Biking

Northern Southland offers some of the premier cycling trails and mountain bike tracks in the country. The Around The Mountains Cycle Trail allows all levels of riders to meander through high country farms, scenic lakes, rivers and diverse landscapes. Beginning in Kingston, the easy 186km trail utilises old railway lines to journey past Garston (a town that claims fame for being the most inland settlement in New Zealand), Athol, Fiver Rivers (where there is an excellent café and art gallery), Lumsden, Mossburn (the “Deer Capital of New Zealand”), and the Mavora Lakes, to end at Walter Peak.

If you’re looking for something a little more daring and fast-paced, Welcome Rock Trails provide over 27km of single-track mountain bike trails – hand built on one of New Zealand’s longest historic water races. The trails offer stunning views of the high-country station environment and there are a variety of comfortable back country huts available to extend your stay. Guided tours can also be provided to enhance your experience.