You’ve heard of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Snow Highway, but what about the Southern Way? The lower South Island regions call your clients forth for a journey of windswept coastlines, ancient forests, star-filled skies, and alpine towns. And it’s now easier than ever to reach, thanks to the legends at ANZCRO and Jetstar’s new direct Gold Coast to Dunedin flights!
Whether your clients are wild about the Fiordland’s wilderness, ready to go gooey in the presence of Curio Bay’s penguins, or willing to volunteer as tribute to taste-test the flavours of Central Otago wine country near Queenstown, the Southern Way invites Australians to take the scenic road less travelled.
Jet direct to Dunedin
When Jetstar announced its new direct service from the Gold Coast to Dunedin, the news was met with much fanfare.
From 24 June 2025 (so soon!), fly direct from the Gold Coast to Dunedin with Jetstar in just 3.5 hours, available every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Now, your clients can fly into Dunedin and out of Queenstown — making it easier than ever to explore more of the stunning Lower South Island along the way.
This new service connects Australians faster to gems likes rare yellow-eyed penguins, quirky museums, and mind-boggling beautiful scenery.
Discover more at every turn
The Southern Way was created in partnership with the communities of Waitaki, Wanaka, Queenstown, Central Otago, Dunedin, Clutha, Southland, and Fiordland, drawing the best tourism experiences in each.
Across the Southern Way, there are key themes woven throughout every enriching self-drive journey. These include:
- Adventure: From jet-boating over roaring rivers to kayaking tranquil lakes and hiking trails with views that belie belief, there’s no shortage of thrills here
- After dark: Connect to bedazzling nighttime wonders on the Southern Way. Think glowworm tours, nocturnal wildlife encounters, and starry night skies that wow
- Culture: The lower Southern Way regions are rich in cultural treasures — from charming historic towns and world-class museums to experiences that reflect New Zealand’s Māori and colonial heritage
- Taste: How better to connect to a destination than by sampling its freshest goodies? This is a gift for all tastebuds with fresh seafood, artisanal produce, and the spoils of Central Otago wine country.
- Nature & wildlife: There’s so much wildlife in this region, we could easily name it the Southern Way to Wildlife! From marine reserves to bird sanctuaries, fjords, and waterfalls, expect to be awed in the presence of Mother Nature
The Southern Way your client’s way
ANZCRO presents four thoughtfully designed self-drive itineraries that showcase the South Island’s natural wonders, cultural gems, and one-of-a-kind experiences — from stargazing and native wildlife to hidden beaches and heritage towns.
Each journey begins with a direct flight into Dunedin, the ideal gateway to the Southern Way, and wraps up in Queenstown, where travellers can fly home after exploring the region’s most iconic landscapes. With flights, car hire, accommodation, and immersive local experiences all included, these packages make it easy to discover the real New Zealand at your client’s own pace.
Whether your travellers are nature lovers, foodies, adventurers or slow explorers, there’s a Southern Way itinerary to match their style.
Scenic Wonder
ANZCRO’s gem of an itinerary connects travellers to the dramatic and diverse scenery of the southern South Island across seven inspiring days. Stand in awe of alpine peaks and glacial lakes, meet the friendly locals in rural towns, and enjoy a spot of adventure in Queenstown.
The Scenic Wonder package includes:
- Return direct flights (fly into Dunedin and out of Queenstown) with Jetstar ex Gold Coast
- 7-day car hire in a Mitsubishi Eclipse 2WD SUV (or similar)
- 2 nights Ramada Wyndham Queenstown Central, 2 nights Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau, 1 night at the Lodges Transport World Invercargill & 1 night Distinction Dunedin Hotel
- Shotover Jetboat in Queenstown
- Skyline Gondola & three luge rides in Queenstown
- Transport World guided tour & admission in Dunedin
From $2,849 per person twin share.
Southern Explorer
What better way to discover southern charm, rich history, and spectacular natural wonders than on a self-paced journey of discovery?
Explore Dunedin’s fascinating heritage, feel alive in Central Otago’s expansive landscapes, and see why Queenstown holds such appeal for every kind of traveller.
