Journey to Pātea Doubtful Sound!

Murihiku in Minecraft

From Blocks to Reality: Discover the Real Murihiku Southland After Your Minecraft Adventure!

You've journeyed through the stunning landscapes of Aotearoa, New Zealand, in Minecraft, perhaps even meticulously recreating the glorious Pātea Doubtful Sound. You've built towering mountains and navigated serene fiords, crafting your own blocky escape. But what if that escape could become reality? Murihiku Southland is a real-world treasure trove of breathtaking beauty, offering experiences that will immerse you far beyond the screen. From the rugged coastlines where the Tasman Sea meets the land to the tranquil depths of Fiordland National Park, where the iconic Pātea Doubtful Sound exists in its full splendour, the inspiration you found in Minecraft is calling you to explore it for real.

Experience the Real Majesty: Beyond Blocky Doubtful Sound

You've seen the dramatic cliffs and still waters of Patea / Doubtful Sound in the "Minecraft" game trailers and perhaps even built your own version. Now, imagine being there. Feel the cool, damp air as you cruise through the Sound of Silence. Witness the towering rainforests clinging to the steep slopes. Hear the calls of native birds echoing across the water. This isn't just a backdrop in a game; it's a tangible, awe-inspiring experience waiting for you in Fiordland National Park.

Doubtful Sound
Graham Dainty

Doubtful Sound

Few lakes are more beautiful and mysterious than New Zealand’s second deepest lake, Lake Manapōuri - often referred to as New Zealand's loveliest lake. The peaceful township of Manapōuri lies on the eastern…

More Than Just Pixels: Southland's Real-World Wonders Await

The inspiration you found in Minecraft's diverse Aotearoa New Zealand landscapes comes to life in vivid detail when you visit:

  • Walk Amongst Giants in Fiordland: Instead of building blocky mountains, hike through ancient valleys and witness the grandeur of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound firsthand. Feel the spray of real waterfalls and be humbled by the scale of nature.
  • Explore Wild Coastlines for Real: Trade your digital shores for the windswept beaches and dramatic cliffs of the Catlins Coast. Discover hidden caves, encounter real marine wildlife, and feel the sand between your toes.
  • Connect with Nature on Rakiura Stewart Island: Step into the real-world version of your blocky native forests. Hike through pristine wilderness, spot unique birdlife in their natural habitat, and experience the tranquility of a truly untouched environment.
  • Discover the Vibrancy of Our City and Towns: Beyond the landscapes, Southland's towns and cities like Invercargill and Gore offer a warm welcome, unique culture, and a chance to connect with the local community – something you can't quite replicate with blocks.
  • Witness the Rolling Farmlands: Drive through the picturesque countryside, see real sheep grazing on lush green fields, and experience the heartland of Southland's agricultural heritage.

Murihiku Southland

Come Play for Real

From Digital Inspiration to Real-Life Adventure

Minecraft has given you a taste of Southland's beauty. Now, it's time to take that inspiration and turn it into a real-life adventure. Come and experience the scale, the sounds, the smells, and the feelings that no digital world can truly replicate.

Hike Fiordland cover
Lisa Nicole

Hike Fiordland

Base yourself in Te Anau and use the Hike Fiordland Passport to guide you to some of the best…

Stewart Island Electric Bikes
Stewart Island Electric Bikes © Air New Zealand

Places To Visit

For those seeking an off-the-beaten-track adventure that's still easily accessible, Murihiku…

Bluff Natural Spaces
Videocopter NZ

Beaches

Southland features many gorgeous coastal outlooks and excellent beaches for many kinds of…

Ready to trade your pickaxe for hiking boots?

Plan your journey to Southland and witness the landscapes that captivated you in Minecraft. Explore the real Patea / Doubtful Sound, hike our stunning trails, discover our unique wildlife, and immerse yourself in the genuine beauty of Murihiku.

Sunset at Milford Sound
Sunset at Milford Sound

3 Days & 3 nights in Fiordland

3 Days

Spring/Summer/Autumn

Good things come in threes. So here is a three-day itinerary featuring three ways to enjoy Fiordland by day and by night.

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…

TNZ -- Minecraft

Your Southland adventure awaits. Come play for real.