Along the Southern Scenic Route, west from Invercargill or south from Te Anau, you will find the fertile farmland and spectacular wilderness of Western Southland.

 

 

For visitors, one of the latest and greatest attractions is the Tuatapere Humpridge Track. Opened in 2001, the track promises a three-day, non-stop scenic wonderland, taking in the stunning diversity of coastal, bush and sub-alpine landscapes. You’ll have the privilege of trekking amid the Waitutu Forest, described by Professor David Bellamy as “probably the most important forest in the world”. On crossing the Percy Burn Viaduct, you can lay claim to having traversed the largest remaining wooden viaduct in the world.

 

Western Southland’s first major coastal stop is Riverton - the Riviera of The South.  Organics, conservation and the arts collide happily here. 

The surfs always up at Colac Bay, just a short drive further south, where “The Porridge” ranks among one of New Zealand’s top surfing spots. Coastal Orepuki overlooks views of the quixotic South Coast – look carefully from the grey stone beaches of Te Wae Wae Bay and you may just catch a glimpse of New Zealand’s largest pod of Hector’s dolphins.

 

At nearby Clifden, a quick walk into the Dean Forest leads to a 1000-year-old Totara tree. Then you can take your pick of Lakes Hauroko or Monowai, both bordering Fiorldland National Park, and both offering great fishing, as well as wonderful bush walks.