Southern Explorer includes:
- Return direct flights (fly into Dunedin and out of Queenstown) with Jetstar ex Gold Coast
- 7-day car hire in a Mitsubishi Eclipse 2WD SUV (or similar)
- 2 nights at Distinction Dunedin, 2 nights Olivers Central Otago & 2 nights Ramada Wyndham Queenstown Central
- Full-day Horizon Tours Taste of Dunedin & Peninsula, Larnach Castle & Royal Albatross tour
- Full-day Wonder of Central Otago Rail Trail e-bike tour with Bike It Now
- Full-day Gourmet Food & Wine tour from Queenstown with Appellation Wine Tours
From $3,259 per person twin share.
Coast to Alpine Discovery
This 9-day self-drive itinerary offers a journey of contrasts and wonder. From historic Dunedin to compelling Queenstown, highlights include a blue penguin encounter, decadent artisanal tastings, and a thrilling scenic flight!
Your Coast to Alpine Discover package includes:
- Return direct flights (fly into Dunedin and out of Queenstown) with Jetstar ex Gold Coast
- 9-day car hire in a Mitsubishi Eclipse 2WD SUV (or similar)
- 1 night Distinction Dunedin Hotel, 1 night Bella Vista Oamaru, 1 night Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel Omarama, 2 nights Bella Vista Wanaka, 1 night Marsden Lake Resort Cromwell & 2 nights Ramada Wyndham Queenstown Central
- 1-hour Olveston Historic Home experience from Dunedin
- Premium evening viewing at Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
- Whitestone Factory Tour & Cheese Tasting from Oamaru
- Mou Waho Island Cruise & Walk from Wanaka with Eco Wanaka Adventures
- Highlands National Motorsport Museum entry in Cromwell
- 30-minute Grand Circle Helicopter Line flight from Queenstown
- Skyline Gondola & three luge rides in Queenstown
From $3,919 per person twin share.
Southern Nature Seeker
For the ultimate Southern Way adventure, book your clients on this unreal 10-day tour from Dunedin to the Central Otago Peninsula and over to charming Stewart Island – a destination few ever see – before concluding with Milford Sound and Queenstown.
Southern Nature Seeker includes:
- Return direct flights (fly into Dunedin and out of Queenstown) with Jetstar ex Gold Coast
- 10-day car hire in a Mitsubishi Eclipse 2WD SUV (or similar)
- 1 night Distinction Dunedin Hotel, 1 night Curio Bay Salthouse Caitlins, 1 night Bella Vista Invercargill, 1 night Bay Motel Stewart Island, 1 night Bella Vista Invercargill, 2 nights Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau & 2 nights Ramada Wyndham Queenstown Central
- 1.5-hour Unique Taiaroa tour from Central Otago Peninsula
- Return flights to Stewart Island with Southeast Air
- 90-minute Stewart Island Village & Bays tour
- 2.5-hour Stewart Island Ulva Island Explorer tour
- Milford Cruiser guided kayak tour with Roscos Milford Kayaks
- Skyline Gondola & three luge rides in Queenstown
- Park admission to Kiwi Birdlife Park in Queenstown
- Walter Peak BBQ Dinner & Lake Wakatipu Cruise in Queenstown
From $4,219 per person twin share.
Agents, WIN a fam spot
Has the Southern Way piqued your interest? Well, you can win one of six exclussive spots on an agent famil by selling Jetstar flights on the new Gold Coast–Dunedin route. Every fare sold equals one entry!
If you’re one of the lucky six. you’ll be heading to the Southern Way this September with flights, accommodation, activities, and transport generously hosted by ANZCRO and the Southern Way team.
You have until 31 July 2025 to stack those entries! Find out more here.
Learn more
Take the Southern Way with Jetstar’s new direct route from the Gold Coast to Dunedin with ANZCRO’s exciting self-drive packages – including Jetstar flights. Find out more here. All packages are fully commissionable.
This article was brought to you by ANZCRO & partners.
