Surfing with Dolphins
Great South

Boating & Water Activities

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 patrolled by trout, the deepest of lakes, cascading waterfalls in rainforests and fiords, sheltered bays for contemplation, or rugged coastlines crafted by the great Southern Ocean, Southland is flowing with opportunities. We suggest you go for a short walk to see one of the many lakes and waterfalls in the region or go kayaking or on a cruise and watch for marine life. Take the kids to one of our swimming pools or safe swimming beaches. Try your luck with a rod or dive for some local delicacies from our waters. Test your nerves with cage diving with Great White Sharks, or maybe just relax at a comfortable spot along the coast with your favourite book.

Fiordland Cruises
RealNZ

Cruises & Jet Boats

It's time to don your Captain’s hat and rule the crystal-clear waters of Southland. With a coastline that stretches 3,400 kilometres, the deepest lakes in the country and some of the best scenic…

Fly Fishing in Gore
Fly Fishing ©Gore DC

Fishing

Few anglers can resist the lure - clear, clean rivers and streams teeming with trout ribbon the Southland region. Southland is a fishing paradise which attracts anglers from across the globe to its clear…

Gravity Fishing charter boat

Charter Boats

Want to explore the Southland waters at your own pace? Renting a charter boat could be the perfect option for you. It's up to you to decide where to go, how long to drift along and when to come…

Snorkeling on Ulva Island

Snorkelling & Scuba Diving

Seeing Southland beneath the surface is something different. Snorkeling from the pristine beaches and crystal-clear water on Stewart Island or scuba diving New Zealand's Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) Marine…

Roscos kayak, Milford Sound

Kayaking, Canoeing, & SUP

Experiencing Southland from the water is truly something special, an experience like no other. Get up close with cascading waterfalls in Piopiotahi Milford Sound, get a visit from the local pahu Hector's…

Things to Do

Wairaurahiri Jet
Wairaurahiri Jet © Martin Sliva

Activities & Tours

Things to Do

Activities & Tours

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… Read More

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

Walking & Cycling

Things to Do

Walking & Cycling

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… Read More

Camping on Gertrude Saddle
Gertrude Saddle, Fiordland © Liz Carlson

Outdoor Adventures

Things to Do

Outdoor Adventures

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… Read More

Farm Animals - Southland, New Zealand
Air New Zealand

Agritourism

Things to Do

Agritourism

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… Read More

Things to Do