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Everyone is talking about the 'South' programme that has just finished on TV1 and all the great adventures that Marcus Lush got up to around Southland.
The recent competition to win one of three awesome holiday packages exploring the 'South' locations has closed. The winners were:
HOLIDAY PRIZE
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WINNER
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| Gore and the Catlins |
Sara Mason, Auckland |
| Western Southland and Fiordland |
Russell Frampton, Auckland |
| Stewart Island |
Roger Freakley, Wellington |
SPECIAL DISCOUNTED “SOUTH” PACKAGES
The huge interest in the competition (over 900 entries!) encouraged us to give everyone a special opportunity to holiday in Southland and follow in the footsteps of Marcus Lush. We've turned the competition prizes into holiday packages at special discounted prices – see below.
These packages are available to everyone BUT exclusively for those who entered the competition we have some extra special treats...
- A copy of the "South" television series on dvd presented by Marcus Lush
- Continental breakfast for 2 people at each of the accommodation properties
The friendly staff at the Invercargill i-SITE will make all the arrangements (except for your flights). So take a look, pick some dates, and get in touch. The delights of Southland are waiting for you!
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Holiday One – Stewart Island $904 for two
Nature dominates on New Zealand’s third main island, Stewart Island. Rakiura National Park covers more than 80 percent of the island This package will let you experience the park, search for kiwi, go fishing and get close to rare birds and plantlife. Show DetailsHide Details |
Experience the thrill of a beach landing at Mason Bay in a small fixed-wing aircraft as part of a ‘Coast to Coast’ package from Stewart Island Flights. Explore the natural surroundings, search for kiwi, then stay overnight in a Department of Conservation hut.
Next morning, get your hiking boots on for a 4-hour walk across Stewart Island to Freshwater Landing. Here you will meet a water taxi for a ride across Paterson Inlet to Oban – the main township. Spend your second night in comfort at the Bay Motel, overlooking Halfmoon Bay and 2 minutes walk from Oban's cafes and other attractions.
Your visit to Stewart Island is not complete without some fishing (blue cod is abundant in these waters!) and a visit to Ulva Island – a predator-free sanctuary where a guide will point out endangered species of birds and plantlife. Finally, enjoy a short tour of the village and it's surroundings before catching the ferry across to Bluff and transferring to Invercargill Airport for your flights home.
NB: This trip requires a moderate level of fitness, one night will be spent camping in a DOC hut with basic facilities.
Package includes:
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The ‘Coast to Coast’ package for 2 people with Stewart Island Flights (flights from Invercargill to Mason Bay, water taxi to Oban)
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2 Department of Conservation hut tickets (bunk-style accommodation)
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One night's accommodation at the Bay Motel for 2 people (twin share)
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Fishing trip and visit to Ulva Island for 2 people with Rakiura Charters
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"Village and Bays" tour with Stewart Island Experience
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Ferry tickets for 2 people from Stewart Island to Bluff and transfers to Invercargill with Stewart Island Experience

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Holiday Two – Western Southland & Fiordland $1645 Milford Mariner for two
Visit NZ’s earliest European settlement of Riverton, wander along idyllic beaches and jet boat down the wild Wairaurahiri River in Western Southland before heading to iconic Milford Sound in picturesque Fiordland. Show DetailsHide Details |
Travelling west on the Southern Scenic Route from Invercargill, you will pass through lush green farmland and quaint coastal towns. You will learn about early Maori and European history at Te Hikoi ~ Southern Journey in Riverton before continuing to Gemstone Beach in search of an elusive sapphire in the sand! Your first night will be spent at the iconic Waiau Hotel in Tuatapere.
Next day is your awesome trip across Lake Hauroko and down the Wairaraurahiri River to the south coast. Meet Peanut (remember the space junk he found on South?) and tuck into a delicious Kiwi BBQ before returning. Overnight again at the Waiau Hotel in Tuatapere.
