Being the second largest region in New Zealand means there are plenty of instagrammable or Instagram-worthy spots in Southland that are just waiting to be captured and hashtagged with #mysouthland and #southlandnz
Here are our top 10 most Instagrammable spots in Southland. If you think you have found some other worthy contenders, please share and tag us (@SouthlandNZ), and who knows your spot might make the list next year!
A swing with a view!
The Milford Sound Swing is quite the Instagram sensation and it's easy to see why. This front-row seat offers an amazing view of the glorious Mitre Peak and all for free.
Famous for its signpost, which depicts distances to major cities around the world, Stirling Point is located at the beginning of State Highway 1. This signpost has featured in thousands of travellers' photographs and is a must-do for visitors to Southland.
Stunning to photograph no matter the season, New Zealand's deepest lake, Lake Hauroko always offers an air of mystery and beauty that is any photographer's dream.
Driving along the Southern Scenic Route isn't complete without a stop to one of two of New Zealand's only wooden lighthouses. The Waipapa Point Lighthouse looks exceptionally good at sunrise and if you are lucky you may also be able to snap a photo with some of the local wildlife. Just remember to keep your distance!
A lookout and rest area perched on the edge of the cliff with commanding views of Te Waewae Bay and other south coast features. The signpost also features distance to nearby villages and islands.
Feel dwarfed by the sheer size of the caves. The dark, brooding entrance to the caves are at the northern end of the beach where you will hear the dripping of water into reflective pools and breath in the ocean smells.
Often described as the "eighth wonder of the world", the jewel in Fiordland's crown, and one of the New Zealand's top travel destinations, Piopiotahi Milford Sound is a must in your Instagram grid! Mitre Peak, arguably New Zealand's most iconic mountain, serves as the perfect backdrop for your next snapshot.
Perched on top of a cliff you will find an iconic yellow AA road sign. The southernmost point on the South Island New Zealand, Slope Point offers spectacular views of the surrounding ocean and coastline.
Pūrākaunui Falls is one of New Zealand's iconic, most-photographed sights. Only a 15-minute return track from the road, these waterfalls are a definite must.
Watch the sun setting over the Mataura Valley and Eyre Mountains with extraordinary views all while soaking in the hot tub 1100 meters above sea level.
There is no better felling than finally reaching the top of the mountain to see the spectacular views over Fiordland and Te Waewae Bay. When you stump the hump on the Hump Ridge Track you will want to remember this accomplishment for years to come.