Summer is all about outdoor adventures and long, sun-filled days.

December to February

Temperatures between 15°C and 25°C

Down here at the edge of the world, summer's a bit different. We don't do scorching heatwaves or packed beaches – we do long, golden days, cool breezes off the coast, and adventures that stick with you. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in The Catlins, cruising Fiordland's deep sounds, or just kicking back with a scoop of blueberry ice cream in Otautau, Southland's summer is all about getting amongst it.

From December to February, the days stretch out and the land comes alive. It's the perfect time to hit the trails, cast a line, or just soak up the vibes in one of our laid-back towns. You'll find kai fresh from the ocean, events that bring the community together, and landscapes that'll make you stop and say, "Heck, that's stunning."

Get Out There – Southland Summer Highlights:

• Wildlife Encounters: Stewart Island's calling – and if you're lucky, you might spot a kiwi in the wild. There's seals, penguins, and dolphins too, all doing their thing in untouched corners of the coast.
• Fiordland National Park: Summer's prime time for Fiordland. Lace up your boots for the Key Summit track, paddle through Piopiotahi Milford Sound, or cruise Doubtful Sound with towering cliffs all around. It's nature at full volume.
• Explore the Southern Scenic Route: This road trip's a real beaut with over 600km of epic coastlines, waterfalls, short walks, and classic Kiwi towns. Pack your togs, your tramping boots, and a good playlist.
• Fishing Excursions: Whether it's trout in the Mataura or blue cod off the coast, Southland's waters are teeming. Grab your rod and give it a go, even if you don't catch anything, the views are worth it.
• Cycle Trails & BMX Tracks: From forest rides at Sandy Point to the heritage-rich Welcome Rock trail, there's something for every rider. Keen for a challenge? Try the Around the Mountain Cycle Trail or race your mates at Hamilton Park BMX Track.
• Chasing Waterfalls: There's something magic about Southland's waterfalls. Head to The Catlins for Purakaunui and McLean Falls, or explore Fiordland's misty cascades. Don't forget your raincoat - even in summer, it's wild out there.

Meet you at the beach

Southland's beaches aren't just places to swim – they're places to breathe, explore, and feel the rhythm of the southern coast. From windswept dunes to surf breaks and fossil forests, each stretch of sand has its own story.

Ōreti beach is a local legend. You can drive right onto the sand, park up, and watch the sun dip below the horizon with the wind in your hair. It's a favourite for families, dog walkers, and anyone keen for a bit of freedom by the sea. Colac Bay is where the surfers go – a classic Kiwi surf spot with laid-back vibes and a view that'll make you want to stay a while. Whether you're catching waves or just watching from the shore, it's a beaut spot to spend an afternoon. Curio Bay is something special. Here, you'll find a 180-million-year-old fossil forest, dolphins playing in the surf, and yellow-eyed penguins waddling ashore at dusk. It's wild, raw, and unforgettable – the kind of place that makes you feel lucky to be here. Gemstone Beach, near Orepuki, is a treasure hunt waiting to happen. After a storm, the beach sparkles with colourful stones – jasper, quartz, even the odd sapphire if you're lucky. It's a great spot for a wander and a bit of fossicking. Monkey Island and McCracken's Rest are perfect for a picnic with a view. Monkey Island's tidal access adds a bit of adventure, and McCrackens Rest offers one of the best coastal lookouts in the region – bring your camera, it's a stunner.

Whether you're paddling, picnicking, or just taking in the salty air, Southland's beaches are places to slow down and soak it all in. No crowds, no rush – just you, the ocean, and the southern skies.

Unmissable Events in Southland

Summer in Southland isn't just about the landscapes – it's about the people, the stories, and the buzz of community coming together. From high-octane motorsport to vintage fly-ins and mountain runs, our events are as diverse and down-to-earth as the region itself.

From the roar of motorbikes at the legendary Burt Munro Challenge to the alpine grit of the Kepler Challenge mountain run, there's something happening around every corner. Te Anau serves up world-class rallies at the Distinction Hotels Te Anau Tennis Invitational, while Edendale Crank Up and the Mandeville Fly In & Steam Festival bring out the best of our rural and aviation heritage – think vintage tractors, steam engines, and classic aircraft taking to the skies.

Whether you're chasing adrenaline, soaking up culture, or just keen for a feed and a wander, Southland's summer events are a chance to connect with the land and its people – no fuss, just good times.

Taste of Southland Summer:

• Fresh Seafood: Indulge in the freshest seafood Southland has to offer, including salmon, crayfish, and scallops. Enjoy a delicious seafood meal at one of the region's many cafes and restaurants.
• Go blueberry picking: There's nothing like tasting the sweet, small blueberries you picked off the bush yourself. Every summer, Blueberry Country, New Zealand's largest blueberry orchard, opens its gates to the public for blueberry picking. Take a wonderful drive through central Southland to reach the Otautau farm. Once there, you can spend the afternoon picking blueberries and enjoying fresh blueberry ice cream.