The wild south awaits with rare animal encounters and a special brand of hospitality. In contrast to the dryness of Central Otago, Southland is lush and green. Tranquil waterways attract fly-fishing enthusiasts in search of brown trout. Near-pristine southern rainforest provides opportunities for day walks and hiking.
Invercargill, known as the friendly city and heart of Southland, is New Zealand's southernmost city and gateway to some of its most beautiful scenery including the Catlins, Fiordland and Stewart Island.
The amazing Catlins Coast promises wildlife encounters, sweeping beaches, magnificent water falls and the chance to see Curio Bay - a petrified forest of subtropical kauri and other trees dating back to the Jurassic age.
New Zealand's third island and home of the Kiwi lies 24 kms off the southern tip of the South Island across Foveaux Strait. It is an ecological wonderland where the clamour of civilisation is replaced by rapturous birdsong and sounds of the sea. Rendezvous with a kiwi, visit Ulva Island bird sanctuary or walk one of the many tracks.
MUST SEE & DO
- On Stewart Island, go kiwi spotting in the wild, visit Ulva Island a predator-free open bird sanctuary, see the wildlife on a Paterson Inlet Cruise and walk the Rakiura Track, one of New Zealand's great walks
- In Invercargill sample a bluff oyster, stroll through Queens Park with its 80 hectares of gardens, wildlife and sporting fun and view the collection of New Zealand art at the Anderson Park Art Gallery
- Along the Catlins walk to Purakaunui Falls, amongst the most photographed in the word, stroll on the sweeping beaches at Surat and Cannibal Bay, explore Curio Bay's fossilised forest and marvel at the view from the Nugget Point lighthouse
