A Remote Region of Wildlife, Landscapes and Quiet Roads
Tucked away at the bottom of the South Island, Southland New Zealand is where untamed nature meets deep-rooted history. With wide open spaces, sparsely populated towns, and windswept coastlines, it offers a different kind of travel experience—one that invites you to slow down, look closer, and breathe deeper.
From the southernmost town of Bluff, famous for its oysters and ferry to Stewart Island, to the rolling green farmland surrounding Invercargill, Southland combines raw natural beauty with a strong sense of place. Whether you're following the Southern Scenic Route or pausing to watch sea lions on the beach, the region rewards curious travellers.
The Catlins, Stewart Island and Hidden Trails
The Catlins Coast is one of Southland’s greatest treasures—a wild and weathered stretch of cliffs, native forest, waterfalls and empty beaches. This off-the-beaten-track area is home to Purakaunui Falls, Cathedral Caves, and Curio Bay, where fossilised forests and rare Hector’s dolphins can be found in the same afternoon.
Across the water, Stewart Island / Rakiura offers a chance to see kiwi in the wild and walk remote forest trails in Rakiura National Park. Most visitors reach the island via ferry from Bluff and stay a few nights to explore the peaceful bays and walking tracks. Southland’s sense of isolation is its greatest strength—it’s nature, uninterrupted.
Top Things to Do in Southland New Zealand
Southland is a nature-lover’s dream. Here are some of the best things to experience across the region:
- Drive the Southern Scenic Route through untouched coastal landscapes
- Spot rare wildlife in The Catlins, including dolphins and penguins
- Visit Purakaunui Falls and the Cathedral Caves
- Explore Bluff and try fresh local oysters (in season)
- Take the ferry to Stewart Island and hike in Rakiura National Park
- Go kiwi spotting with a local guide at night on Stewart Island
- Discover heritage sites and museums in Invercargill
- Walk to Slope Point, the southernmost point of the South Island
- Visit Curio Bay’s fossilised forest and watch for Hector’s dolphins
- Enjoy peaceful beaches and forest trails with almost no crowds
Need Help Planning Your Southland Journey?
Whether you're cruising Fiordland, hiking Great Walks, or spotting kiwi on Stewart Island, our team can help you build the perfect itinerary — tailored to your pace, interests, and travel style.
