Carved by glaciers thousands of years ago during the ice ages, Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s top travel destinations.
For those who want to get off the beaten track, Southland is the ideal place to visit. One of the largest regions in New Zealand, Southland’s vast array of lakes, rivers, mountains and open plains make it a place of incomparable and unique beauty. Its rugged coastline, stretching a staggering 3,400 kilometres is one of Southland’s most treasured assets. Mostly free of development and home to countless species of native wildlife, it invites visitors back to nature in tranquil surroundings.
Although visitors traditionally come to Southland for its landscape, they stay for its people. The combination of friendly locals, serene surroundings and wide open spaces make for a great opportunity to find kinship and restore the soul. This is where memories of great adventures can be made.
Destinations
Destinations
With modern facilities and city advantages in a beautiful rural setting, Gore is a drawcard for many visitors.
The launch pad to accessing the variety of environments and adventure activities in Western Southland, including world-class jet boating and hiking.
Lumsden is Northern Southland’s main hub and a major travellers junction, providing access to Invercargill, Queenstown, Fiordland, and Gore.
Southland’s port, Bluff, is home to the iconic Bluff Oyster Festival and is the “Gateway to Stewart Island” via a twice-daily ferry service.
The perfect place for both adventurous types and those looking to relax, Oban is the base for all visitors to Stewart Island.
Wander the garden-lined main street and enjoy the variety of boutique stores and great cafes in Winton, Southland’s third largest centre.
Located on the Southern Scenic Route, Owaka is the perfect base for exploring the northern part of The Catlins.
This peaceful township lies on the eastern shores of Lake Manapōuri and is the departure point for excursions to Doubtful Sound.
Picturesquely spanning Jacob’s River Estuary, the “Riviera of the South” is a fantastic place for a family holiday or a New Zealand crib experience.
Invercargill (Waihōpai) is Southland’s main commercial hub and New Zealand’s southernmost city.
The attractive lakeside town of Te Anau is the gateway to the tramping and stunning scenery offered by Fiordland National Park.
Curio Bay is a popular destination, with spectacular scenery and wildlife including; an awe-inspiring petrified forest and rare penguins and dolphins.
Highlights
Highlights
A world class outdoor experience, this 3 day loop walk takes hikers along the south coast, up into sub-alpine areas, and over historic viaducts.
Carved by glaciers thousands of years ago during the ice ages, Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most stunning natural spaces.
DEAL: Complimentary audio guide.
The Point's often-photographed historic lighthouse, first lit on 1 January 1884, is nestled beside sweeping golden beaches and snoozing sea lions.
Learn about some of New Zealand's early aviators and see our wide range of fully restored aircraft, most of which are from the 1920s and 30s.
Famous for its signpost, which depicts distances to major cities around the world, Stirling Point is located at the beginning of State Highway 1.
Experience "the finest walk in the world" as you retrace the steps of early explorers through glacier-carved valleys and ancient rainforests.
If you're looking for things to do in Invercargill then you can't miss Bill Richardson Transport World. With literally hundreds of motor vehicles and petrol pumps on display there is a lot to take in.
