3-Day Summer Culinary Itinerary: Sun, Sea & Southland Flavours

Summer in Murihiku Southland is a season of plenty, where the region comes alive with colour, warmth, and flavour. Long sun-drenched days stretch into golden evenings, perfect for road trips, beach picnics, and lingering dinners under the open sky. Berries ripen in roadside gardens, seafood hauls come fresh from the coast, and the scent of barbecues drifts through backyards and beach towns alike. It's the season when coastal bounty meets country hospitality, and when food becomes a way to truly taste the region. Whether you’re sipping something cold in the sun or biting into a just-caught blue cod, summer here tastes like homegrown goodness.

This three-day journey follows the southern coastline from Waihōpai Invercargill and Motupōhue Bluff to the wild edges of Te Akau Tai Toka The Catlins, celebrating the season’s freshest flavours and the people who bring Southland’s kai to life and to your table.

Day 1

Invercargill & Bluff – Garden Fresh meets Coastal Flavours

Morning

Kick off your day at The Batch Café with seasonal berry pancakes or their standout eggs served with fresh, locally crafted sourdough. This spot is a firm favourite among Invercargill locals, and it's easy to see why. The Batch offers a menu full of fresh, regional fare and a cabinet filled with tempting treats. Be sure to arrive early if you're after one of their legendary scones, as they sell out every day!

If you're in Invercargill on a Sunday, swing by the Southern Farmers Market for a taste of the region, from fresh fruit and local produce to irresistible baked goods. It's the ideal place to stock up on car snacks before hitting the road for your next adventure.
 

Afternoon

Head down to Bluff and visit Stirling Point, home to the iconic signpost showing distances to major cities around the world - a must-snap selfie spot. While there, take a scenic walk along the southern coastline and soak up the sea air. For breathtaking views over Foveaux Strait, make your way up Motupōhue Bluff Hill on foot, by mountain bike, or by car. The panoramic outlook is well worth the climb!

Before you're off to have lunch, pop into the Bluff Maritime Museum, housed in the former Awarua Boating shed, offering a unique collection and giving an insight and understanding of the area's rich maritime history.

No doubt all that exploring has worked up an appetite, and one of the best spots in Bluff to satisfy it is Hayz at the Anchorage. Known for serving some of the freshest kaimoana around, you'll find succulent crayfish, tender Foveaux blue cod, and flavour-packed pāua, all straight from the sea to your plate. Hayz is also one of the rare places where you can try tītī muttonbird, a traditional Māori delicacy served with a modern twist.

Before heading back to Invercargill, take advantage of a beautiful summer's day with a scenic detour to Ōmāui Reserve. The drive is especially stunning in December and January, when vibrant rātā and clematis are in full bloom. Stretch your legs on the Ōmāui Walking Track, a peaceful loop through native bush perfect for a picnic or afternoon tea. Be sure to stop at the Panoramic Lookout Platform for breathtaking views of Rakiura Stewart Island and the coastline beyond. And if the day is warm, Ōmāui Beach offers the ideal spot for a refreshing dip in the Foveaux Strait, before making your way back to Invercargill for a delicious dinner.
 

Evening

End your summer day with dinner at Buster Crabb, a local favourite in a charming heritage building. The menu celebrates the season with fresh blue cod, vibrant summer salads, and tender Southland beef, all perfect for a warm evening. Dine al fresco if the weather allows, or settle indoors with a glass of sauvignon blanc or a local craft beer, and toast to the flavours of Southland in full summer bloom.

If you want to stay near the coast, Ziffs Café Bar offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere just a stone's throw from Oreti Beach. While you won't hear the waves, the coastal charm and hearty fare make it a lovely spot to unwind. Or, if a slice of pizza is calling your name, Tuatara Café & Bar serves up delicious wood-fired pizzas in a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.

After a full day of adventure, unwind with a well-earned rest at one of Invercargill's many accommodation options, whether you prefer the charm of a cosy B&B, the comfort of a boutique hotel, or something in between. Popular spots include The Lodges at Transport World for a stylish stay, Queens Park Motel for homely hospitality, or The Langlands for modern comfort in the heart of town. At The Langlands, you can also cap off your day at their top-floor bar, enjoying a carefully crafted cocktail and sweeping views over Waihōpai Invercargill.

Day 2

The Catlins – Coastal Charm & Local Delights

Morning

As the summer sun spills across the Southland coast, begin your day with a forty-minute drive for a relaxed breakfast at the Fortrose Café, a local gem nestled at the edge of the estuary. Make sure to fuel up with one of the many delicious meals on the menu—you’ll want the energy for the adventures that lie ahead. With fresh coffee in hand and the smell of the sea nearby, it’s the perfect slow start before heading deeper into the wild, wonderful Catlins. 

Sitting by the window or outdoors, you will see the Fortrose Cliffs rise above the sea. Make your way up for sweeping views of the southern coastline. It’s a place where time slows and the ocean speaks—take a few quiet moments here, watching seabirds glide on the wind and waves crash against ancient rock. From the cliffs, you'll slowly make your way to your lunch spot, but not without making a few stops along the way that are well worth it.

First, head down to Waipapa Point Lighthouse, a sentinel of the southern coast built in response to New Zealand’s worst maritime disaster. The windswept beach below is often home to New Zealand sea lions, lounging in the sun or shuffling across the sand.

