Southland is home to Pahu Hector's dolphins, a species endemic to New Zealand. These dolphins are one of the world's smallest, with mature adults measuring between 1.2 and 1.6 meters. Pahu are easily recognised by their distinctive dorsal fin, resembling one of Mickey Mouse's ears. Their bodies are…
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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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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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The talented artists of South Sea Spray have brightened up this little seaside town in the deep South with some of the most beautiful murals. Some of the artwork portrays the history of Aparima Riverton, showing references to whaling activity and beautifully portraying the intermarriage between…
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Who doesn’t love supporting local charities, being more sustainable and finding a good bargain? Op shopping (opportunity shopping) is becoming increasingly popular in Southland with many small towns featuring op shops on the main street. It is a great way to save money, save time and save the…
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Southland is the perfect place for short walks, day hikes, or multi-day tramps. Some tracks also allow dog access, so check out these dog friendly tracks around Southland. From beach, waterfall, and forest tracks, you'll be sure to find a trail to suit you and your furry friend! Invercargill & Bluff…
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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…
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New Zealanders love their coffee. You might think we're a tea-drinking nation (hello British heritage) but over the past few decades, coffee has surpassed tea as our favourite hot drink. This increased popularity of coffee has seen new cafés and coffee-roasting spots popping up all over the country…
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Go inland Southland and get up high. Southland from about the skyline offers some spectacular rural scenic views. Poppelwells lookout in Dolamore Park provides amazing views of the Southland Plains and on a clear day you can even see Stewart Island/ Rakiura. Forest Hill Scenic Reserve is a valuable…
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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…
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