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Planning on making the drive to Te Anau from Invercargill? You’ve come to the right place.
As a Queenstown local and someone who has explored New Zealand extensively, I have made this drive a handful of times. There are two routes that can get you there and both are good for different reasons. But if you’ve never driven either of them before it’s easy to pass by some of the best-kept secrets on these routes and miss some incredible moments.
Lucky for you, I have a detailed overview of both routes below, with must-do off-the-beaten-path stops and some insider tips. Long story short, you’re in for a great little road trip!
Keep reading and let’s get going.
Need wheels? For rental cars, I always book with Discover Cars since the website is so easy to use with great prices. For motorhomes and campervans, I really like JUCY/Star RV because of their huge selection and multiple depot locations that make pick-up and drop-off a breeze. Plus, if you use my exclusive discount code DTRAVEL25, you’ll save 5%! You can browse JUCY and Star RV’s availability here and apply the discount code at check-out.
About the Drive From Invercargill to Te Anau
You can get to Te Anau two different ways depending on if you’re trying to do it quickly or if you prefer more scenic drives with off-the-beaten-path stops.
If you are trying to get to Invercargill sooner rather than later the most direct route is taking the SH 6 and then SH 94 north. This route is 155 kilometers (96 miles) and takes just under 2 hours to drive with no stops on the way. Of course, I have some personal recommendations on places to pull over, and check out below I think you’ll like! Just because it’s less scenic doesn’t mean there isn’t still fun stuff to do.
I have taken this route many times and it does the job. If time is of the essence your best bet is to take this surefire straightshot all the way up.
Then there is the scenic route. If you’re visiting New Zealand and want to see why everyone falls in love with it this is the route you need to take. It’s a nature-filled, off-the-tourist track, epic mini road trip that has tons of awesome and accessible outdoor stops. I’m a particularly big fan of it because each of the stops doesn’t take too long and isn’t a huge investment.
On its own this 192-kilometer (119-mile) slightly less direct route takes about 2.5 hours to drive, but I wouldn’t skip out on the activities that sit just off the road. I also have each of my favorite stops listed below to help you choose which (if not all) are best for you. If you do plan to take this route and make various stops leave early so you have time to enjoy it without feeling rushed. Even better, if you can afford to make this an overnight trip you’ll be able to take the best Doubtful Sound cruise out of Manapori, but more on that later.
Invercargill to Te Anau Direct Route
1. Invercargill
Starting this road trip in Invercargill likely means you’ve already been exploring the South Island on wheels. Before you take off, you can spend a day or two exploring all that this unique small town has to offer.
One of my favorite spots in Invercargill is Queens Park. For how small Invercargill is, this 81-hectare (200-acre) park covers a lot of ground – literally! You can explore the animal park, aviary, pristine gardens, stroll through the forest, or even play a round of golf. If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great place for them to run around and get some energy out before the road trip!
Invercargill is a haven for vintage car or motorcycle enthusiasts. Bill Richardson’s Transport World is pretty unique, as you can see a lot of classic cars, motorcycles, and other vehicular equipment. To make it even more quirky, you can pay to operate bulldozers and excavators. While I personally don’t have a burning desire to do this, I know there are a lot of machine-loving people out there who would jump at the opportunity.
Just outside of Invercargill is the gorgeous Oreti Beach. Interestingly, this was the location for the film, The World’s Fastest Indian, which is based on Burt Munro’s life (he was a local hero!). I haven’t seen the movie, but I think the beach is really lovely and you can drive on it. I enjoy coming here for sunset, and it’s a quick 10-kilometer (6.2 mile) drive out of town.
Sandy Point is right next to Oreti Beach, and this area is so much fun if you’re an active traveler like me! You can find trails for walking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Sandy Point is really beautiful because there is a totara and matai tree forest atop the sand dunes, which is a pretty rare sight!
If you need a bite to eat while in Invercargill, my go-to is The Auction House. This is in a historic building but has been renovated to be oh-so-charming, and the food blew me away! I also enjoy Industry Cafe for a caffeine fix before I hit the road.
2. Anderson Park
Just 12 minutes north of downtown Invercargill is a sprawling and historic park. Anderson Park is a 300-acre park with a historic homestead, which was originally built in 1910 by Sir Robert Anderson. The park was closed to the public until 2014, but is now open for everyone to enjoy!
This area is really beautiful, and I was surprised at how much effort goes into the upkeep of this massive property. There is a large rose garden that is pristine, a playground, and a walking track so you can enjoy the whole area. Many people like to have a picnic here and enjoy the scenery!
