Southland Regional Information

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Welcome to the southernmost region of mainland New Zealand. Visitors will marvel at the expansive, lush plains of green farmland and forest that is rural Southland. This geography combined with the rugged southern coastline makes for extraordinary viewing. Travel the Southern Scenic Route, taking time to explore the petrified forests of the Catlin's. Trampers will delight in the native bush and wildlife that abounds in this beautiful area. A visit to this area would not be complete without taking in the inspirational views of Curio Bay. Further to the west via a windswept 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 Antartic ice shelf. Tuatapere stands on the banks of one of the great rivers within New Zealand the Waiau. Excellent fishing for brown trout can be found from the mouth of the river to its source in Fiordland. Continue your travels to Invercargill, the southern most city of New Zealand, and commercial heart of the region. With a population of 48 000, Invercargill welcomes all tourists with an excellent standard of service and southern hospitality. As with Dunedin, Invercargill shares in a unique Scottish heritage, as can be seen by the numerous Victorian buildings that line the wide boulevards. No visit to this city is complete without a visit to 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 of years gone by. The Museum and Gallery are situated in Queen's Park Gardens, a magnificent 80-hectare domain in the heart of the city.

Invercargill is adept at providing facilities for all travellers. There are numerous cafe/bars, as well as fine restaurants. In terms of accommodation, the famous Southern hospitality extends to all varieties of tourists, whether you be a camper, backpacker, commercial traveller or vacationer looking for luxury. Invercargill can correctly boast to being the gateway to many attractions. Within hours are National Parks, including Fiordland, where tranquil waters are met by sheer rocky precipices. The tourist has a fine choice of outdoor pursuits such as hunting, fishing and bush walking. Within the city limits itself tourists can pick up a golf club and swing their way around 18 holes at one of the many courses Just half an hour from Invercargill is Bluff, New Zealand's oldest European town, settled in 1824. 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 lies 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 homestay. Lumsden lies upon the inland route to Queenstown. If you want rustic charm this is the place to be. Bask in the idyllic beauty of the lush farmland, and chat to the friendly locals who have a habit of rolling their r's while talking. Life has never been so relaxed as in Lumsden. To the west the vast national forest of Fiordland opens out to greet the traveller via the town of Mossburn. Seventy kilometres north of Invercargill lies Gore, the region's second biggest town. Famous as New Zealand's Country and Western mecca, this rural township boasts the annual Golden Guitar Music Awards, and entertainers often play in Gore's nightspots to the approval of the adoring public. From an international viewpoint, Gore is famous as the world's premier trout fishing area. The lure of feasting on a plump brown trout brings anglers from the four corners of the map. 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.

Whatever your pleasure, Southland is bound to accommodate it. Whether interested in outdoor pursuits, or just desiring a good, old-fashioned southern pampering, journey down and enjoy the rustic charm of friendly Southland.