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

December to February

Temperatures between 15°C and 25°C

With long sunny days, a diverse landscape, great food and drink and plenty of outdoor activities, Murihiku Southland is the perfect summer destination. While the region doesn't scorch under intense heat, the long summer days are tailor-made for outdoor pursuits and exploration. Home to five of New Zealand's Great Walks, two multiday cycle trails, a multitude of summer events and the best driving route in New Zealand, you are spoilt for choice to keep you entertained you might just have to come back next summer too, to experience all that Southland has to offer.  

Unique Southland Experiences:
  • Wildlife Encounters: Discover Stewart Island's unique wildlife, including the elusive kiwi, seals, and yellow-eyed penguins. Embark on guided walks or wildlife cruises to encounter these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
  • Fiordland National Park: Summer is the peak season for exploring the breathtaking Fiordland National Park. Hike up to Key Summit on the Routeburn Track, kayak through the tranquil waters of Piopiotahi Milford Sound, or cruise through Patea Doubtful Sound, surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests.
  • Explore the Southern Scenic Route: The Southern Scenic Route is a road trip like no other. This incredible journey has been ranked one of the top 10 drives in the world, and for good reason. It is just over 600km of spectacular natural and cultural attractions and exciting activities, such as wildlife viewing, waterfalls, short walks, mountain biking, surfing, fishing, boating, and tramping.
  • Fishing Excursions: Southland's pristine waters are home to various fish species, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. Cast a line in Lake Te Anau or the Mataura River, or head out to the Foveaux Strait to try to catch trout, blue cod, or snapper.
  • Cycling Adventures: Feel the wind in your hair as you weave through the pine forest at Sandy Point. Experience the heritage of the gold mining days at Welcome Rock. Witness some spectacular views in Northern Southland as you follow the Around the Mountain Cycle Trail. Hone in your skills at the Hamilton Park BMX Track. Whether you are after all-level mountain bike tracks, exploring the region's push bike cycle trails or racing around our many towns' BMX tracks, Southland has plenty of options to suit all riders.
  • Chasing Waterfalls: There's just something about watching cascading waterfalls tumbling down cliff faces. These enchanting natural wonders captivate visitors with their sheer beauty and provide a mesmerizing experience amidst the region's pristine wilderness. Lucky for us, Southland has an abundance of impressive waterfalls! Go on a summer road trip to The Catlins to see the famous Purakaunui Falls or get up close and personal with the spectacular McLean Falls. Or make your way to Fiordland, where you will find many waterfalls, whether it's summer or winter.

McLean Falls

The 22 metre McLean Falls on the Tautuku River in the Catlins Conservation Park are often described…

Browne Falls

Located in the heart of Doubtful Sound, the much-debated Browne Falls are believed by some to be the…

Meet you at the beach

Southland is home to some of the best, golden sandy beaches in New Zealand. No matter the coastline, there is always a beach close by. Just past Invercargill there is Ōreti beach, one of only a handful of beaches you can drive on in New Zealand. In the Catlins there are several beaches that are a great spot to catch a glimpse of our some of our rare wildlife. Curio Bay is also home to a colony of rare, Hoiho Yellow-Eyed Penguins and a resident pod of rare Pahu Hector's Dolphin. Up the coast at Surat Bay, Sea Lions love to sunbath on the beach. Heading to Western Southland, Mitchell's Bay Beach in Riverton is a famous ice-cream stop or further down the coast, you will find Oraka Colac Bay, one of New Zealand’s top surfing spots. Whether you are taking a romantic sunset stroll along the beach or surfing a big wave in one of the beautiful bays, a Southland summer isn't complete without getting to the beach.

Summer Event Guide
Florence Hill Lookout, The Catlins

Summer Event Guide

Take your pick from our summer event offerings providing both excitement and discovery while you take a well-earned break from your everyday.

Southland Summer Staycation

With the festive season just around the corner, there are many exciting opportunities to get family and friends along to an array of events across the region.

Unmissable Events in Southland

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 picnic style. Iconic walking tracks done differently provide an undiluted sense of achievement when they’re accomplished. There are motorsport offerings, music festivals, adventure races and more, with picturesque backdrops and hidden corners to explore. If you're keen to test your endurance, make your way to Te Anau to take on the Kepler Challenge - New Zealand's premier mountain run or if you love tennis served with a side of world-class scenery, go and watch the Distinction Hotels Te Anau Tennis Invitational. Or if rural inguinity get your buzzing than either the Edendale Crank Up or Mandeville Fly In & Steam Festival will be right up your alley. And for those petrolheads the legendary Burt Munro Challenge is one not to be missed!

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.
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Packages & Deals

Here you can find some of the best deals for tours, cruises, guided walks & heaps more of what's available in Southland. These packages & deals will fit anyone's wants, needs, itinerary and…

4 days Adventure Mountain Biking in Southland

4 Days

Summer

For those who like a challenging mix of off-road climbing and technical descents across all types of terrain this epic 3-day mountain biking itinerary takes you to three of Southlands most…

Northern Southland Biking - Welcome Rock Trails
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Heartland Agritourism Adventures

1-3 Days

456 km

Summer/Autumn

Keen to get off the beaten track? This adventure will take you into the outdoors and fresh air of rural Southland, making you wonder why you hadn’t done it sooner. Starting along the rugged…

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…

The Southern Scenic Route by EV

5 Days

785 km

Anytime

The Southern Scenic Route has been voted one of the top 10 touring routes in the world, and we can tell you this 5-day itinerary is super EV friendly.

Winter in Southland

Winter in Southland should be your choice of season to visit. June to August Temperatures between 10°C and 0°C As the seasons shift, days get shorter, and a crisp chill fills the air. Murihiku… Read More

Autumn in Southland

Discover autumn in Murihiku Southland, one of the best times to visit. March to May Temperatures between 10°C and 20°C The crisp air whispers change, the days grow shorter, and a kaleidoscope of… Read More

Spring in Southland

Spring offers green valleys, snowy mountains and longer, warmer days. September to November Temperatures between 10°C and 20°C Spring has sprung in Southland, and the entire region bursts with life!… Read More

Summer in Southland

Summer is all about outdoor adventures and long, sun-filled days. December to February Temperatures between 15°C and 25°C With long sunny days, a diverse landscape, great food and drink and plenty… Read More