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

Walking & Cycling

Home to untouched forests, fertile farmlands, and rugged coastlines, Murihiku Southland's dramatic landscapes offer the perfect setting for your next walking or cycling holiday.

In Southland, walking trails are abundant for the hiking-inclined traveller, whether you prefer short, day or multi-day walks. All these walks let you sample the region's rich natural heritage, exploring majestic mountains, lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, meandering rivers, sandy beaches and rocky shorelines. So, grab your hiking boots and get ready to explore!

If you prefer to explore on wheels, you're in for a treat. Southland offers a variety of cycling and biking options to suit every adventurer. Wether you're after epic 'Welcome Rock' mountain biking trails, chilled electric bike tours, the leisurely pace of electric bike tours, family-friendly rides, or the excitement of laps around New Zealand's first-ever indoor cycling Velodrome, there's something for everyone. Don't miss the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail—a 186-kilometre Great Ride from Queenstown through Southland's diverse landscapes and charming rural towns. Cycling is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Southland's rich natural heritage, exploring towering mountains, lush forests, serene lakes, winding rivers, sandy beaches, and rugged shorelines. So, bring your bike or rent one while you're here and set off on an adventure that will leave you with lasting memories!

 

Sunset at Welcome Rock
Sunset at Welcome Rock, Northern Southland

Walking

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 mountains, forests, lakes…

Perenuka Mountain Bike Park
Perenuka Mountain Bike Park - Credit Great South

Mountain Biking & Cycling

Home to untouched forests, fertile farmlands and rugged coastlines, Southlands dramatic landscapes offer the perfect setting for your next cycling holiday.

Southland

Stories of our Walking & Cycling events

Things to Do

Wairaurahiri Jet
Wairaurahiri Jet © Martin Sliva

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

Camping on Gertrude Saddle
Gertrude Saddle, Fiordland © Liz Carlson

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

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