Things to Do in Western Southland

Western Southland is an eclectic mix of culture, history, and adventure. Various local artists have galleries in the area, and the region boasts many interesting historic sites, two heritage trails, and multiple museums, including the fantastic Te Hikoi Museum and Information Centre in Riverton.

A huge drawcard of Western Southland is its numerous bays and beaches, perfect for family days out, swimming, surfing, horse riding, and dog walking. Those seeking a more thrilling experience can enjoy a jet boating trip across Lake Hauroko, the deepest lake in New Zealand, and down the Wairaurahiri River, New Zealand’s steepest boatable river. Lake Monowai and the Borland area are popular for tramping, mountain biking, and water activities, and Bald Hill also offers some great mountain biking tracks. The region has a number of short- and multi-day walking tracks, of which the Hump Ridge Track, a three-day loop along the south coast, over historic viaducts, and up to the sub-alpine zone of the Hump Ridge, is the most awe-inspiring. Golf courses, horse trekking, and the Clifden Caves are other highlights.