Summer in Southland

With long sunny days, a diverse landscape, great food and drink and plenty of outdoor activities, Southland is the perfect summer destination. Home to five of New…

Florence Hill Lookout, The Catlins

Summer Event Guide

Southland’s book-end long summer days are packed with fantastic events. Take your pick from our summer offerings of outdoor activities - sweat it out or set it out…

Trip Ideas & Stories

Unleash your adventure spirit with endless activities and attractions. From exploring Invercargill's vibrant hub to immersing yourself in the unique charm of local…

You're Due South

Are you a self-proclaimed Foodie? Or maybe you're more of an History Buff at heart. Do you want to dust off the Swanndri and go rural for a bit...or embrace your inner…

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Nau Mai, Tauti Mai ki Murihiku

Welcome to Murihiku Southland

Down here on the southern edge of the world, we have a deep connection to Te Taiao the natural world, in all its wildness, beauty and abundance. Southland engages your senses in ways that only untouched places can and is home to much of Aotearoa, New Zealand’s most dramatic, awe-inspiring and iconic wild places and wildlife. We welcome you to experience Southland in your own way and time - the pristine white surf beaches of the Catlins, the rolling farmlands of the fertile plains, the drama of Te Ara a Kiwa Foveaux Strait, the beauty of our lakes and rivers and the ancient granite rock walls of Te-Rua-o-te-Moko Fiordland, rising straight out of the sea. Or perhaps we can inspire you with the earthy smells of primordial forests, the sounds of birds and thundering seas, rivers and waterfalls, the sight of awe-inspiring skies, the pure, fresh taste of kaimoana like Bluff Oysters, crayfish, kina, and blue cod, abundant walking and cycling routes, fishing spots, landscapes and native creatures in the wild all under the southernmost dark sky sanctuary in the world.

Me tū tahi tātou ki te kei - let’s all stand together in the stern of our waka

Oyster Cove, Bluff
Oyster Cove, Bluff © Air New Zealand

Seasonal Newsletter

Sign up for our seasonal newsletter to unlock the secrets of Murihiku Southland. This ultimate insider's guide will help you create an unforgettable holiday experience. With seasonal tips and recommendations, you'll…

Sustainable Travel

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure in Southland? Discover the region's stunning natural landscapes while supporting local communities and minimizing your impact on the environment with sustainable travel options…

Southland Regions

New Zealand

Invercargill

Fondly dubbed the "City of Water and Light", referring to the long summer daylight hours, frequent appearances of the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights), and the city’s position beside the Waihopai River estuary…

Invercargill Map

Fiordland

Fiordland is a place of extraordinary scenic beauty. One of New Zealand’s oldest tourism drawcards, this rugged and remote region offers awe-inspiring landscapes and wide range of recreational activities.

Fiordland Map

The Catlins

The Catlins, the spectacular coastal stretch between Balclutha and Invercargill, boasts a rugged beauty and untouched quality that is magnetic. Here you’ll find a world of native forests fringed by high cliffs, deserted…

Catlins Map

Gore District

The town lies on the banks of the Mataura River. With nearly 150km of easily accessible waters that are internationally renowned for brown trout fly-fishing, the river is a fisherman’s dream.

Gore District Map

Western Southland

Tucked between the towering peaks of Fiordland to the west, the Takitimu mountain range to the north, and the wild ocean to the south, Western Southland boasts spectacular unspoilt scenery and limitless opportunities for…

Western Southland Map

Northern Southland

Northern Southland is a beautiful contrast of green, rolling farmland, majestic snow-capped mountains, and tussock clad high country. Offering some of the best dry fly fishing in the world. Further recreational…

Northern Southland Map

Central Southland

Central Southland is 1.5 million hectares of lush, rolling farmland. The region offers a variety of leisurely pursuits and attractions for visitors, with highlights being: trout fishing rivers, friendly pubs, and rural…

Central Southland Map

Bluff

Southland’s port, Bluff (Motupōhue), lies thirty kilometres south of Invercargill. The town, which is the southernmost settlement on mainland New Zealand, is home to the iconic Bluff Oyster & Food Festival and is the…

Bluff Map

Stewart Island

Rakiura Stewart Island is the southernmost and smallest island of the three main islands of New Zealand. Just 30km from the edge of the South Island, it is a perfect retreat for those seeking peace, quiet, and adventure.

Stewart Island Map

Stewart Island

Rakiura Stewart Island is the southernmost and smallest island of the three main islands of New Zealand. Just 30km from the South Island, it is a perfect retreat for those seeking peace, quiet, and… Read More

Invercargill Central
Stacy Williamson

Invercargill

Waihōpai Invercargill is the regional capital and commercial hub of Southland. Founded in the 1850s, it is New Zealand’s southernmost city - and one of the southernmost cities in the world. Numerous… Read More

Milford Sound - Kayak
Rosco's Milford Sound Kayaks, Fiordland

Fiordland

Te Rua-o-te-Moko Fiordland is a place of extraordinary scenic beauty. One of New Zealand’s oldest tourism drawcards, this rugged and remote region offers awe-inspiring landscapes and a wide range of… Read More

Bluff

Southland’s port, Motupōhue Bluff, lies thirty kilometres south of Invercargill. The town, which is the southernmost settlement on mainland New Zealand, is home to the iconic Bluff Oyster & Food… Read More

Florence Hill Lookout, The Catlins
Florence Hill Lookout, The Catlins

The Catlins

Te Akau Tai Toka The Catlins, the spectacular coastal stretch between Balclutha and Invercargill, boasts a rugged beauty and untouched quality that is just magnetic. Here, you’ll find a world of native… Read More

Mores Scenic Reserve Lookout, Western Southland
Sam Deuchrass

Western Southland

Tucked between the towering peaks of Fiordland to the west, the Takitimu mountain range to the north, and the wild ocean to the south, Western Southland boasts spectacular unspoilt scenery and limitless… Read More

Central Southland
Sam Deuchrass

Central Southland

Central Southland is 1.5 million hectares of lush, rolling farmland. The district has always thrived on agriculture, although sawmills, flax and linen-flax industries, lime works, brickworks and tile works… Read More

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Southland Favourites

Explore Southland

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Milford Sound
Milford Sound, Fiordland © Fin Matson

Romantic getaway in Fiordland

5 Days

Anytime

A romantic getaway amongst some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes on the planet. Discover the perfect Fiordland itinerary for an indulgent getaway or weekend escape.

Takitimu Mountains - Southland, New Zealand
Jeremy Pierce

From Farms to Fiords

1-3 Days

325 km

Spring/Summer

Discover the rural farm life in Southland via the Southern Scenic Route as you sit back, relax and reconnect with nature. After you enjoy this rural tourism itinerary, you will return to…

Florence Hill Lookout, The Catlins
Florence Hill Lookout, The Catlins

Tour the Southern Scenic Route

4 Days

667 km

Anytime

All roads lead to paradise, and in this case it certainly looks like paradise. The Southern Scenic Route has been ranked as one of the top 10 touring routes of the world, and for good reason.

The History Buff

3 Days

340 km

Anytime

The history of Murihiku Southland is rich and varied, with each part of the region embracing their own unique past. View lighthouses and whalers' sites, moonshine distilleries, and Victorian…

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