Southland offers rugged scenery, native wildlife, motoring history and stand out local produce. Check out the top 8 experiences in Southland.
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Image credit: South Coast tour, Southland by Geo Tours South
1 | HANDS ON TOURS.
Have a go at cracking a stock whip or try target shooting at an authentic Southland mai-mai (duck hunter's hut). Discover the nooks, crannies and geological wonders of the Western Southland coastline, or get a feel for rural life and agriculture at one of Southland’s many stunning farmstay accommodation options.
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Image credit: Bluff Oysters, Southland by Observation Rock Lodge
2 | THE WORLD'S BEST SEAFOOD.
Visit Bluff, one of the oldest European settlements in New Zealand, and experience the world’s best seafood. Bluff is particularly famous for its Oysters that are slowly grown in the pristine waters of the Foveaux Strait, Oyster Cove Cafe is one of the best places to savour the finest Oysters Bluff has to offer.
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Image credit: Invercargill Brewing, Southland
3 | SOUTHLAND CRAFT.
Alongside the welcoming locals you will find a plethora of fantastic local craft produce. Try the dram of Hokonui Moonshine in Gore. Savour handmade gourmet chocolates from the Seriously Good Chocolate Company. See why the competition for the best pie in the region is so strong by sampling one of these hearty southern delicacies.
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Image credit: Wairaurahiri Jet, Southland by Dawn Patterson
4 | WATER ADVENTURES.
Take a thrilling jetboat ride across New Zealand’s deepest lake, Lake Hauroko and down the Wairaurahiri River to the southern coast. Spend a relaxing day at sea and catch your own fresh blue cod dinner with one of the many fishing charters operating off the coast of Bluff and Stewart Island.
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Image credit: Texaco Tanker, Southland By Bill Richardson Transport World
5 | MOTORING MANIA.
Southland has a deep passion for all things wheeled. It all started with Burt Munro setting a world land speed record on his Indian Scout motorbike, now displayed at E. Hayes and Sons Motorworks. Invercargill also boasts the impressive Bill Richardson Transport World (the largest private collection of its type in the world), Classic Motorcycle Mecca a world class display of over 300 motorcycles and artwork and Dig This — where visitors can try operating heavy machinery in a giant adult-sized sand pit.
Image credit: Welcome Rock Cycle trail, Southland By Videocopter NZ
6 | CYCLE TRAILS.
Discover the stunning surrounds of the Southland region by bicycle. Take the Around the Mountains cycle trail and ride through alpine landscapes, historic towns, and past beautiful farmland and lakes. Be sure to stop and enjoy the local hospitality along the ride to savour delicious food and local stories. For an off-road cycling adventure take the stunning Welcome Rock Trail, set on private land in the high country of Northern Southland.
Image credit: Ulva Island, Stewart Island - Rakiura By Miles Holden
7 | STEWART AND ULVA ISLANDS.
Stewart Island boasts over 240 km of walking tracks. From short walks to week long adventures you can explore the beaches and rainforests at your own pace. The island is home to New Zealand's largest and most diverse bird population – spot wild kiwi in their natural habitat!
Image credit: Nugget Point lighthouse, Southland by Julie Chandelier
8 | THE CATLINS COAST.
The Catlins offers a variety of experiences to satisfy any nature lover. See fur seals, sea lions and elephant seals at Nugget Point — the only place in New Zealand where all three can be seen together! Walk on a Jurassic forest and spot Hectors Dolphins and yellow eyed penguins at Curio Bay. Journey through podocarp forests, along stunning coastlines, to hidden lakes and breathtaking waterfalls.