3. Gore
Since this is the direct route, you’ll have a little time to spare for a detour to Gore! You can take SH 1 from Anderson Park to Gore, and it will take about 45 minutes to get there. While it’s a little out of the way, it’s worth a stop if you’re a fan of country music. Gore is actually the official country music capital of New Zealand!
I grew up in rural Canada, so country music is part of my roots! I’d definitely say it’s a must-hit stop on the drive from Invercargill to Te Anau.
If you’re taking the trip during the beginning of June, you can experience the most lively events in the city. Gore hosts the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards and the New Zealand Line Dancing Championship, which are both so fun to be a part of. Although, this is a pretty small window, so even if you’re in town at another time, you can visit the local pubs and find live music almost any night of the week.
There’s more to Gore than country music, it’s also great for shopping! There aren’t a lot of big towns in the Southland region, so Gore is the hub. There are some clothing and gift shops on the main road, or you can stop by the New World supermarket if you need to stock up on road trip snacks.
I’d also suggest walking through the Gore Public Gardens and checking out the Hokonui Pioneer Village & Museum. Kids really enjoy this museum! There are also some hiking trails at Dolamore Park if you need to stretch your legs before you continue the drive.
If you plan on staying the night in Gore, I recommend the Riverlea Motel. It’s a mid-range budget option and they have apartment-style rooms. It’s a comfortable stay to break up the road trip!
4. Winton
If you decide to stick to the straightforward route on SH 6 and skip Gore, you’ll find a quaint, historic town – Winton! You can make this a quick stop and explore some of the quaint cafes here, or stop for lunch at one of the pubs. I love the Green House Beer Garden & Eatery for lunch, or Winton Bakery for a quick pastry and coffee to go!
If you have some time to spare, check out the 5-kilometer (3.1 mile) Heritage Trail to explore some of the town’s history. This trail passes by the 14 heritage buildings of Winton where you can see some of that old town charm. See the old post office and the first homes European pioneers built when they settled in Winton.
5. Lumsden
The little town of Lumsden is exactly what you’d expect when you think of a classic Kiwi small town. There are many historic heritage buildings that hold charming cafes, restaurants, and bars. I think Route 6 Cafe & Bar is so fun with its 1950s Americana atmosphere.
Lumsden is famous for its trout fishing, as it’s surrounded by crystal-clear rivers. The Mataura River is actually one of the best rivers in the world for trout fishing! If you’re an outdoors sportsman, spending a few hours fishing in this stunning river will be well worth a stop.
Related Read: Need help planning your whole South Island adventure? Check out the 10 best road trips on the South Island to see even more of New Zealand!
6. Five Rivers Cafe
If you’ve been holding out for what I’d dub the BEST coffee stop along this route, here it is! The Five Rivers Café and Art Gallery is a coffee shop and art gallery all rolled into one. It’s my favorite place to grab a cup of joe, not only because they make it really well but I also love the local art and the views.
There are paintings, prints, handcrafted goods, and even jewelry for sale. So you can pick up a unique souvenir and support local art by visiting here! There is a lovely little patio with expansive farmland views. If it’s warm enough to sit outside, you can see the animals grazing in the field.
There are sometimes food trucks here if you need a bite to eat, otherwise you can grab coffee from 8 am to 2 pm daily. You’ll have to drive slightly out of the way to get to this coffee shop, but it’s totally worth it – trust me!
7. Mossburn
Mossburn is just over 1 hour from Invercargill and I have a few reasons why you should stop here. First of all, the views of the mountains in Fiordland National Park are stunning from Mossburn. You can see West Down and Mount Hamilton mountain ranges from town as well. The town is quite small with only 300 residents, so it has that quaint and cute classic New Zealand atmosphere.
The second reason to stop in Mossburn is because it’s the deer capital of New Zealand. The locals are very proud of this title, and the fact that they have the first deer farm in New Zealand. If you want to try some of the best meat pies in New Zealand, Bracken Hall is known for its venison pies. I must say, I was impressed!
I also usually stop in Mossburn to fill up on gas – it’s always cheaper than Invercargill or Te Anau! So top up while you’re here to help with your New Zealand travel budget.
8. South West New Zealand World Heritage Area
This stretch of road is incredibly scenic and luckily, there are a few places to get out and enjoy the views. The South West New Zealand Heritage area is about 25 minutes down the road from Mossburn and it’s a great spot to learn about this preserved area!
