Hump Ridge Track - Southland, New Zealand
Hump Ridge Track © Pink Penguin Studio

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Coffee stops worth pulling over for in Southland

Southlanders know the value of a good coffee. Whether it's the first flat white of the morning, a road-trip stop between towns or a quiet sit-down after a coastal walk, there's something pretty special about finding the right café in the right place. From Invercargill and Fiordland to Gore, Western…

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Matariki - Stories in the Stars

As winter settles across Aotearoa, the Matariki stars rise in the early morning sky, marking the Māori New Year. It is a time to remember, to reflect, and to look ahead. In Southland Murihiku, Matariki feels grounding and real. Dark skies stretch wide across the region, and the connection between…

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What It’s Really Like to Hike a Great Walk

Murihiku Southland is home to five of New Zealand's Great Walks, almost half of them! Our region offers some of the country’s most unforgettable trails: the Routeburn, Kepler, Milford, Rakiura, and Hump Ridge Tracks. These hikes are more than just walks, they’re multi-day adventures that test your…

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Southland on a Budget

If you think Murihiku Southland is only for those with deep pockets, think again. From rugged coastlines and wild beaches to serene lakes and untamed forests, this corner of Aotearoa is packed with experiences that are low-cost or even free. Take in the Natural Wonders Southland’s landscapes are…

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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…

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Winter in Southland

Winter in Southland is a season worth leaning into. June to August Temperatures between 10°C and 0°C As crisp days settle over Murihiku, the region transforms into a place of quiet beauty, friendly faces, and wild southern charm. Down here, we don't shy away from winter — we celebrate it, with…

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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 Autumn in Southland isn't just a season, it's a full-on colour show. The air turns crisp, the days pull in, and the hills and forests light up in fiery shades of gold and red. It's…

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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 Murihiku Southland, and the entire region bursts with life! Gone are the crisp days of winter, replaced by a gentle warmth that coaxes nature out of its…

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Statues in Southland

As you're on a scenic road trip through Southland, there's a big chance you will be greeted by oversized statues. The big things of New Zealand, as they're called, are large novelty statues located in small towns, often reflecting the town and its identity, and Southland has quite a few scattered…

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Hokonui Moonshine

Murihiku Southland's illicit whisky production has transformed from a shady past into a cause for celebration at the Hokonui Moonshine Museum in Māruawai Gore. Discover the captivating legend of the McRae family, Southland's infamous whisky producers turned folk heroes. Sip on this liquid gold…

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