Superb outdoor adventures, unforgettable wildlife encounters and warm southern hospitality await in Southland, a ruggedly beautiful landscape at the far south of New Zealand. Visit Invercargill and explore the surrounding landscape, then travel to Rakiura Stewart Island for a true off-the-beaten track adventure.

Explore the Southland Region

In the deep south of New Zealand, Southland offers breathtaking scenery – from waterfalls to emerald-green hills – combined with a famously warm southern welcome. Invercargill is the region’s hub, and it’s known for its excellent eateries and museum. Get further off the beaten track with a visit to Rakiura Stewart Island. With much of the island protected in Rakiura National Park, New Zealand’s third-largest island is a uniquely unspoilt wilderness bursting with native wildlife.

Regional Destinations

Invercargill Cultured main centre of the Southland region.

Bluff Mainland New Zealand’s southernmost settlement, famous for Bluff oysters.

Oban Stewart Island’s main settlement.

Riverton Coastal settlement and home of the Riverton Rocks.

Highlights

Fly to the wilderness of Stewart Island and land on a deserted beach. Hike to a picturesque waterfall deep in Catlins Forest Park. Visit the oddly spherical Riverton Rocks. Rent a mountain bike and explore Sandy Point. Fish for trout in a sparkling Southland river. Check out the Tuatara colony at Southland Museum. Catch a water taxi from Stewart Island to Ulva Island wildlife sanctuary. Watch wild kiwi foraging on a sandy beach at dusk. Hike on a rainforest trail in the wilderness of Rakiura National Park.

Te Punga o Te Waka

‘The Anchor Stone of Māui’s Canoe’ – the Māori name for Stewart Island refers to the legend of Māui fishing up the mighty Te Ika-a-Māui (the fish of Māui) from his canoe (the South Island).