Road Trip Dunedin to Queenstown

September 8th, 2024

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Dunedin to Queenstown, where scenic landscapes and captivating attractions await. In this guide, we explore two iconic routes, providing insights and must-see stops along the way. Ensuring your trip from Dunedin to Queenstown is nothing short of spectacular.

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The Route via Middlemarch and Ranfurly

If you are looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, the route from Dunedin to Queenstown via Middlemarch and Ranfurly is an excellent choice. This journey takes you deep into the heart of Otago, showcasing stunning landscapes and charming rural towns.

Middlemarch: Gateway to the Central Otago Rail Trail

About an hour and a half from Dunedin, you will reach Middlemarch. a small rural town that serves as the gateway to the Central Otago Rail Trail. This famous cycle route follows the old railway line and offers a unique way to explore Central Otago’s stunning landscape. During the summer months, the rail trail is a popular destination, so prebookings are essential.

Even if you are not cycling, Middlemarch is worth a stop to soak up the rural atmosphere. Enjoy a coffee at the local café or take a short walk around town. Middlemarch is also the train station for the Taieri Gorge Trail, a scenic train journey from Dunedin that runs occasionally with very selected dates.

Ranfurly: Art Deco Gem

Next up is Ranfurly, located in the heart of the Maniototo region. Ranfurly is famous for its art deco architecture, a result of a building boom in the 1930s. Take a stroll through the town center to admire these historic buildings and visit the old Ranfurly railway station, which now serves as a museum celebrating the town’s railway heritage.

Ranfurly is also a great base for exploring the surrounding Maniototo Plains, known for their expansive open landscapes and big skies. A short detour from Ranfurly takes you to Naseby, a hidden gem nestled in the hills and known as the ice-skating capital of New Zealand. Naseby is home to the country’s only natural ice luge and curling rink, becoming a winter wonderland during the colder months.

Ida Valley and Beyond

Leaving Ranfurly, you will drive through the Ida Valley, one of the most remote and beautiful areas in Central Otago. The Ida Valley is famous for its windswept landscapes, stone fences, and derelict farm buildings. It is easy to see why this area was used as a filming location for the Lord of the Rings movies.

If you are into engineering, the Hayes Engineering Works is worth a side trip. Continue south, passing through Omakau and the historic village of Ophir. Ophir is a tiny settlement that feels like stepping back in time, with beautifully preserved buildings from the gold rush era. The Ophir post office is one of the oldest working post offices in New Zealand.

Clyde: A Historic Town

As you approach the end of your journey, you will arrive in Clyde, a historic town on the banks of the Clutha River. Clyde is known for its well-preserved heritage buildings and the Clyde Dam, which created the massive Lake Dunstan. Take a walk down Clyde’s main street to explore the town’s history, and if you have time, enjoy a riverside walk or visit one of the local vineyards.

Clyde is also a starting point for the Otago Rail Trail, making it a great place to base yourself if you plan to explore more of Central Otago by bike.

Final Leg: Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown

From Clyde, make your way through the Kawarau Gorge, a dramatic stretch of road that leads to Queenstown. The Kawarau Gorge is an absolute highlight of the drive, with its steep cliffs and winding river. Keep an eye out for the Kawarau Bridge, home to the world’s first commercial bungee jumping site. Even if you are not up for a jump, it is worth watching others take the leap.

The gorge is also home to some excellent wineries, so if you have time, stop for a tasting. You can choose to stay in the Gibbston Valley or Arrowtown, both of which are close to central Queenstown. These accommodations offer a quieter alternative to the bustling adventure capital of Queenstown.

Conclusion

Whether you choose the route via Roxburgh or the route via Middlemarch and Ranfurly, the journey from Dunedin to Queenstown is filled with stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique experiences. Take your time, make plenty of stops, and enjoy the beauty of Central Otago.

Highlights of the Middlemarch Route

Exploring Ranfurly

As you leave Middlemarch, you will find yourself in Ranfurly, a town known for its well-preserved art deco buildings. Ranfurly’s architecture is a testament to the 1930s building boom, offering a unique glimpse into the past. Take a leisurely stroll through the town center to admire these historical structures and visit the Ranfurly railway station, now a museum celebrating the area’s railway heritage.

Ranfurly is also an excellent base for exploring the vast Maniototo Plains, characterized by their expansive open landscapes and big skies. A short detour from Ranfurly will lead you to Naseby, a hidden gem nestled in the hills. Known as New Zealand’s ice-skating capital, Naseby offers a natural ice luge and curling rink, transforming into a winter wonderland during the colder months. In summer, the charm of historic buildings and forest walks provide a serene escape.

The Scenic Ida Valley

Driving through the Ida Valley, you will be captivated by one of the most remote and beautiful areas in Central Otago. The valley’s windswept landscapes, stone fences, and derelict farm buildings create a picturesque scene reminiscent of a bygone era. It’s no wonder this area was chosen as a filming location for the Lord of the Rings movies.

For those interested in engineering, the Hayes Engineering Works is a worthwhile side trip. Continuing south, you will pass through Omakau and the historic village of Ophir. Ophir is a tiny settlement that feels like stepping back in time, with beautifully preserved buildings from the gold rush era. The Ophir post office, one of the oldest working post offices in New Zealand, is a must-see.

Arriving in Clyde

Clyde is also a starting point for the Otago Rail Trail, making it a great place to base yourself if you plan to explore more of Central Otago by bike. The town offers a charming atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to delve into the region’s rich history.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Route

Whether you opt for the route via Roxburgh or the route via Middlemarch and Ranfurly, the journey from Dunedin to Queenstown is filled with stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique experiences. Each route offers its own set of highlights, from the scenic valleys and historic towns to the dramatic gorges and riverside walks.

Take your time, make plenty of stops, and enjoy the beauty of Central Otago. The journey is just as important as the destination, and the drive from Dunedin to Queenstown promises to be one of the most memorable road trips you will ever take.

So, pack your bags, plan your stops, and get ready for an epic adventure through one of New Zealand’s most scenic regions. The road from Dunedin to Queenstown awaits, offering a journey that is nothing short of spectacular.