Fresh from Murihiku

4-Day Spring Culinary Itinerary

Celebrate the vibrant flavours and fresh energy of spring with this four-day culinary itinerary through Murihiku Southland. From the farmer's markets and gardens of Waihōpai Invercargill to the wild coastal bounty of Aparima Riverton, the lakeside charm of Te Anau, and the majestic beauty of Piopiotahi Milford Sound, this journey is a feast for the senses. Discover seasonal dishes crafted from local produce, meet passionate food producers, and experience the landscapes that shape the region's unique food story. Whether you're foraging by the sea, cruising beneath waterfalls, or dining on Lumina lamb and Fiordland venison, every moment is infused with the taste of spring.

Day 1 - Invercargill

Invercargill – Fresh Beginnings

Morning

Welcome the Southland spring with a bright and flavourful start at The Black Shag Café in Invercargill. This local favourite is known for its creative, seasonal dishes and warm, welcoming vibe. Try their spring special—perhaps a dish featuring asparagus, new potatoes, or fresh herbs—or stick with a classic like their hearty cooked breakfast or house-made granola with fresh strawberries and coconut yoghurt.

If you're in Invercargill on a Sunday, head to the Invercargill Farmers Market (open Sundays), where the stalls are bursting with the colours and scents of spring. Browse crisp asparagus, tender broad beans, sweet strawberries, and artisan goods from local producers. It's the perfect place to connect with the region's growers and gather a few treats for the road.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon wandering through Queens Park, where spring is in full bloom. The Japanese garden is especially beautiful this time of year, with cherry blossoms and fresh greenery creating a peaceful escape. Say hello to Henry the tuatara, explore the aviary, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk through the rose gardens and native bush trails.

For lunch, head to The Grille at Transport World, where the menu celebrates Southland's seasonal bounty. Enjoy a spring lamb salad, whitebait fritters, or a Stewart Island salmon dish paired with a crisp local wine. After your meal, take time to explore Bill Richardson Transport World—a surprisingly fascinating collection of vintage vehicles, art, and design that's sure to impress even non-motorheads.

Evening

As the sun sets, make your way to Emberz at The Ascot for a dinner that showcases the best of the season. Their spring menu might feature grilled lamb with mint and broad bean purée, asparagus risotto, or a venison dish with berry jus. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

End your day with a restful stay at one of Invercargill's standout accommodations. Whether you choose the modern elegance of The Langlands, the boutique comfort of The Lodges at Transport World, or the character-filled charm of The Church 1914, you'll be well-rested for the journey ahead.

Day 2 - Western Southland

Riverton – Coastal Flavours & Foraged Finds

Morning

Start your day with a leisurely drive west to Aparima Riverton, one of New Zealand's oldest seaside settlements (around 40 minutes from Invercargill). With its rugged coastline, creative community, and laid-back charm, it’s the perfect place to soak up the spring air.

Tuck into breakfast at The Crib Café, a local favourite with views across the bay. Their menu champions wholesome, seasonal fare—perhaps try the smoked fish hash with lemon crème fraîche, or a plate of poached eggs on sourdough with spring greens and house-made relish.

After breakfast, join a guided foraging walk (bookings recommended) to explore the edible bounty of the coastline. You’ll learn to identify native herbs, sea spinach, and edible seaweeds, and hear stories of how Māori and early settlers used these ingredients in their cooking. It’s a hands-on, earthy experience that connects you to the land and sea in a uniquely Southland way.

Afternoon

For lunch, head to the Beachhouse Restaurant, perched above the water with sweeping views of the bay. Their menu is a celebration of local produce—think freshly caught blue cod, foraged greens, and house-made pickles. Pair your meal with a glass of Otago white wine or a locally brewed kombucha.

Afterwards, take a stroll along Howell’s Point or the Riverton Rocks. The spring light glints off the water, and wildflowers line the walking tracks. If you’re keen to learn more about the area’s rich history, pop into Te Hikoi Southern Journey Museum—a small but beautifully curated space that tells the story of Southland’s people and place.

Evening

In the late afternoon, begin your drive north to Te Anau (around 2.5 hours). The journey is a scenic one—rolling farmland, distant peaks, and the occasional mob of spring lambs dotting the hillsides.

