[2] The Southern Scenic Route concept and name were conceived at an informal gathering by Tuatapere residents John Fraser and Les Hutchins in November 1985 and confirmed at a public meeting in January 1986.

[3] The Route opened officially on 6 November 1988,[3] initially running between Te Anau in the west and Balclutha in the east.

The route turns west before skirting the eastern boundary of Fiordland National Park, where it passes Manapouri and Tuatapere.

At Lorneville the New Zealand state highway network is rejoined, and the Southern Scenic Route runs on SH 6 for just eight kilometres south into Invercargill.

The next section of rugged coastline with poor roading through Kaitangata is avoided, as the Southern Scenic Route follows SH 1 to Milton and Lake Waihola.