
Things to Do in Southland
Southland has a huge amount to see and do, with activities and natural attractions to suit every taste, itinerary, and budget.
Tramping, mountain biking, fishing, jet boating, kayaking, surfing, diving, horse trekking, 4-wheel driving, wildlife spotting, and even shark cage diving are just some of the awesome things you can experience in Southland!
Scenic and informative tours, cruises, flights, and charters are great ways to explore the region and an abundance of amazing museums, vintage displays, galleries, and heritage trails provide engaging opportunities to learn more about the history and culture of the area.
Southland encompasses two national parks; Fiordland National Park and Rakiura National Park, and four of New Zealand’s Great Walks; the Milford Track, the Routeburn Track, the Kepler Track and the Rakiura Track. Stunning natural attractions can be found all over the region, from lakes, sounds, rivers, waterfalls, and bays, to caves, forests, scenic reserves, and gardens.
If you want to hike a trail but don't feel up to taking on a Great Walk just yet, you're in luck. Southland has a great variety of Short Walks to choose from. These trails are easily accessible walking tracks take you through the region's natural heritage of mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, sandy beaches and rugged coastlines. some of these are perfect for the whole family! And some trails also allow dog access so your four-legged family members can come along on your outdoor adventures.
So, bring your camera and start discovering!
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…
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…
Whether the coast battered by the great southern ocean, fiords calved by ancient glaciers or the mountains and plateaus shaped by the weather and its local inhabitants, Southland reveals some life lasting natural…
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…
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…
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
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
Places to Visit
The Catlins
The Catlins, the spectacular coastal stretch between Balclutha and Invercargill, boasts a rugged beauty and untouched quality that is magnetic. Here you’ll find a world of native forests fringed by high… Read More
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
Places to Visit
Gore District
Gore District, sometimes referred to as Eastern Southland, boasts an eclectic mix of heritage and culture. Famous for its fly-fishing on the Mataura River, its colourful illicit whisky-making past and farming… Read More
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
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
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
Places to Visit
Fiordland
Fiordland Te Rua-o-te-Moko 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 wide range of… Read More
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
The Catlins
The Catlins, the spectacular coastal stretch between Balclutha and Invercargill, boasts a rugged beauty and untouched quality that is magnetic. Here you’ll find a world of native forests fringed by high… Read More
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
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
Gore District
Gore District, sometimes referred to as Eastern Southland, boasts an eclectic mix of heritage and culture. Famous for its fly-fishing on the Mataura River, its colourful illicit whisky-making past and farming… Read More
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
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
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