Next, head to Slope Point, the southernmost point of the South Island. A short walk across farmland leads you to the iconic yellow signpost and dramatic cliff-top views where the Southern Ocean stretches endlessly to Antarctica. It's a breathtaking reminder of just how far south you've come.

These wild, remote stops set the tone perfectly for what comes next: a relaxed and satisfying lunch at the beloved Niagara Falls Café.

Afternoon

Lunch at Niagara Falls Café is a true Southland summer delight. Set in a beautifully restored old schoolhouse, the café radiates rustic charm and warm hospitality. On sunny days, dine outdoors and soak up the laid-back atmosphere while enjoying a menu that celebrates the season — think vibrant summer salads picked fresh from nearby gardens, light bites, and house-made treats crafted with locally sourced ingredients.
You'll want to take your time here and fully soak in the beauty of this peaceful corner of The Catlins. Enjoy your meal on the sun-dappled deck or in the garden, with birdsong in the background and rolling countryside all around, it’s easy to lose track of time. 

Not far down the road, Curio Bay offers a rare glimpse into ancient history: wander among the petrified forest, a fossilised remnant of Jurassic New Zealand, where 180-million-year-old tree stumps and logs are embedded in coastal rock, preserved by time and tide. But Curio Bay is more than just a window into the past—it's a vibrant, living marine playground.

On a hot summer’s day, the sheltered bay invites you in for a refreshing swim, or if you're feeling adventurous, you can grab a surfboard and ride the gentle waves, often with Pahu Hector’s dolphins not far off. These rare, playful creatures are a joy to watch, their small, rounded dorsal fins darting through the water in the afternoon light.

Curio Bay is the kind of place that invites you to slow down and stay awhile. With its rich blend of ancient history, marine life, and untouched coastline, it’s more than just a quick stop. Hang around, breathe deeply, and let the natural beauty of this special place work its charm.

Evening

As golden hour arrives, pick up a parcel of classic fish and chips from Blue Cod Blues and head to the beach. Whether you're barefoot in the sand or wrapped in a blanket on driftwood, there’s no better way to end a summer’s day than eating alfresco with the sound of waves and gulls in the background.

At dusk, if you’re patient and respectful of their space, you may be lucky enough to spot Hoiho yellow-eyed penguins, one of the world’s rarest penguin species, making their way ashore after a day at sea. Watching these shy birds emerge from the water and waddle up the rocks is a gentle, unforgettable reminder of the fragile beauty of this wild southern coast.

Settle in for the night at one of the area’s welcoming cottages tucked into the landscape or Tumu Toka Curioscape campground. With the stars overhead and the hush of nature all around, you’ll fall asleep fully immersed in the untamed beauty of The Catlins.

Day 3

The Catlins – Bites, Sips & Scenic Stops

Morning

Wake to the salty ocean air and the rhythmic sound of waves rolling ashore, a gentle reminder that you're still wrapped in the wild embrace of The Catlins. Then head straight back to Niagara Falls Café because yes, it really is that good. Yesterday's lunch was just a warm-up. Return for a slow breakfast this morning: perhaps fluffy pancakes with local berries, a savoury scone still warm from the oven, or a perfectly poached egg on toasted sourdough. Paired with fresh coffee and that peaceful garden setting, it's the ideal way to ease into your final day in The Catlins.

After breakfast, it's time to stretch your legs and chase waterfalls, starting with the breathtaking McLean Falls. Tucked away along a forested trail, this waterfall is one of the most spectacular in The Catlins. The short walk takes you through lush, mossy bush alive with birdsong, before revealing the falls tumbling over a series of steep, sculpted rock ledges. Continue to the awe-inspiring Cathedral Caves, where towering sea-carved chambers echo with the crash of waves. Be sure to check tide times before you go, as access is limited to low tide windows.
Before lunch, stop at Florence Hill Lookout, one of The Catlins' most iconic viewpoints. From here, you'll see Tautuku Bay stretch out below: golden sand, crashing surf, and dense forest all meeting at the edge of the wild southern coast.
 

Afternoon

By now, you'll have worked up an appetite. Tucked beside the Papatowai Country Store, Peake's Kitchen is a gourmet food truck that's become a must-stop for travellers exploring The Catlins. Their menu shifts with the seasons, making the most of fresh, local produce. On "frydays" and throughout the weekend, you'll often find fresh fish on offer, served until it's all gone.

Afterward, wander across to the delightfully quirky The Lost Gypsy Gallery. Part art gallery, part playground for the imagination, it's a whimsical stop full of handmade contraptions, humour, and curiosity. Before you leave, grab a cup of the tastiest coffee in town and some homemade treats from the Little Rocket out front and enjoy it under the trees.

Take a detour to Jack's Blowhole, a natural sea cave that collapsed inward to form a dramatic inland chasm. Then carry on to one of the South Island's most iconic lookouts: Nugget Point. Walk the short track to the lighthouse perched high above the sea, where the "nuggets" of rock scattered in the water below seem to glow in the late afternoon light.

Evening

As evening falls, you have a choice. Stay and dine on the beach at Kaka Point, where you can picnic in the sand or enjoy fish and chips as the sun sets over the waves. Or, if the road is calling, follow the coastline north toward Dunedin. The city's vibrant food scene awaits, with everything from seafood bistros to tapas bars and tucked-away cocktail spots—the perfect place to raise a glass to the end of your journey.