Experience the magical combination of superb outdoor adventures, unforgettable wildlife encounters and warm southern hospitality in a ruggedly beautiful landscape.

In the deep south of New Zealand, the Southland region offers breathtaking scenery, from pristine waterfalls and rugged coastlines to windswept emerald green hills, combined with a famously warm southern welcome. Invercargill is the region’s cosmopolitan hub and is renowned for its excellent restaurants and cafés as well as its wonderful museum. Get further off the beaten track with a visit to Stewart Island. New Zealand’s third largest island is a unique destination offering unspoilt wilderness and abundant native wildlife – including the chance to see native Kiwi in the wild.

DESTINATION-NZ.COM HIGHLIGHTS

Hold your breath, let your eyes adjust to the darkness and watch wild Kiwi foraging on a Stewart Island beach – absolutely unforgettable! Have your photo taken at the Bluff Signpost and find out how far from home you really are – strictly speaking it’s not the southernmost point of New Zealand, but it does offer fantastic views of Stewart Island. Tantalise your taste-buds with the wonderful local seafood – Southland offers a range of delectable fresh seafood, from Blue Cod and Stewart Island Salmon to Mussels and Bluff Oysters. Pull on your hiking boots and walk the Hump Ridge Track – this challenging hike through bush, beaches, alpine tors and tarns offers stunning views. If the staying at sea level is more to your liking, explore the rugged beauty of Stewart Island’s coastline by sea kayak.

NOTABLE CULTURE

For centuries Maori travelled by canoe to the islands just off Stewart Island to harvest Mutton Birds (a type of sea bird, also known as Sooty Shearwaters) for food, a tradition still practiced today.

MOMENT IN HISTORY

In the earliest days of European settlement in New Zealand, Southland was an important whaling area. A station was set up at Fortrose in 1835, and further stations followed.

THE ICONIC EXPERIENCE

Drive the Southern Scenic Route from Dunedin, through Invercargill and Te Anau, to Milford Sound for stunning scenery, wildlife, walks, beaches, waterfalls and native bush along the way.

Plan your trip with a detailed map of this region and peruse our suggested travel itinerary. Read More Sights, activities and top picks to make planning easier. Read More