Today you will drive into the heart of Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound for an overnight cruise. Dine onboard, observe the landscape and wildlife, then be rocked gently to sleep in the cozy cabins.
Package includes:
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Rental car for three days
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Two passes to Te Hikoi ~ Southern Journey, in Riverton
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Two nights accommodation at the Waiau Hotel, Tuatapere for 2 people (twin share)
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Milford Sound overnight cruise for 2 people with Real Journeys (includes dinner and breakfast)
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Milford Mariner package cost $1585.50 per twin share
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This package is also available on the Milford Wanderer (4 pax) for $3237.00

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Holiday Three - Catlins & Gore $539 for two
Soar the skies in a vintage aircraft overlooking Eastern Southland scenes and learn about illicit whisky distilling at the Hokonui Moonshine Museum in Gore. Then get away from it all in the Catlins where lush rainforests, empty beaches and old coastal towns are waiting to be explored and native wildlife will delight along the way. Show DetailsHide Details |
Travel to the small town of Mandeville in Eastern Southland where you will find the Croydon Aircraft Company. A guided tour will give you an insight into the special aircraft restoration that takes place on-site, then you have the opportunity to take to the skies in one of their spectacular aircraft.
Next stop is just down the road at Gore. Here you can sample a wee dram of Hokonui Moonshine and learn about the illicity whisky distilling days of old. Art lovers will also want to view the Ralph Hotere works next door in the Eastern Southland Art Gallery. Overnight at the Heartland Hotel.
Then you're off to the Catlins where the bush walks and beaches all call for exploration as do the museums and cafes dotted along the way. Join Curio Bay Guided Tours for an interesting and educational tour of the Curio Bay petrified forest and surroundings. Discover seals, sealions and penguins then retreat to Mohua Park's comfortable beds in a remote rural setting. Return to Invercargill for your flights back home.
Prize includes:

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Terms & Conditions
By entering the “South” Holiday Package Promotion competition participants accept and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
- The Promoter takes no responsibility for lost, damaged, misdirected, late or illegible entries.
- The Promoter and/or internet service providers take no responsibility for incorrect or inaccurate transcription of information, or for any human error, lost/delayed data transmission, omission, or any other error or malfunction in relation to the Promotion.
- The Promoter may change, at any time and without prior notice, these terms and conditions and the valid period for experiencing these package holiday prizes.
- The Promotion commences at 9.00am on 6 October 2009 and ends at 5.00pm on 6 November 2009. The quantity of valid entries is limited to 1 entry per holiday prize package per email address.
- The prize winners (one draw for each prize package) will be drawn on Friday 13 November 2009 from all valid entries received.
- The valid period for experiencing the holiday package prizes is between 1 December 2009 and 30 June 2010, excluding public holidays and the period 20 December 2009 ~ 5 January 2010.
- Flights, activities and accommodation are subject to availability and seasonal changes in scheduling. Many of the activities and experiences are weather dependent and the Promoter reserves the right to change any prize package structure if weather interferes with an activity or flights. The Promoter will work with winners in this event to provide an alternative activity or flight to ensure the success of their holiday. Flights are from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch only.
- The winners agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of each transport, accommodation and activity provider as available on their websites.
- Each prize will be awarded to the holder of the email address from which the winning entry was submitted. The prize inclusions are listed on www.southlandnz.com/win. All other costs such as meals, insurance, missed/replacement flights, etc are the responsibility of the prize winners.
- The winners of each prize holiday will be notified using the contact details supplied by the entrant. The winner will be emailed to the email address from which the email entry was received.
- If the Promoter is unable to contact a prize winner within 1 week following the date of the prize draw (13 November), having made reasonable efforts to do so, that winner's entry will be declared invalid and the Promoter reserves the right in its absolute discretion to randomly draw a new winner from eligible participants on the same Terms and Conditions as the original draw. This process will be followed until a winner who accepts the prize is found.
