With stunning vistas of mountains, beaches, National Parks as well as the elusive Kiwi bird, Southland offers you a real piece of nature.

Southland
Stirling Point, Southland

By Destination Southland

Head out to Stirling Point in Bluff and get your photograph taken with it’s memorable world distance sign post.

Exploring Invercargill and Bluff - the world's southernmost cities

Find a home from home in Southlands heart, a place steeped in history, wildlife and natural beauty. 

  • Relax with a good walk or drive on Oreti Beach, Burt Munro’s infamous stretch of race track.
  • Wander through the 80 hectares of beautiful surroundings, including an aviary, Japanese garden and rose gardens in central Queens Park.
  • Head out to Stirling Point in Bluff and get your photograph taken with it’s memorable world distance sign post.
  • Try the world-famous Bluff oyster.
  • Jump on a ferry and head over to Stewart Island to find adventure, tranquility and wildlife at its best. You'll find one of New Zealand's most spectacular Great Walks - the Rakiura Track - on this island.
plane Find & book flights
Southland
Catlins, Southland

By Destination Southland

The Catlins Coast is a place of hidden waterfalls and river valleys, sea mammals and seabirds, rocky coastal bays and tranquil estuaries.

The fascinating world of the Catlins - nature's history on our doorstep

The Catlins Coast is a place of hidden waterfalls and river valleys, sea mammals and seabirds, rocky coastal bays and tranquil estuaries.

  • Curio Bay holds history in its hand with its Jurassic 180-million-year-old fossilised forest, a sight not to be missed. The best visiting time is at low tide.
  • If seeing wildlife in its natural state is something you crave then Nugget Point (Tokata) on the Catlins Coastal Heritage Trail(opens in new window) is the place to be. With three penguin species (including Hoiho, the Yellow-eyed Penguin), Hooker's sea lions, Hector's dolphins, elephant seals and New Zealand fur seals, you'll be spoilt for choice.
  • Take the day to do the Catlins River-Wisp Loop Track, a five hour trek through some of the best beech forest in New Zealand.
  • Take a short stroll to Purakaunui Falls, or be brave and make it to Jack’s Blowhole, a cavity 55 metres deep.
  • Hike to the spectacular Cathedral Caves - accessible only at low tide - and test our your singing voice under the 30-metre-high cave ceiling.
Southland
Riverton, Southland

By Destination Southland

Make sure you find out what makes Western Southland so beautiful and join in the outdoor activities; from fishing, flying and tramping, you'll find the best right here.

A leisure activity playground

Make sure you find out what makes Western Southland so beautiful and join in the outdoor activities; from fishing, flying and tramping, you'll find the best right here.

  • Gore is the brown trout fishing centre of Southland, simply because the Mataura River has the highest population and catch rates of any river in New Zealand. Check out the best fishing spots with a local fly fishing guide.
  • Book an open air cockpit flight and see the restored vintage aircrafts first hand at the Croydon Aircraft Company, or simply relax and watch them take off from a comfortable seat at The Moth.
  • Visit the Eastern Southland Art Gallery in Gore and see the fighting spirit of Southland in all its glory. 
  • Cycle Southland's scenic trails. The Welcome Rock Trails wind through highlands and past gold rush heritage, while the historic townships dotted along the Around the Mountains trail are fascinating. The outdoor beauty of the Catlins is also great to explore by pedal power.
  • Head out to the seaside resort of Riverton, and check out the beauty of the coast as well as the history at Te Hikoi - just to the west of Invercargill, one of the oldest settlements in New Zealand. 
  • Tuatapere is the home of the Hump Ridge Track - a three-day walking experience through rugged coastline, podocarp and beech forest and spectacular sandstone outcrops.

Where to next?

Queenstown

Fiordland

Clutha