Southland - South Island, New Zealand

The south of the South Island is all about scenery. Southland is well known for rolling fertile farmlands and golden beaches, towering rainforests and alpine tussocks.

In contrast to the dryness of Central Otago, Southland is lush and green. Tranquil waterways attract fly-fishing enthusiasts in search of brown trout.

Near pristine southern rainforest provides opportunities for day walks and hiking. The amazing Catlins Coast promises wildlife encounters and the chance to visit Curio Bay - a petrified forest of subtropical kauri and other trees dating back to the Jurassic Age.

Southland's largest urban centre is Invercargill, a city of 49,000 people. Visitors come to admire the elegant Victorian and Edwardian buildings, gardens and landscaped parks.

A half hour drive south from Invercargill is the fishing port of Bluff - home to the famous Bluff oyster and a lively annual seafood festival.

From Bluff, visitors can catch a ferry to Stewart Island - a haven for native bird life and the only place in New Zealand where you can readily see kiwi in their natural habitat.

Invercargill

New Zealand's southernmost city, Invercargill is the commercial centre of Southland. It is not a tourist trap as such but many travellers end up there en route to Stewart Island or the Catlins.

Invercargill - More Information

Gore

Lying 66km north of Invercargill, Gore is a very relaxed southern town and hub to the surrounding farmland.

Gore - More Information

Stewart Island

Of New Zealand's three main islands, Stewart Island is the southernmost and smallest (about 75km long and 45km wide). Separated from the South Island by the 32km (20 mile) Foveaux Strait, 85% of the island contains New Zealand's newest national park - Rakiura National Park.

Stewart Island - More Information

Southland Accommodation

Southland Activities