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 Click to download the Summer edition of the "What's On" guide.
Packed full of events, activities, attractions, restaurants, shops...
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Freedom Campers can find useful advice and information about camping around Southland by clicking this logo...
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To see a list of places to camp around the Southland region please visit...
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ABOUT SOUTHLAND
For those who want to get off the beaten track, Southland - the southernmost part of New Zealand - is the ideal place to visit. Its long sandy beaches, green farmland, lush forests, meandering rivers and rugged mountains are the settings for innumerable special adventures.
Every one of Southland's regions offer the traveller a unique discovery just waiting to be explored. From the majestic wilderness of Fiordland to the bright lights of Invercargill and the rugged coastline of The Catlins, visitors will be captivated with every destinaton in Southland.
Invercargill
Bluff
Stewart Island/Rakiura
The Catlins
Gore & Eastern Southland
Riverton & Western Southland
Winton & Central Southland
Lumsden & Northern Southland
Te Anau & Fiordland
Invercargill
Southland's capital is Invercargill and this striking city is known for its wide streets, elegant Victorian and Edwardian buildings and parks and gardens. Invercargill is the home of Burt Munro, made famous in the movie The World's Fastest Indian.
Bluff
World famous for Bluff oysters, Bluff is one of New Zealand's oldest European settlements and a gateway to Stewart Island. While you're here, visit Stirling Point, which is the start (or finish) of State Highway One. The Port of Bluff is the most southern commercial deep water port in New Zealand.
Stewart Island
Stewart Island is home to New Zealand's newest national park, Rakiura National Park. The island boasts spectacular vistas and abundant wildlife. Many of New Zealand's most endangered birds live on Stewart Island and Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary. It is a great place to see our icon, the kiwi, in its natural habitat.
The Catlins
The Catlins is known for its rugged coastlines, abundant wildlife, stunning waterfalls, long sweeping beaches and most famous for the 180 million year-old petrified forest. Drive the Southern Scenic Route through the Catlins to see this region at its best.
Riverton and Western Southland
Western Southland has a wealth of stunning coastlines, popular surfing spots, beachside cafes and some of New Zealand's oldest towns. Home to New Zealand's newest hike, the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is a superb three day walk suitable for all. For those who are a little less active, there is always a chance to find gems on the beaches!
Gore and Eastern Southland
Gore is New Zealand's country music capital and famous for brown trout fishing. The Eastern Southland Art Gallery is home to the John Money and Ralph Hotere art collections. The Hokonui Moonshine Museum tells the story of the illegal whisky distilling era, and the Croydon Aircraft Museum and Company in Mandeville offer flights in vintage de Havilland aircraft.
Winton and Central Southland
Central Southland is the heart of Southland and its main town Winton, is the centre for the local farming community. Spend your day wandering through the array of gift and clothing shops and enjoy the fresh local cuisine at one of the country cafes.
Lumsden and Northern Southland
Northern Southland is flanked by beautiful rolling farmland and rivers brimming with trout. It's a great place to experience southern high country hospitality or try your hand at fishing the mighty Mataura River. Cafes are dotted around this area, serving up fresh local cuisine to visitors from far and wide.
Te Anau and Fiordland
Fiordland has achieved World Heritage status and is renowned as the home of Mitre Peak and the fiords of Milford and Doubtful Sound. This extraordinary destination also features well known Great Walks, including the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Tracks.
Roll over the map above to take a quick tour around some of Southland's gems...
                   
Located in the heart of the city, Queen's Park features botanical wonders, an art gallery and museum, a tuatara house, golf course and much, much more. This park is a local favourite.
Another Invercargill favourite and international legend is motorcyclist-cum-inventor Burt Munro. In 1967 Burt set a world land speed record on a motorbike he rebuilt in his back yard shed. Several of Burt's bikes can be seen at E Hayes & Sons Hardware Store on Dee Street.
Make the most of the city’s long daylight hours by exploring some of Invercargill’s historic buildings including St Mary’s Basilica and the city’s best known landmark the Water Tower built in 1889. At 42.2m high the tower provides, if you don’t mind heights, extraordinary views of the city.
Invercargill is a thriving, go-ahead city fuelled in part by the numerous local events that keep the centre buzzing.
Find out more information about accommodation and activities in Invercargill.
The Stirling Point signpost marks the beginning of State Highway 1 - a ribbon of bitumen that leads all the way north to Cape Reinga. Stirling Point is one of those “must do” places.
