This is Southland

The Nau mai, haere mai. Southland Murihiku is world famous.

We’re home to Fiordland and some of New Zealand’s most dramatic, awe-inspiring and iconic wilderness and wildlife.

It’s always been like this. Māori drew on several hundred years of local know-how and formed a unique bond with early Europeans, leading to the rapid growth of exports by both. We reckon there must be something in the water (and not just Bluff Oysters).

Today, Southland’s economy is booming, bringing real opportunity and benefits to the entire region, from our smallest settlements to our largest city. But you don’t have to be rich to enjoy our rich lifestyle. Anyone with the right attitude can create the future and freedom they’ve always wanted.

Our streets are safe, the quality of education high, and the cost of living low. Homes are more affordable, and the traffic won’t drive you up the wall. Workdays have a before and after too, so you’ll always find time to enjoy our wide open spaces, eateries, thriving arts scene and world-class sports facilities.

Southlanders are surrounded and sustained by lush farmland, rich waters, bountiful coastlines and abundant nature. We care deeply about the treasures in our backyard, and the Māori spirit of Kaitiaki (guardianship) over them is something that anchors and unites us all.

We’re a welcoming, generous lot. Down to earth, unapologetically proud, and focused on an exciting future. We could go on, but the long and short of it is that the door’s always open, the jug’s always on, and we can’t wait to show you around.