Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Southland is full of adventure, and sometimes the best memories come from doing something a little outside your comfort zone.

Whether it’s testing your courage, trying a new activity, or tasting something unexpected, Southland offers plenty of opportunities to push your boundaries.

Hike Up a Mountain

Challenge yourself with a hike up one of Southland’s scenic peaks. Whether it’s going up Key Summit, hiking to Lake Marian, or climbing up East Peak in Gore, the views are worth every steep step. Nothing beats that sense of accomplishment as you look out over Southland’s wild landscapes.
 

Mountain Biking

If you’re looking to push yourself both physically and mentally, mountain biking in Southland is the perfect challenge. Trails like the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail offer a mix of rugged backcountry tracks, riverside paths, and breathtaking alpine scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just trying a trail for the first time, navigating steep climbs, forest tracks, and winding descents will get your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping.
 

Surfing in Curio Bay

Even if you’ve never caught a wave before, the rugged coastline at Curio Bay is a perfect spot to try. With lessons available for beginners and the stunning backdrop of the Catlins, you might surprise yourself with how much fun riding the waves can be.
 

Horse Trekking

If you’ve never saddled up before, horse trekking in Southland is the ultimate way to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Guided treks through Fiordland’s rugged wilderness or the Catlins’ wild coastal trails take you off the beaten path, over riverbeds, through native bush, and across rolling farmland. Take in Southland’s scenery from a whole new angle!

Camping in remote locations under star-filled skies

For those willing to step out of their comfort zone, camping in Southland’s remote wilderness is an unforgettable adventure. Whether it’s a secluded spot near the Catlins’ rugged coastline or deep in Fiordland’s backcountry, these locations offer peace, isolation, and some of the clearest, most star-filled skies you’ll ever see. Setting up camp far from the familiar comforts of home challenges you to embrace the elements, connect with nature, and experience the raw, untouched beauty of Southland in a way few travellers ever do.

Jet boating

For adrenaline seekers, jet boating in Southland is the ultimate thrill. Whether you take on the Wairaurahiri River, one of New Zealand’s wildest and most remote waterways, or speed through Fiordland National Park with Fiordland Jet, you’ll experience the landscape like never before. Racing through rapids, navigating narrow gorges, and skimming over crystal-clear water pushes you out of your comfort zone while delivering unforgettable views of Southland’s rugged wilderness. It’s fast, exhilarating, and a must for anyone looking to add a serious rush to their Southland adventure.

Eat Fresh Kaimoana

Southland is famous for its Bluff oysters. If you’ve never tried one, this is the place to taste them fresh from the source. Briny, creamy, and packed with flavour — it’s a bold bite that might just become a new favourite. Kina (sea urchin) is another Southland seafood delicacy. Its rich, creamy flavour is unlike anything else and a must-try for curious eaters exploring the region’s kaimoana.

Whitebaiting

Whitebaiting in Southland is not for the faint-hearted; it’s an early-morning, hands-on challenge that can leave you wet, muddy, and fully immersed in nature. For those willing to step outside their comfort zone, it’s a chance to try a true Kiwi tradition and connect with the rivers that define the region. And then there’s the taste: fresh whitebait patties are creamy and delicate, but their unique flavour is definitely an acquired one.

Shark Cage Diving in Bluff

For many, this is the ultimate way to push your limits. Bluff offers some of the world’s most incredible shark encounters. Step into a cage, plunge into the icy waters, and watch great white sharks glide past. It’s a heart-pounding, humbling experience that truly tests your courage and leaves you with memories that last a lifetime.