This area is called Te Wahipounamu in traditional Maori, and it actually expands 450 kilometers (280 miles). It follows the western coast of the South Island, encompassing Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, Mount Cook, Mt Aspiring National Park, and Milford Sound. Obviously, you can’t explore all these areas today (you’ll need a longer road trip to do that!). But this viewpoint is stunning and a great source of information.
Even though this area sounds massive, it only covers 10% of New Zealand’s land. It was also initiated into the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1990, so it’s a pretty big deal! This is a rather quick stop, but impressive and well worth seeing if you ask me.
9. Te Anau Lions Lookout Point
You’re almost done with your road trip, but there’s just one more scenic stop to make! The Te Anau Lions Lookout is five minutes before you reach Te Anau. On a clear day, you can see stunning views of Lake Te Anau, the Southern Alps, and the city below. It’s the best way to say hello to Te Anau!
There’s a small parking lot at the lookout and a little grassy area to relax in. If you’re staying in Te Anau for a while, I highly suggest coming here for sunrise. The views are even better!
10. Te Anau
Whether you’ve come to Te Anau to reach Milford Sound or are simply here to explore the bustling small town, I’m certain you’ll enjoy a few days in Te Anau! Since the drive from Invercargill isn’t very long, you might be rolling into town just in time for lunch or dinner. Head to Paradiso Pizzeria for some classic Italian fare or Bao Now for fresh Vietnamese bao buns and other dishes.
Many people simply pass through Te Anau, but I think it’s worth staying for a few days. Check out my full guide to the top things to do in Te Anau here, but I’ll quickly highlight my personal favorites below.
Te Anau is one of the few places in the country with glow worm caves, and you can see them for yourself on this 2.5-hour guided tour! It starts off with a scenic boat ride across Lake Te Anau before you reach the cave. Inside, you’ll learn all about these fascinating glowing creatures from your local guide, it looks like a starry night sky! This 3-hour tour is $119 NZD.
Secure your spot on this glow worm tour in advance here, before spots book up!
You have to explore Lake Te Anau while you’re here, and this afternoon lake cruise is such a fun way to do so. This lake is the second-largest lake in the country, so 3 hours just scratched the surface of all there is to see. But what really stood out about this tour was that we sailed around on a vintage 1930s motor yacht that was so cute. They provide refreshments and tell you about the history of the lake and the town, making this a really fun activity in Te Anau!
Check availability and book this tour here with FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
The Kepler Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and it takes off in Te Anau. It’s a 60-kilometer (37-mile) multi-day trek, and after completing it for myself I can easily say it’s one of my favorite experiences in New Zealand. This is very popular during the summer so if you’re planning on going at this time, be sure to book your accommodation, transportation, and gear well in advance.
Hiking to the Luxmore Hut is a great single-day option if you’re not up for a 3 to 4 day hike. This is a long trek, but it can be done in one day for experienced hikers. It’s a bit of a steep climb, but the views are spectacular and make the effort worth it.
Perhaps one of the best experiences in Te Anau is this guided heli hike, which skips the initial hiking and helicopters you to the Luxmore Hut. The landscape surrounding Te Anau is simply gorgeous, so imagine seeing it from above. The hike is rated as moderately difficult, and it’s definitely more expensive than walking on your own, but it’s also an incredibly memorable experience!
This tour is likely to sell out, so I recommend booking your spot in advance. It’s $695 NZD per person and the coolest way to tackle the Kepler Track if you ask me!
Book this heli hike in advance and get reserve now, pay later options.
I saved the best for last here, as Te Anau is the easiest way to access Milford Sound. Since you’ve been road-tripping, you can drive yourself and join this highly-rated 2-hour nature cruise. This is the best way to see the fiord, learn all about its formation and history, and see tons of wildlife.
If you don’t have wheels, you can book this tour by transport or on a cruise from Te Anau. It provides everything you need for the day so you can sit back and enjoy the incredible views of Milford Sound!
Book this nature cruise here or the nature cruise with transportation from Te Anau here!
Related Read: If you’re driving to Milford next, check out my favorite stops from Te Anau to Milford Sound. It’s incredibly pretty!
Why I Book Tours on Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! I almost always book all of my tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here!
Invercargill to Te Anau via the Southern Coast
1. Riverton
Riverton is a small town of less than 2,000 people that boasts deep historical roots and lovely little walking trails along the coast.