Arrive in Te Anau in time for a relaxed dinner at Redcliff Café, a rustic gem known for its warm hospitality and seasonal menu. Dishes might include house-smoked Fiordland salmon, wild mushroom risotto, or a fresh herb and goat’s cheese tart—all paired with a glass of Central Otago Pinot Noir or a local craft beer.

Settle in for the night at one of Te Anau’s welcoming stays—perhaps a lakeside lodge, a boutique eco-retreat, or a cosy B&B with views of the lake. As the stars begin to appear over Lake Te Anau, you’ll feel the quiet magic of Fiordland settle in, readying you for tomorrow’s adventure into the heart of the wild.

Day 3 - Fiordland

Te Anau – Lakeside Charm

Morning

Wake to the stillness of Lake Te Anau, where the morning mist drifts gently across the water and tūī call from the trees. Start your day with breakfast at the much-loved Sandfly Café—a Te Anau institution known for its relaxed vibe and hearty, wholesome fare. Grab a flat white and tuck into their famous eggs Benedict, or try a seasonal special featuring local greens, smoked salmon, or free-range bacon.

After breakfast, take a stroll along the lakefront walkway, where spring flowers bloom along the path and snow-capped peaks reflect in the water. If you're keen for a bit of wildlife, pop into the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary to see native species like the rare takahē and kākā.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon exploring the area—perhaps a short walk on the Kepler Track, or a visit to the Fiordland Cinema, home to the stunning short film Ata Whenua – Shadowland, which offers a breathtaking aerial journey through Fiordland's dramatic landscapes.

Later in the afternoon, return to your accommodation to freshen up before your evening adventure.

Evening

As golden hour approaches, make your way to the Fiordland Historic Cruises jetty for a sunset cruise on the historic vessel Faith. This beautifully restored 1930s yacht glides across Lake Te Anau as the sun dips behind the mountains. Enjoy a glass of wine and a selection of locally inspired canapés—perhaps smoked salmon, venison bites, or artisan cheeses—while your hosts share stories of the region's history and natural wonders.

After the cruise, head to The Fat Duck, one of Te Anau's most celebrated dining spots. Their spring menu is a showcase of Fiordland's finest—think braised lamb shoulder with creamy potato gratin and peppercorn jus, pan-seared salmon with roasted vegetables and local hazelnuts, or dumplings with shiitake mushrooms and herbs. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a touch of rustic elegance.

Return to your accommodation for a restful night, the lake now still and silver under the stars. Tomorrow, you'll journey deeper into the wild heart of Fiordland—Piopiotahi, Milford Sound, awaits.

Day 4 - Fiordland

Milford Sound – Taste of the Wild

Morning

Rise early and set off on the spectacular drive from Te Anau to Piopiotahi Milford Sound (approx. 2 hours). This journey is one of the most scenic in the world—winding through lush beech forests, past mirror-like lakes, and beneath towering alpine peaks. Be sure to stop at highlights like Mirror Lakes, Eglinton Valley, and Hollyford Valley Lookout for photos and a breath of crisp mountain air.

Upon arrival, board a scenic cruise through Milford Sound, where sheer cliffs rise dramatically from the water and waterfalls tumble from hanging valleys. Keep an eye out for fur seals, dolphins, and the occasional Fiordland crested penguin. The spring light brings a softness to the landscape, and the air is fresh with the scent of rain and moss.

Afternoon

After your cruise, enjoy a relaxed lunch at Pio Pio Café, nestled within Milford Sound Lodge. Their menu draws inspiration from the surrounding wilderness—think venison burgers, wild mushroom soup, or a fresh herb and goat’s cheese tart. The setting is serene, with views of the Cleddau River and rainforest-clad peaks.

If time allows, take a short walk along the Foreshore Track, where interpretive panels share the story of the fiord’s formation and Māori legends of the land. The track offers stunning views back across the water, especially when Mitre Peak is reflected in the stillness of the sound.

Evening

Return to Te Anau in the late afternoon, or for a truly special experience, stay overnight at Milford Sound Lodge—one of the few places in the world where you can sleep surrounded by ancient rainforest and hear waterfalls from your cabin window.

Reflect on the journey you’ve taken—from the markets of Invercargill to the wild waters of Milford Sound—and the flavours, people, and places that have made it unforgettable.