Chasing Wildlife Across Southland

When you think of Murihiku Southland, it’s easy to picture dramatic landscapes – Fiordland’s towering peaks, the endless Catlins coastline, or Stewart Island’s rugged beauty.

But did you know that our region is also one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets for wildlife experiences? From elusive native birds to lively marine mammals, the region is full of chances to experience nature at its most untamed.

Fiordland's Natural Treasures

Te Rua-o-te Moko Fiordland is a place where world-renowned scenery meets remarkable wildlife. In Te Anau, the best place to base yourself to explore this part of the world, the Punanga Manu o Te Anau Te Anau Bird Sanctuary offers the rare chance to see the takahē – a striking blue, flightless bird once thought extinct and now a living symbol of New Zealand's conservation success.

On the water, a cruise through Piopiotahi Milford Sound is about more than towering cliffs and Mitre Peak's dramatic profile. Keep watch for New Zealand fur seals sunbathing on the rocks and pods of bottlenose dolphins that often play in the boat's wake. During breeding season, the elusive tawaki Fiordland crested penguin may also appear. With only an estimated 2,500–3,000 nesting pairs left, they are one of the world's rarest penguin species.

Fiordland's magic isn't limited to what you see above the surface. Rainwater from the surrounding forests seeps into the fiords, stained dark with tannins, and forms a layer of freshwater that sits above the saltwater below. This creates a natural light filter, allowing deep-sea species to thrive much closer to the surface than usual. Within the top 40 metres, divers and snorkellers can encounter a dazzling array of life, from black coral trees to sponges, seven-gill sharks, sea dragons, crayfish, dog sharks, and walls of golden zoanthids.

On land, Fiordland is equally rich in birdlife. Fiordland is home to kiwi, which can sometimes be heard calling near Brod Bay on the Kepler Track, along the Milford Track, and on the islands scattered across Lake Te Anau, Lake Manapouri, and Tamatea Dusky Sound. Forest walks bring encounters with tomtits, brown creepers, grey warblers, piwakawaka fantails, tūī, bellbirds, and kererū wood pigeons. In the higher alpine areas, the cheeky kea, the world's only mountain parrot, often appears, amusing visitors with its playful and curious behaviour.

The Catlins – Where Land Meets Sea

Te Akau Tai Toka The Catlins is one of New Zealand's most captivating destinations for observing marine wildlife in its breathtaking natural habitat. With its dramatic cliffs, windswept headlands, and secluded bays, this remarkable place is a sanctuary for some of our planet's most extraordinary creatures.

At Waiapapa Point Lighthouse, you can witness the majestic New Zealand sea lions, which are the rarest species of sea lions in the world, as they grace the sandy beaches. Weighing up to 400 kilograms, these magnificent animals have an unexpectedly serene presence as they bask in the warm sunshine, with the historic lighthouse standing proudly in the background.

Continuing along the coast, you'll find Porpoise Bay, renowned for its inviting waters where you may catch a glimpse of the playful Pahu Hector's dolphins, known as some of the smallest and rarest dolphins on Earth. Often seen riding the waves in close proximity to shore, they provide joyful entertainment, along with the sea lions, who look to join the fun by splashing around in the shallow waters or sunbathing on the sandy beach.

As twilight descends, the elusive hoiho yellow-eyed penguins emerge from the surf, followed closely by the adorable little blue penguins, the smallest of their kind, making their way up the rocks to their homes. Sit quietly, be patient, and enjoy one of the cutest wildlife shows you'll ever see.

Rakiura Stewart Island – A Symphony of Birdsong

No wildlife journey in Southland is complete without venturing across Foveaux Strait to Rakiura Stewart Island, a paradise for birdwatchers. It feels like stepping into another world – slower, quieter, wilder.

A short boat ride from the island's only township, Oban, takes you to Ulva Island, a predator-free haven that offers a glimpse of Aotearoa before introduced species arrived. Here, the forest hums with life. Colourful kākāriki flit through the canopy, mohua yellowheads sing brightly from the treetops, and curious weka often stroll boldly across walking tracks. Above it all, the distinctive screech of kākā echoes through the trees as these playful forest parrots swoop between branches. A trip to this special place is a living reminder of just how vibrant New Zealand's birdlife can be.

Rakiura's most unforgettable treasure reveals itself after dusk! Join our guided night tours for a unique opportunity to spot the Rakiura Tokoeka Southern brown kiwi in their natural habitat. Experience the thrill of hearing their calls echo through the bush, and then delight in watching them forage beneath a starlit sky—truly a highlight of Southland's wildlife! With kiwi outnumbering people fifty to one, it's no wonder Stewart Island is celebrated as New Zealand's true "kiwi capital."

The Mataura River – Flowing with Life

Southland's wildlife narrative is vibrant and captivating, extending beyond the sea and forests to its lively rivers. Among them, the Mataura River flows through the heart of Gore and is celebrated as one of the finest brown trout fisheries on the planet. Its crystal-clear, free-flowing waters and regular mayfly hatches create ideal conditions for fly fishing, earning Gore the esteemed title of New Zealand's Brown Trout Fly-Fishing Capital. Anglers from all over the world flock here, eager to experience the excitement of casting a line and reeling in one of these remarkable golden-finned fish, often right by the town!

Spending time on the Mataura offers a quieter kind of wildlife experience – one that blends patience, observation, and a deep connection to the river itself. Whether you're casting a fly into a rising pool, watching a trout break the surface in the fading light, or simply sitting by the banks listening to the water move past, the Mataura is a reminder that Southland's wildness runs deep, even in its towns.

Murihiku Southland is one of those rare regions where nature still reigns supreme. From rare native birds to marine mammals, every corner offers a chance to connect with the wild. The best part? Unlike some of New Zealand's busier areas, you often feel as if you’re sharing the experience solely with the wildlife.

Whether it’s a dolphin leaping in Fiordland, a penguin waddling ashore in the Catlins, or a kiwi probing the forest floor on Stewart Island, Southland rewards those who seek out its untamed inhabitants. 

So, if your heart races at the thought of wild encounters, make Southland your next adventure!