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 Anau, Manapouri 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!