Things to Do in Northern Southland

Northern Southland offers plenty to see and do – particularly if you like mountain biking, are searching for backcountry adventure, or want to experience the Southland farming lifestyle.

The Around The Mountains Cycle Trail, with its 180km track winding through diverse scenery, and Welcome Rock, with its mountain biking trails, walking tracks, and unique accommodation, provide some of the best biking in the country and are major drawcards for the region.

Local farmstays and B&Bs offer farm tours, and Nokomai Station and Real Country provide authentic high-country experiences. Fly fishing is popular on the Oreti and Mataura Rivers, with guides available. There are a number of craft and souvenir galleries and shops in Northern Southland, and the art gallery housed in the Five Rivers Café is a highlight. If you’re interested in the region’s history, there’s the Switzers Waikaia Museum and an interesting heritage trail to explore. Scenic reserves, mountains, and forests, including the Eyre Mountains (Taka Ra Haka) Conservation Park and Piano Flat and Waikaia Forest area, provide plenty of spaces for tramping, horse riding, and 4-wheel driving.