People of the South

What makes Southland special?

He aha te mea nui o te ao
What is the most important thing in the world?
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
It is the people, it is the people, it is the people
Māori proverb

Located at the end of the Earth, Southland is literally the world’s backyard, unspoiled and beautiful. A region of contrasts, from mountain peaks, the deepest of lakes, meandering rivers, fertile farmlands, lush primordial forests, and captivating coastlines to the wild Southern Ocean. Some of world’s best fare is produced right here, Southland serves up an eclectic mix of succulent seafood including world-famous Bluff Oysters, Stewart Island Salmon, Mussels, Paua and Blue Cod to name a few! 

It's a region shaped by water, it has a vast array of lakes, rivers and coastline. Let the locals take you on a jet boating adventure, go cage diving and come face to face with Great White Sharks or catch a wave at one of the great surf spots! And yeah, we don't deny it rains in Southland, but we have our fair share of sunny days and more daylight hours than the rest of the country. Even when it rains there is still plenty of activities for you to do, like surfing!