (dolphins, sea lions, fur seals and penguins). Stay around Waikawa or continue to Bluff for the night.  

Have breakfast in Bluff, take a quick turn around the Bluff Maritime Museum, then head for Stirling Point for selfies with the famous signpost. Continue to Invercargill to explore the city centre, known for its Edwardian architecture. Later, immerse yourself in automotive history at Bill Richardson Transport World, where you can see classic vehicles and the World's Fastest Indian motorcycle. Spend tonight in Invercargill, where there's a choice of good pubs and restaurants.

Drive to Te Anau via Riverton and Tūātapere. On the way you can pause to walk part of the Hump Ridge Track, visit Te Hikoi Museum or enjoy a riverside lunch at Aparima Restaurant & Bar in Riverton. Another diversion is Kepler Mountain View Alpacas for a dose of cuteness. When you reach Te Anau, don't miss the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, an experience that begins with a lake cruise. Explore dining options in Te Anau and get an early night, in preparation for tomorrow's Milford Sound adventure.

Rise early and drive the Milford Road through Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound, once described as the '8th Wonder of the World'. Choose from various exploration options, including lunch cruises, overnight excursions and visits to the underwater observatory. Consider a helicopter flightseeing trip for an alternative perspective. Return to Te Anau for the night.

Drive into Queenstown, pausing at Kingston to take pictures of the incredible scenery and the Kingston Flyer steam train. Settle into Queenstown for a couple of nights, so that you can explore everything it has to offer. If you're after thrills, there's no better backdrop for heart-thumping activities like bungy jumping, jet boating and paragliding. If you're looking for active relaxation, hire a bike to explore the Queenstown Trails (130+ kms), go ziplining through the trees or catch a lake cruise on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Another option is a trip up Bob's Peak in the gondola for panoramic lake views, a delicious lunch and a fun-packed luge ride. Queenstown is bursting with great restaurants and shopping, so boredom is impossible. Finish your roadie by dropping your rental car at Queenstown Airport and catching an Air New Zealand flight home.

Optional extra day: Glenorchy Adventure

You can turn this itinerary into a 10-day adventure with an extra night in Glenorchy, a 45- minute drive from Queenstown. Things to do here include walking, ziplining, jet boating, horse trekking and 4WD tours. You can also take a stroll around the Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway' or visit Kinloch and grab a bite to eat at the Kinloch Wilderness Lodge.

Arrive at Queenstown Airport on your Air New Zealand flight, then pick up your rental car. Start your adventure in Queenstown, where the snow-topped mountain ranges create a breathtaking backdrop for fun. Seek your own adventure and get out in nature on a short day walk, fly through trees ziplining, get the heart pumping with an iconic bungy, or take the lake cruising on the TSS Earnslaw and check out Walter Peak High Country Farm. At the end of the day, check out the lakeside dining scene then retire to your Queenstown accommodation for a well-deserved sleep.

Depart Queenstown and drive along the eastern shore of Lake Whakatipu to Kingston, pausing at Devil's Staircase Lookout for pictures on the way. Catch a there-and-back trip on the historic Kingston Flyer steam train; it's a remarkable experience that fuses 19th-century charm and spectacular mountain scenery. Then continue your driving journey to the pretty lakeside town of Te Anau, the base for your Fiordland National Park adventures. Explore the local dining options and get an early night, in preparation for tomorrow's journey into Piopiotahi/Milford Sound.

Rise early and drive the Milford Road through Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound, once described as the '8th Wonder of the World'. Choose from various exploration options, including lunch cruises, overnight excursions and visits to the underwater observatory. Consider a kayaking trip for an alternative perspective. Return to Te Anau for the night.

Drive south from Te Anau, passing through Tūātapere and Riverton. Pause to walk part of the Hump Ridge Track, visit Te Hikoi Museum or enjoy a riverside lunch at Aparima Restaurant & Bar. When you reach Invercargill, visit Bill Richardson Transport World to marvel at vintage vehicles, including the World's Fastest Indian. Witness a stunning sunset at Oreti Beach before dinner at Buster Crabb, Meld or The Saucy Chef. Stay the night in Invercargill.

Travel north from Invercargill, stopping in Gore for moonshine history at the Old Hokonui Museum and Distillery. Continue north through Tapanui towards the 'Fruit Bowl of New Zealand', the Teviot Valley. Look for roadside stalls selling freshly-picked produce, coffee and real fruit ice cream.  For lunch, pick up a pie at Jimmy's Pies in Roxburgh or pause in Ettrick at the Benger Garden Café. Finish your day in Clyde, where you can stroll the town or walk the banks of the Clutha River before dinner. Stay the night in Clyde or Alexandra.

Join the Central Otago Touring route in Clyde, look out for the brown signposts leading you to Dunedin, taking time to explore along the way. First check out the birthplace of Central Otago wines at Monte Christo, just out of Clyde, before heading to walk up to the iconic clock on the hill in Alexandra. Enjoy a half-day cycle through the scenic Poolburn Gorge on the NZ's Original Great Ride Otago Central Rail Trail then head to Hayes Engineering Works and Homestead to discover the New Zealand's pioneering history.

Spend the night in Naseby, 2000 feet above worry level, where you can enjoy curling and luging and spectacular night skies. Once en route the pies at Waipiata Hotel are worth a midway stop as you make your way to Dunedin. The 3.5km self guided loop walk around Sutton Salt Lake is a great way to stretch the legs and marvel at New Zealand's only inland salt lake. From here complete the Central Otago Touring Route to Dunedin where you will stay for the next two nights to ensure there's time to appreciate the city's historic buildings, including Dunedin Railway Station, the First Church and University of Otago.

Acquaint yourself with Dunedin by savoring its excellent coffee and vibrant café culture, while exploring art galleries and museums. Don't miss the captivating street art scene and a tour of Speight's Brewery. A must-do is the scenic drive along the picturesque Otago Peninsula to visit Larnach Castle and walk the Sandymount Track. Wrap up your trip by returning your rental car at Dunedin Airport and catching an Air New Zealand flight home.