- By accepting a prize you agree to be available for reasonable publicity and promotional purposes without compensation, including photographs and interviews. The Winner acknowledges that their personal details including photographs may be published in newspapers and on the internet.
- The Promoter shall not be liable in any way (including, without limitation, in negligence) for any loss or damage whatsoever suffered (including, without limitation, indirect or consequential loss) or for any loss or damage or personal injury suffered or sustained in connection with this prize competition, the prizes or using any prize, except any liability that cannot be excluded by law.
- Prizes are not redeemable for cash nor can they be transferred to other people without the written agreement of the Promoter. The prize winner’s nominated inviter/host should preferably be a resident of the south. The nominated inviter/host is responsible for any transport costs for joining/departing the holiday in Invercargill and any other costs not expressly detailed in the prize package. If the prize winner does not travel with their original southern inviter, no compensation is due to the original inviter by the Promoter.
- Participation in this competition is open to all residents in New Zealand. Employees of Venture Southland (the Promoter) and any agencies associated with these promotions and their immediate families are ineligible to participate in the promotion. Persons under the age of 18 must have the consent of their parents/legal guardians.
- Entrants are identified by the email address used to submit the entry. Any prize won will be awarded to the holder of the email address from which that entry was submitted. The Promoter takes no responsibility for disputes resulting from entries submitted using an email address belonging to any other person.
- Entries are accepted on condition that the email address they supply may be used for further marketing contact by Venture Southland. To opt-out of further marketing contact, please email info@venturesouthland.co.nz. Email addresses used in the sending and receipt of invitations will not be used for marketing purposes, and will not be retained after the competition is drawn.
- The Promoter is Venture Southland, 143 Spey Street, PO Box 1306, Invercargill, Southland. Email visit@southlandnz.com

Stewart Island Flights
Stewart Island Flights operate scheduled daily flights between Invercargill Airport and Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island. The flight is quick – only 20 minutes, and its comfortable and very scenic. You will see panoramic views of Oreti Beach, the Port of Bluff and Stewart Island’s many bays, clear waters and offshore islands. Courtesy transport is provided from the airfield to Halfmoon Bay.
www.stewartislandflights.com Rakiura Charters
Rakiura Charters are a locally owned and operated company, offering premium tours aboard 8.5 metre, custom built Rakiura Suzy. Four hour morning or afternoon tours offer a relaxing coastal cruise into Paterson Inlet with friendly and professional crew. Experience some of New Zealand’s best fishing (all gear provided) before exploring the historic Whaler’s Base. To complete the tour, take an unguided stroll in the Ulva Island open sanctuary, enjoy the unique bird life, lovely beaches and spectacular views.
www.rakiuracharters.co.nz Bay Motel

This 12 unit complex has stunning views over looking Oban and Halfmoon Bay. Each of the 12 units has cooking facilities, central heating and Sky TV. Close to all amenities, the Bay Motel has everything you need to enjoy your stay on Stewart Island.
www.baymotel.co.nz Stewart Island Experience – Village and Bays Tours
Explore Oban and the surrounding bays and gain an entertaining insight into the community, history and environment of Stewart Island. Stewart Island Experience guides enjoy sharing their local knowledge and there is plenty of time available for photo stops and short walks. Highlights include the Rakiura National Park entrance at Lee Bay, beautiful Horseshoe Bay and stunning views of Paterson Inlet from Observation Rock.
Stewart Island Experience - Ferry Services
Experience Foveaux Strait in comfort and style on board the Stewart Island Experience express catamarans. During the one-hour crossing between Bluff and Stewart Island keep a lookout for wildlife, especially seabirds. Look for mollymawks (albatross) soaring behind the ferry which is a fantastic sight.
www.stewartislandexperience.co.nz Te Hikoi, Heritage and Cultural Centre

The South’s ultimate heritage attraction, just 25 minutes from Invercargill on the Southern Scenic Route. Begin your voyage of history with a big-screen movie experience aboard our sailing ship theatre. Relive memorable moments from our rich bicultural past, set amongst the rugged splendour of Foveaux Strait.
