In Southland, there are many great tracks for cycling. You can find anything from family friendly rides to more adventurous tracks for the mountain bike fanatic in you.
Southland spans over 30,000 km and is the region with the longest coastline, which means there are plenty of activities and attractions to fill in your visit. With day trips from the hub of Invercargill, or back country stays in the eclectic communities, leave no part undiscovered and experience the best of manaakitanga that the South is known for.
Let the locals show you some great places to eat and stay, and brilliant things to see and do here in Southland.
Must-Do Activities
Must-Do Activities
In Southland, there is an abundance of walking trails for the hiking inclined traveler, be it short, day or multi-day walks.
You'll find a number of beautifully maintained, exciting golf courses in Southland.
Southland is an angler's dream, with easy public access and plenty of fish in the sea, rivers and lakes.
Chris McLennan
No visit to Southland would be complete without trying out one of the many agritourism experiences on offer.
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 alpaca feeding, whip cracking, private mountain bike trails and horse treks to boutique produce and authentic farmstay experiences, there is a rich array of options available.
Family Trip Ideas
Family Trip Ideas
Here are some of our best insider tips to make your trip to Gore memorable with some great Family Activities.
Known for its spectacular waterfalls, imposing mountain views and deep blue lakes, Fiordland is home to a number of cool experiences making it the perfect family holiday destination.
Travelling with the kids can be one of the greatest memories to reflect on (but we totally know it can be a challenge to keep the kids entertained), here’s some of our best insider tips to make your trip to Invercargill memorable with some great Family Activities
The Catlins, a magnificent coastline region, attracts visitors with its rough beauty and unspoiled quality. A world of native forests, deserted sandy beaches, glittering bays, gushing waterfalls and secret lakes awaits you here.
Southland Must Eats
Southland Must Eats
Bluff oysters are reputed to be the best in the world and a national treasure. These delicate and succulent shellfish are found along the Southland coastline.
Over the last twenty to thirty years, a coffee revolution has taken place in New Zealand as many Kiwis have become quite the connoisseurs of the black liquid.
The swede is one of those vegetables that’s easily available, but a lot of people have never tried it before.
The infamous Southern Cheese Roll... a local tradition and delicacy that is a must try for any traveler to Southland.
Must-Do Walks
Must-Do Walks
Stewart Island has just 28km of road, but over 280km of walking tracks; ranging from 30 minute beach walks to the three-day Rakiura Track.
Fiordland is one of the world’s finest walking destinations, with major drawcards being the spectacular Milford, Kepler, and Routeburn Tracks.
Riverton not only offers stunning beaches it also is home to varies coastal tracks.
The network of walking tracks at Bluff Hill are a nature lover’s delight, with abundant native birdlife and flora..
In Southland, there are many famous great walks for the hiking inclined traveler, but there is also a selection of short, easily accessible walking tracks that still encourage you to sample the region's rich natural heritage.
Southland is the perfect place for short walks, day hikes, or multi-day tramps. Some tracks are also dog friendly. Check these tracks and trails that allow dog access.
Southland Wildlife
Southland Wildlife
Southland offers some of the best bird watching opportunities and bird sanctuaries in the country with an abundance of native bird species living in the area.
Southland is the place to explore and find everything from seals, to shellfish, to seagulls, to sharks!
Ulva Island is a predator-free open island sanctuary in Paterson Inlet - one of the few pest-free sanctuaries in New Zealand.
Southland Shopping
Southland Shopping
It's not called Opportunity Shopping (Op Shopping) for no reason.
Op shopping is becoming increasingly popular in Southland with many small towns featuring op shops on the main street. Op shopping is a great way to save money, save time and save the environment.