Several walking tracks can be accessed from Stirling Point. They pass through vegetation gnarled and twisted by ocean gales to superb viewing points of rugged coastline. One of these walks leads to Bluff Hill with unobstructed panoramic views of Southland, Stewart Island and Bluff’s township and port. Get the camera out!
The legendary tale of the illegal distilling of Hokonui homebrew whisky during the 1800's is best told at the Hokonui Moonshine Museum. To help celebrate the region’s illicit past attend the tasteful and fun Hokonui Moonshiners’ Festival - a major annual event.
Gore is a small town, but with grand designs. It not only hosts the Gold Guitar Awards - a number one hit with national and international musicians but also the presigious Peugeot Hokonui Fashion Design Awards - a fantastic opportunity to see the latest trends before they hit the stores.
Prepare to be impressed by the town’s art gallery. The envy of major cities, the gallery holds several prestigious private collections - a "must see".
The Croydon Aircraft Company, just outside Gore, has lovingly restored vintage aircraft and offers flights in Tiger Moths and other reconditioned beauties - take a scenic flight in a vintage 1930s plane.
For more information about accommodation and activities in Eastern Southland.
The smell of the sea, the sounds of birdsong, exceptional scenic sights and local cuisine provide indescribable pleasures and lasting memories of a magical place.
The area’s many walking tracks provide access to some special scenic, historic and cultural significant sites. Most walks will take you on a journey through podocarp forest and native bush to hidden lakes and spectacular waterfalls. The tracks’ abundant flora and fauna and the waterfalls will have you reaching for your camera - be sure to have it handy.
As well as the wildlife, stunning views and exposed location, the fossilised remains of an internationally significant example of a Jurassic fossil forest lies on the beach at Curio Bay.
Explore a little further and you will discover a fascinating coastal shipping past. Several lighthouses, established to prevent shipping mishaps, best illustrate the region’s early whaling history.
As you approach Southland be sure to collect a Catlins brochure for accommodation and activity information. Accommodation is limited so pre-booking is advised.
For more information on accommodation and activities in The Catlins.
With only 28km of road, but an impressive 280km of walking track, short and long, including the Rakiura Track - one of the country’s nine Great Walks, there is something for everyone.
Predator free Ulva Island is a dream destination for bird lovers. It is a place where wildlife roams free and without threat, where bird song fills the air, and rare native plants carpet the island’s floor. Ulva Island can be accessed via a short water taxi ride from the village of Oban / Halfmoon Bay.
Dusk on the island is quite remarkable. It’s not surprising the island is named Rakiura meaning land of the glowing skies, due to the island’s lingering sunsets and the Southern Light displays.
Matching it's stunning terrestrial features in every way is the island’s ocean environment. Rich and varied marine habitat in pristine conditions allows for terrific snorkelling and diving opportunities.
For more information on activities and accommodation on Stewart Island.
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 surf's 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.
For more information on activities and accommodation in Western Southland.
You don’t just visit Northern Southland – you experience it.
Visitors to this rustic rural setting are encouraged to live on the land, get a firsthand experience of working a high country station, and be part of the farming community that has shaped this province.
These hearty farming Southlanders live, work and play in one of the region’s most beautiful spots. Visitors are welcomed, served mouth-watering meals – the ingredients are usually fresh off the farm – and told stories about the place they call home.
Explore some more and discover secluded fishing spots, such as the renowned Mataura River; bush clad outdoor adventure sites popular with trampers, anglers, campers and boaties; or take to the air and sight-see from the skies.
Central Southland is dotted with towns that cater for both the strong farming community and the many visitors who pass through. Along the way you’ll find arts and crafts and charming eateries, all while experiencing real, heartland New Zealand.
The region also offers a variety of leisurely pursuits and attractions. Those keen to be carried back to another time will appreciate the heritage trail which takes in historic townships and treasures left by the region’s pioneers.
For more information about activities and accommodation in Winton and Central Southland.
When you travel to Fiordland, you will be visiting one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand.
The extraordinary scenic beauty has earned this region a reputation as a significant sightseeing and walking destination, and a 'Must See' for anyone travelling to New Zealand.
The hub of the Fiordland region is the attractive lakeside town of Te Anau. From here it is an easy 2 - 2.5 hours drive to Milford Sound, or 20 minutes drive to Lake Manapouri and the start of a Doubtful Sound excursion. Te Anau has a range of activity options, fine restaurants, seven days a week shopping and can cater for all levels of accommodation.
For more information on activities and accommodation in Fiordland.
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