Southland

Southland is New Zealand’s southernmost region of the mainland Southland is dominated by the fertile farmlands and a rugged coastline.

The Southern Scenic Route will take you to view and explore the petrified forests of the Catlin's. Trampers will enjoy the native bush and wildlife that abounds in this area. While you are in the Catlins the views of Curio Bay are a must see.

West along the coast lies the town of Tuatapere. Along the road to Riverton and Tuatapere you will notice the trees growing at irregular angles due to being exposed to the gales that come direct from the Antarctic ice shelf. Tuatapere stands on the banks of one of the great rivers within New Zealand the Waiau. This is where fishing for brown trout can be found from the mouth of the river to its source in Fiordland.

Invercargill is the southern most city of New Zealand, and capital of the region. Invercargill has a population of 48 000 and welcomes all tourists with an excellent standard of service and southern New Zealand hospitality. As with Dunedin, Invercargill shares in a unique Scottish heritage, as can be seen by the numerous Victorian buildings that line the wide roads.

Find time to visit the Southland Museum and Art Gallery, home to the only living species from the Jurassic Age, the New Zealand Tuatara. Housed under the largest pyramid in the Southern Hemisphere, watch the tuatara go about their daily business, and become intrigued with the dinosaur age. The Museum and Gallery are situated in Queen's Park Gardens, an 80-hectare domain in the heart of the city.

Invercargill has numerous cafe/bars, as well as fine restaurants for travellers of all tastes. Accommodation in Invercargill extends to all varieties of tourists, whether you are a camper, backpacker, commercial traveller or vacationer looking for luxury and you will always find a friendly face.
Invercargill is the gateway to many New Zealand attractions, including National Parks, including the mighty Fiordland. The adventure tourist has a great choice of outdoor pursuits including hunting, fishing and bush walking. Around Invercargill tourists can pick up a golf club and swing their way around 18 holes at one of the many and challenging courses. Try one of the coast golf courses with some wind; you will think you are on a Scottish links.

Bluff is New Zealand's oldest European town, settled in 1824 and only half an hour from Invercargill. While in Bluff, indulge in one of New Zealand's most renowned delicacies, the Bluff Oyster. Another point of interest is Bluff's Paua house. Take in classic kiwiana garden decorations on the front lawn and then wander inside to experience a house devoted to the sea delicacy. To complete your experience, take in the panoramic views at Stirling Point, the southernmost point of the South Island. Just minutes away from the famous city of the South lay the town of Winton. It is a traditional farming supply town, servicing the rural district of Central Southland. Relax and unwind in the slower pace of country life. Winton offers an escape from the city, and an opportunity to experience real kiwi rural life by arranging a farm home stay.

The Bottom of the South Island, Bluff

Lumsden lies upon the inland route to Queenstown. This is heading into gold country. You will see why the region is based on farming with the pure green pasture. Life has never been so relaxed as in Lumsden. To the west is Fiordland national park it opens out to greet the traveller via the town of Mossburn. Seventy kilometres north of Invercargill is Gore, the region's second biggest town. Famous as New Zealand's Country and Western capital, this rural township boasts the annual Golden Guitar Music Awards, and entertainers often play in Gore's nightspots to the approval public. Gore is famous as the world's premier trout fishing area. The lure of feasting on a brown trout brings anglers from the four corners of the globe. Gore and the immediate surrounding area offers 27 clear rivers and streams for the angler, of which the Mataura River is the most prosperous and known.

Southland New Zealand

If you have any questions while in the region the Southland people are very friendly and only to happy to help. The people of Gore have a special accent, with them rolling their r’s when they speak.
Visit Southland and enjoy the southern hospitality.

Invercargill Map

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Southland’s climate:

Average summer temperature; 16.5c
Warmest months; December to March
Average winter temperature; 8.6c
Average Hours of sunshine per year; 1645hrs
Average annual rainfall; 960mm

Popular Southland activities

Cross Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island
Visit the Catlins area
Experience the Bluff Seafood Festival
Visit the Paua House
Salmon fish in Gore and listen to some country music