Catlins: Southern Scenic Route

Highway, Waikawa Road · Fortrose → Owaka

Sweeping54 mi1 hr 20 min3,000 ft climbHigh point ≈ 800 ftOne way

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The drive

The Southern Scenic Route through the Catlins runs 87 km (54 mi) from Fortrose east to Owaka. It is the main road through the Catlins, an alternative to State Highway 1, and was formerly State Highway 92. The route was fully sealed only in the late 1990s; before that, about 15 km south-west of Tautuku was gravel.

From Fortrose the road passes through Tokanui, crosses the Chaslands and runs past Papatowai, with farmland and coast first and then forest with steady bends. Curves are mostly gentle with two twisty stretches, and the drive takes about 1 hr 20 min. Well-known Catlins stops are off the road: Cathedral Caves, reached at low tide, Purakaunui Falls, about 17 km south-west of Owaka, Nugget Point lighthouse and the petrified forest at Curio Bay.

This drive stays on the sealed main route. The coastal road between Waikawa and Fortrose is only about two-thirds sealed, and other local roads are gravel.

Along the way

Fortrose
Tokanui
Papatowai
Owaka

Elevation

3,000 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 800 ft

FortroseOwaka

Curves

Mostly gentle, with two twisty stretches

mi 19–24mi 35–43

FortroseOwaka

GentleHairpins

Good to know

Services are few; start with a full tank.
Check tide times before planning a visit to Cathedral Caves, which can be reached only at low tide.
The gravel roads beside the main route, such as Waikawa Valley Road, are not part of this drive.
Slips have closed the road near Papatowai in the past.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NZTA Journey Planner: highway conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Catlins Southern Scenic Route take from Fortrose to Owaka?

Fortrose to Owaka on the Southern Scenic Route is 87 km (54 mi) and takes about 1 hr 20 min.

Is the Southern Scenic Route in the Catlins sealed?

Yes. The main route was fully sealed in the late 1990s, though many side roads in the Catlins are gravel.

Is there fuel in the Catlins?

Services are few, so fill up before driving the Southern Scenic Route.

When can you visit Cathedral Caves in the Catlins?

Only at low tide, so check tide times before driving the Southern Scenic Route.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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