Hump Ridge Track - Southland, New Zealand
Hump Ridge Track © Pink Penguin Studio

Things to Do in Murihiku Southland

Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Murihiku Southland! With countless activities and natural wonders, there's something for everyone, no matter your interests or budget. Southland is home to some of Aotearoa, New Zealand's most iconic wild places and wildlife, including part of Te Wāhipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage area.

Our place is a land of contrasts, from the pristine surf beaches of the Catlins to the rolling farmlands, the dramatic Te Ara a Kiwa Foveaux Strait, and the ancient granite rock walls of Te-Rua-o-te-Moko Fiordland. In summer, we enjoy the longest daylight hours, while in winter, our night skies come alive with the Southern Lights. Southland even boasts the southernmost dark sky sanctuary in the world.

Explore the great outdoors with tramping, mountain biking, fishing, and wildlife spotting. For those seeking extra excitement, try jet boating, kayaking, surfing, or shark cage diving. Beyond outdoor activities, take scenic tours, cruises, flights, and charters to discover stunning landscapes, and visit museums, galleries, and heritage trails to learn about the region's rich history and culture.

With two national parks and half of New Zealand's Great Walks, including the famous Milford Track, Southland offers some of the most breathtaking natural attractions. For shorter adventures, there are plenty of accessible walking tracks perfect for the whole family.

So, grab your camera and get ready to capture unforgettable memories. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a first-time explorer, Murihiku Southland is waiting for you!

Wairaurahiri Jet
Wairaurahiri Jet © Martin Sliva

There is nothing like a personalised story or interactive experience to bring skills, history and landscapes to life. Enrich your southern adventure with one of our tours and experiences for a deeper dive into the…

Walking on Swing Bridge, Mavora Lakes
Mavora Lakes, Northern Southland © Chris Mclennan

In Southland, there is an abundance of walking trails for the hiking-inclined traveller, be it short, day or multi-day walks. All these walks let you sample the region's rich natural heritage, exploring…

Camping on Gertrude Saddle
Gertrude Saddle, Fiordland © Liz Carlson

Whether the coast battered by the great southern ocean, fiords carved by ancient glaciers or the mountains and plateaus shaped by the weather and its local inhabitants, Murihiku Southland reveals some life-lasting…

Farm Animals - Southland, New Zealand
Air New Zealand

Known for its warm ‘small community’ feel, rural Southland is famous for genuine hospitality, hearty meals, entrepreneurial spirit, and stunning natural landscapes. With experiences ranging from alpaca…

Surfing with Dolphins
Great South

Southland is a region shaped by water, its residents and their past-times, the industry and wilderness, all its uniqueness is based on this power of nature. From the snow-capped mountains, flowing rivers…

The history of Southland  Murihiku  is rich and varied and each part of the region has their own unique past. You will find historical buildings located throughout the region. Aside…

Shopping
cottonbro

One of the best ways to get to know an area is to explore the local shops, and Southland is no exception.  Throughout the region are shop owners who display not only international brands but also unique local…

Places to Visit

Invercargill Central
Stacy Williamson

Places to Visit

Invercargill

Waihōpai Invercargill is the regional capital and commercial hub of Southland. Founded in the 1850s, it is New Zealand’s southernmost city - and one of the southernmost cities in the world. Numerous… Read More

Milford Sound - Kayak
Rosco's Milford Sound Kayaks, Fiordland

Places to Visit

Fiordland

Te Rua-o-te-Moko Fiordland is a place of extraordinary scenic beauty. One of New Zealand’s oldest tourism drawcards, this rugged and remote region offers awe-inspiring landscapes and a wide range of… Read More

Places to Visit

Stewart Island

Rakiura Stewart Island is the southernmost and smallest island of the three main islands of New Zealand. Just 30km from the South Island, it is a perfect retreat for those seeking peace, quiet, and… Read More

Florence Hill Lookout, The Catlins
Florence Hill Lookout, The Catlins

Places to Visit

The Catlins

Te Akau Tai Toka The Catlins, the spectacular coastal stretch between Balclutha and Invercargill, boasts a rugged beauty and untouched quality that is just magnetic. Here, you’ll find a world of native… Read More

Places to Visit

Gore District

Maruawai Gore and its surrounding district, sometimes called Eastern Southland, boasts an eclectic mix of heritage, culture, and industry. It is famous for its fly-fishing on the Mataura River, colourful… Read More

Places to Visit

Bluff

Southland’s port, Motupōhue Bluff, lies thirty kilometres south of Invercargill. The town, which is the southernmost settlement on mainland New Zealand, is home to the iconic Bluff Oyster & Food… Read More

Mores Scenic Reserve Lookout, Western Southland
Mores Scenic Reserve Lookout © Sam Deuchrass

Places to Visit

Western Southland

Tucked between the towering peaks of Fiordland to the west, the Takitimu mountain range to the north, and the wild ocean to the south, Western Southland boasts spectacular unspoilt scenery and limitless… Read More

Athol Biking - Around the Mountains Cycle Trail
Around the Mountains Cycle Trail, Athol

Places to Visit

Northern Southland

Northern Southland is a beautiful contrast of green, rolling farmland, majestic snow-capped mountains, and tussock clad high country. Read More

Central Southland
Forest Hill Scenic Reserve © Sam Deuchrass

Places to Visit

Central Southland

Central Southland is 1.5 million hectares of lush, rolling farmland. The district has always thrived on agriculture, although sawmills, flax and linen-flax industries, lime works, brickworks and tile works… Read More

Places to Visit