Its main draw is the Te Hikoi Museum (open from 10 am to 4 pm) which features displays and artifacts that highlight the unique history between the Maori and original European settlers. It’s engaging, great for people of all ages, and can be done in 45 minutes or less. Plus it’s only $3 NZD and kids can enter for free! I love this little museum and it’s a great way to learn more about the local history and culture of Southern New Zealand.
The nature walks here are worth making a stop on their own and most of them don’t take too long but have a big payout. One of my favorites is the Hilltop Lookout Track which takes about 15 – 20 minutes one way and at the top has some killer panoramic views of the area. It’s only 0.6 kilometers (0.4 miles) but all uphill so it’s a good way to get your heart pumping in the morning.
2. Colac Bay
I love rugged coastlines, so Colac Bay holds a special place in my heart. Only 10 minutes down the road from Riverton it’s worth making a quick 10-minute stop to take in the beautiful scenery before heading on. If you didn’t want to do the Hilltop Loop Track but are still looking for an easy way to get outside and stretch your legs this is the perfect place to do it. It’s also a popular surf spot so chances are you’ll see some people out on the water!
3. Gemstone Beach
As the name would imply Gemstone Beach is where locals and travelers alike comb the coastline in search of gemstones. If you’re lucky you can find jasper, garnet, quartz, or nephrite just sitting in the sand. It’s a fun reason to walk the beach and look for a unique souvenir.
I personally wouldn’t spend more than 20 minutes looking since you could easily be doing it all day, but if you’re really into it take as long as you want. Some people get lucky and find stones right away and others go out for days with no luck, but I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!
4. Tuatapere
The quaint town of Tuatapere has earned itself the interesting title of “sausage capital of New Zealand” so naturally you can find some darn good sausages here. I can’t recommend Tui Basecamp enough and after eating their slow-cooked Tuatapere-flavored sausage I’ll admit the title of sausage capital is well earned. You can eat there or grab some sausages to go and believe me when I say they make a great car lunch.
But it’s not all sausages and Tuatapere has some fantastic hiking as well. For those of you with an adventurous spirit, the incredible Hump Ridge Track is a multi-day hike spanning 19.1 kilometers (11.9 miles). It’s a butt-kicker of a hike but has some incredible views at the top. There’s also no need to pack camping gear since you can stay the night at Okra Lodge which comes equipped with a small restaurant, beer for sale, and clean accommodation!
If your legs aren’t too tired I highly recommend taking the short Tarn Loop Track up behind the lodge at sunset for out-of-this-world views of the ocean. Ask the staff where it is and they will point the way.
5. Clifden Caves and Suspension Bridge
It would be easy to pass through Clifden in the blink of an eye if you didn’t know what you were looking for, but then you would miss two of my favorite stops!
Just off of the main road as you make your way north is the famous Clifden suspension bridge. Built in 1899 this historic bridge was a big deal at the time since it allowed safe travel across the Waiau River for those in the settlement. It’s a lovely little stop that takes maybe 10 minutes and it always brings a smile to my face to walk into the middle and watch the river.
Then just another 5 minutes down the road are the incredible Clifden Caves! You can get up close and personal with glow worms and limestone stalactites, and as one of the only underground caves in South New Zealand, I think this is a must-do. Walking the whole thing takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, but you can still get a lot out of it from only 30 minutes of walking. Be safe and bring two or most torches (flashlights), water, and good boots or shoes.
The inside of the cave has loose rock and some sections require crawling so if you feel uncomfortable don’t push it and turn back. However, I think most people of moderate fitness level will absolutely love the chance to go caving here. I know I do!
6. Big Tōtara Walk
If you like the words “short scenic walk” then do yourself a favor and take a small detour to the Big Tōtara Walk. I love this 0.8-kilometer (0.5-mile) loop because it only takes about 15 minutes to complete and goes through the Dean Forest Conservation Area which has massive 1,000-year-old Tōtara trees. For reference, some of these trees are older than the first Maori settlers!
The trail is flat and consists of boardwalks and dirt paths that have you winding through the forest. The trees are absolutely stunning and considering this trail is only 30 minutes off the main road I suggest you make the trip to see it. It isn’t very well known which is mind-boggling to me, but also nice because it isn’t crowded.
7. Rakatu Wetlands Walk
The Rakatu Wetlands Walk is another great opportunity to get out into nature and I enjoy this particular stop because of the wildlife that’s on display. Sheep, various bird species, and all sorts of other critters call this 278-hectare piece of land home so if you’re an animal lover this is something you won’t want to miss. And depending on the time of year you might see some wildflowers too!
