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 it’s known for its excellent eateries and for 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.
NOTABLE CULTURE
For centuries Maori travelled by canoe to the islands just off Stewart Island to harvest mutton birds (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
New Zealand’s southernmost settlement, famous for Bluff Oysters.
Oban
Stewart Island’s main settlement.
Transport
By Air
Invercargill Airport offers domestic flights to and from Christchurch International Airport. It does not offer any direct international flights. Flights to Stewart Island are available and take approximately 20 minutes.
By Road
Invercargill is located at the southern end of State Highway 1. The town is 3 hours, 10 minutes from Dunedin and several coach companies provide scheduled bus services to the region.
By ferry
Stewart Island is a one-hour boat trip from Bluff.
i-SITE Visitor Centres
Gore
Cnr Hokonui Drive & Norfolk Street, Gore t. +64 3 203 9288.
Invercargill
Queens Park, 108 Gala Street, Invercargill t. +64 3 214 6243.
Stewart Island
12 Elgin Terrace, Stewart Island t: +64 3 219 1400.