Take an interactive journey through Te Hikoi, featuring stunning displays, adventurous characters and engaging stories. These will reveal how our Maori and European ancestors adapted to survive on natures edge.
www.tehikoi.co.nz Waiau Hotel
The Waiau Hotel offers warm southern country hospitality, great traditional cooking fare, comfortable and cosy accommodation and isolation and location – that’s the magic of the Waiau Hotel. A true country hotel, the historic Waiau Hotel (opened in 1909) is a cosy, clean and friendly place to stay in New Zealand’s southernmost town, Tuatapere.
www.waiauhotel.co.nz Wairaurahiri Jet
The ultimate all day jet boating adventure – you’ll start with a rip-roaring ride across Lake Hauroko (NZ’s deepest lake) to the Wairaurahiri River mouth where you will encounter some of the most exciting and intense white water rapids in the world!
As the jet boat makes its way to the south coast several stops will be made so you can appreciate the amazing scenery. You will also be able to enjoy some short walks into Fiordland National Park, including a delicious lunch stop. After you reach the coast, the adventure continues as you begin your return journey traveling upstream back through the mighty rapids to your original departure point.
www.wjet.co.nz
Milford Wanderer
Begin your overnight experience with a full length cruise of Milford Sound accompanied by a specialist nature guide. The atmosphere on board is friendly and relaxed, and you’ll quickly get to know your crew and fellow travellers. As you explore the fiord, keep a lookout for wildlife, especially fur seals basking on the rocks.
In the late afternoon, the Milford Wanderer will moor in a sheltered cove, allowing you to go exploring with a nature guide in the kayaks and tender craft. If you’re feeling brave, you can even go swimming in the fiord’s pure - but cold - waters.
As the shadows deepen, the Milford Wanderer will return under sail (weather permitting) to Harrison Cove for the night. Enjoy a three-course meal in the cosy saloon and relax in the company of like-minded travellers.
www.realjourneys.co.nz Heartland Hotel Croydon
Heartland Hotel Croydon stands among 13 acres of park-like surrounds on the outskirts of Gore. The hotel has 36 rooms, including two family units with two bedrooms that sleep up to six people. Each room features Sky TV, telephone, fridge, tea and coffee facilities, central heating and minibars. There are full conference facilities for up to 500 people, and a nine-hole par three golf course with free club hire.
www.scenichotelgroup.co.nz Croydon Aircraft Company
Mandeville airfield is New Zealand’s oldest aerodrome and concentrates on planes from the 1930s era, particularly the popular de Havilland aircraft. The company is recognised as a world leader in restoration work. Visitors can watch the restorers at work and, for a thrill beyond compare, take to the skies in a Tiger Moth or, for the daring; an adrenalin-filled acrobatic joy ride may beckon.
www.croydonaircraft.com Hokonui Moonshine Museum
Hokonui Moonshine Museum explores over 130 years of illicit whisky making, and through a variety of media, our southern drinking culture is examined. See how local moonshiners coped in the face of police opposition and how Kiwi ingenuity foiled (and often failed to foil) the Customs men.
www.gorenz.com Catlins Mohua Park
Catlins Mohua Park provides top-class accommodation in four energy efficient cottages. Each of the four cottages can accommodate up to four guests and is serviced, fully self contained and private with outstanding views. Mohua Park features 13 hectares of native and planted forest reserve and garden available to guests.
www.catlinsmohuapark.co.nz Curio Bay Guided Tours
Enjoy a 90-minute tour of Curio and Porpoise Bay covering local history and native wildlife, guided by local Catlins people. Learn about Curio Bays 180 million year old Fossil Forest and have the chance to see Yellow-Eyed Penguin, Hector Dolphins, Seals and Sealions in their natural habitat.
Contact Damon, tel +64 3 246 8322
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