The whole loop is 7.1 kilometers (4.4 miles) and will take most people about 1.5 hours to complete. There are a couple of small inclines, but overall it’s an easy walk I think most people can comfortably do. It’s also not very well known at all so it’s not crowded and super peaceful. In my opinion, it’s incredibly underrated and beautiful to boot.
This is actually a part of the Waiau Fishery which is a great place to learn about wetland conservation and the fish hatchery. There is an information kiosk you can stop by and learn all about the projects they do here which I think adds to the experience.
8. Manapouri
Te Anau and Manapouri are only 15 minutes apart but Manapouri is undoubtedly the best way to access the Doubtful Sound. The Doubtful Sound is incredibly remote and virtually impossible to see if not part of a cruise or other specialized tour to take you there.
In my opinion, if you want to see the Doubtful Sound I would spend a whole day driving and stopping at the places listed above before staying the night in Manapouri (see the hotel options here!). The following morning at 10 am you can take the best Doubtful Sound cruise which leaves from Manapouri so you don’t have to drive there from Te Anau. It’s an epic full-day 7-hour cruise that I recommend to everyone and something I have done several times.
It starts with a cruise across Lake Manapuri to Wilmots Pass where you take a bus transfer to yet another ship that brings down the Doubtful Sound. It’s a proper adventure and gorgeous every step of the way. Food and drinks aren’t included, but you can buy a tasty lunch on board and some beverages to accompany the epic views.
As a Queenstown local who loves Milford Sound, I have to admit that Doubtful Sound is massive in scale in comparison. There are very few places in the world that are so isolated and beautiful, but still reasonably easy to reach. You don’t want to miss it during your visit.
And considering that few tours will take you as deep into the fjord as this one I think the $329 NZD price tag is a steal.
Reserve your spot in advance here and access FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
Where to stay in Te Anau
Although only a small town, Te Anau boasts lots of amazing places to stay. I almost always stay here when exploring Milford Sound. Perhaps this is why you took this epic road trip from Christchurch! After a long road trip, I always appreciate a few relaxed days with somewhere comfortable to stay, so here are a few good options.
Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments – $$$
Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments offer stunning accommodations right on the shores of Lake Te Anau, just a 10-minute walk from the town center. The property also received an extensive renovation in 2019, with their deluxe studio rooms coming equipped with state-of-the-art amenities – think 55-inch TV screens, electric fires, coffee machines – you name it.
Honestly, the only downside to this hotel is that once you arrive, you’ll never want to leave! Rooms here range anywhere from $265 to $600 NZD, although you can find some great deals if you book your room online in advance.
Aden Motel – $$
If you can spend a little more, I love staying at the Aden Motel. They have a studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments that are absolutely beautiful. It’s just a 2-minute walk from the lake, and all apartments come with a kitchenette or kitchen as standard.
Just a 15-minute walk from the town center, you’re far enough away to enjoy the quiet, while also close enough to the action for whenever you’d like to venture into town. Plus, you really can’t beat the price when it comes to the value you get here! Rooms at the Aden Motel start at around $220 NZD and can be booked here on Booking.com.
Lakefront Backpackers – $
Another fantastic budget choice is Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers, which offers super affordable dorm rooms, private rooms, and even glamping tents! There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the property, as well as a movie room and indoor/outdoor cooking facilities – perfect for rustling up some packed meals to take with you on your adventures.
A bed in a dorm here at Lakefront Backpackers starts at around $42 NZD per night, and I’ve got nothing but praise for their super-friendly staff! You can book your stay here on Booking.com.
Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park and Motels – $
For budget travelers, you can’t beat staying at the Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park and Motels. It’s perfect for those on a road trip in a campervan or motorhome and has budget rooms available. For those traveling with families, you’ll also be happy to know that there’s an on-site children’s playground, as well as a hot tub where you can relax after a busy day!
A basic non-powered campsite starts at around $61 NZD per night, or you can opt for your own room starting from $103 NZD per night. You can check availability and book here on Booking.com.
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!
You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!
Thanks for reading!
I know you’ll have a fun road trip from Invercargill to Te Anau, no matter which way you go! Whether you’re looking for beautiful coastal views and quaint towns, or just a few stops on the quick route, you’re sure to find something unique.
Thanks for reading my blog! If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out my other New Zealand posts. As a Queenstown local, I’ve explored the South Island extensively and have plenty of tips and tricks to share with you. Check out a few below:
16 Things to Know BEFORE Renting a Car in New Zealand