Discover why Southland is an amazing place to visit, stay and play.
This project has been completed by the Southland District Council and Studio Jubb.
LAURA KOOT - THE SOUTHERN GIRLS' FINISHING SCHOOL
Laura Douglas realised she wasn’t being true to herself while working an office job in Christchurch. She drew a picture of what she thought her ideal life could be in 5 years time, in the mountains with the dog, truck, jet boat and a good whiskey. Just 3 years later and Laura is living her ultimate dream at Real Country and fulfilling her passion for teaching real life skills to teenage girls at the Southern Girls Finishing School. So ‘strop’ yourself in (if you don’t know how then maybe time to sign up for Laura's next workshop) and enjoy the ride.
JADE MAGUIRE - TE WHAKAORAKA
Jade Maguire is a man on a mission! A mission to connect people with the environment. One seedling and one lesson at a time. The purpose of creating his eco-learning space was to increase the prestige of the mana of the land and the environment, to increase the prestige of the fresh water quality and to increase the prestige and mana of people.
CRAIG SMITH THE WONKY DONKEY - MONOWAI, HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Meet award winning author and songwriter Craig Smith. Made famous by his best selling book the Wonky Donky and more recently the Scottish Granny who's video of her reading the hilarious book went viral. Explore Craig's go to spot for inspiration and his ultimate getaway in Monowai on the doorstep of Fiordland National Park.
CORMAC BUCHANAN THE FLYING 12 YEAR OLD WITH BIG DREAMS
Meet Cormac Buchanan the 12 year old racer with big dreams. Cormac is a super talented young rider from Southland and currently racing in the Oceania Junior Cup in Australia. The lone kiwi in a field of 26 of Australasias top young riders Cormac is showing true grit and determination to succeed at this level. With lofty goals of a top 5 finish in the championship and ambitions of one day riding Moto GP have a watch of Cormac’s story
MEET STEPH THE PROUD BEE MOMMA TO 1.5MILLION BEES
You can't help but smile while listening to Steph Munro talk about her bees. Steph has turned her passion for bees and honey into a start-up business and loving it. She is taking the risk and transitioning into making it her full-time job.
OPEN ORCHARD PROJECT - PROTECTING OUR HERITAGE APPLES
Our Southland heritage is so important to treasure and keep. And that is exactly what Robyn Guyton and the team behind the Open Orchard Project are doing to protect the heritage varieties of Southland apples. Protecting them from completely loosing strains and varieties and ensuring our kids and their kids get to taste what an apple used to be like.
FARM FRESH SOUTH, RAW MILK RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR, WOODLANDS, NZ
Once you go Raw you come back for more!! Logan and Melissa Johnson made the move to Southland from Motueka to fulfil their dream of being self employed. They chose to operate a boutique dairy farm in Woodlands selling raw milk direct to the customer. It doesn't get any fresher than this!
JADE, POUNAMU, GREENSTONE NO MATTER YOU CALL IT IT HAS A SPECIAL MEANING TO THOSE THAT CREATE A PIECE OF THEIR OWN.
Dave Goodin has traveled the world and has worked for people like famous director Peter Jackson but he has now made Stewart Island his home. Check out Rakiura Jade and why Dave loves teaching the art of Pounamu carving to young and old alike.
WHERE COFFEE AND INK COMBINE IN A MASONIC LODGE IN LUMSDEN, NZ
When Steve and Kelly Taylor decided to leave the rat race for the small Southland town of Lumsden there was much apprehension. 8 years later and the two entrepreneurs are living the ultimate lifestyle while running Roar Coffee roasters and Temple Tattoo. See how theses creatives have adapted to life in Southland and the new pace of life.
Southland has been the happy ever after for Jess Terrill owner of Southland Surf School. Take a glimpse into why she moved to Riverton and why she loves the lifestyle and living in Southland.
WELCOME ROCK TRAILS, GARSTON, NZ
Welcome to our very first story, and what a place to start. Discover the stunning countryside and extraordinary story of the 27km of handbuilt MTB and walking trails that Tom and Katie O’Brien have created in their amazing backyard.
