Northern Southland

Northern Southland is a beautiful contrast of green, rolling farmland, majestic snow-capped mountains, and tussock clad high country.

Lumsden (Ōreti) is the area’s main hub and a major junction, with roads to traveller’s destinations departing on all four points of the compass. An hour south is Invercargill, an hour north lies Queenstown, to the south-east you’ll find Gore, and the north-west road leads to Te AnauManapouri and Milford Sound.

Both the Oreti River and the upper section of the Mataura River run through Northern Southland, offering some of the best dry fly fishing in the world. Further recreational opportunities are provided by some of the best cycling trails and mountain bike tracks in New Zealand, which offer visitors an exciting way to tour around some of the various small towns and unique landscapes in the district. As well as biking, there are also trails in the area that cater for tramping, horse riding, and 4-wheel driving - and plenty of scenic picnic and camping spots for those less adventurous wilderness seekers!

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Northern Southland

You won't want to miss...

When planning your trip to Northern Southland, make sure you check out these iconic and unmissable events!

Explore the region

Fiordland

Fiordland Te Rua-o-te-Moko is a place of extraordinary scenic beauty. One of New Zealand’s oldest tourism drawcards, this rugged and remote region offers awe-inspiring landscapes and wide range of… Read More

Stewart Island

Rakiura Stewart Island is the southernmost and smallest island of the three main islands of New Zealand. Just 30km from the South Island, it is a perfect retreat for those seeking peace, quiet, and… Read More

The Catlins

The Catlins, the spectacular coastal stretch between Balclutha and Invercargill, boasts a rugged beauty and untouched quality that is magnetic. Here you’ll find a world of native forests fringed by high… Read More

Invercargill Central
Stacy Williamson

Invercargill

Waihōpai Invercargill is the regional capital and commercial hub of Southland. Founded in the 1850s, it is New Zealand’s southernmost city - and one of the southernmost cities in the world. Numerous… Read More

Bluff

Southland’s port, Motupōhue Bluff, lies thirty kilometres south of Invercargill. The town, which is the southernmost settlement on mainland New Zealand, is home to the iconic Bluff Oyster & Food… Read More

Gore District

Gore District, sometimes referred to as Eastern Southland, boasts an eclectic mix of heritage and culture. Famous for its fly-fishing on the Mataura River, its colourful illicit whisky-making past and farming… Read More

Central Southland
Great South

Central Southland

Central Southland is 1.5 million hectares of lush, rolling farmland. The district has always thrived on agriculture, although sawmills, flax and linen-flax industries, lime works, brickworks and tile works… Read More

Western Southland
Great South

Western Southland

Tucked between the towering peaks of Fiordland to the west, the Takitimu mountain range to the north, and the wild ocean to the south, Western Southland boasts spectacular unspoilt scenery and limitless… Read More