Wings Over Wairarapa 2011 
Southland - Go Discover!
Back to IndexSouthland has a natural unspoilt beauty that travellers find hard to leave. The character of the region is found in the landscape – the endless beaches pounded by the Pacific Ocean, rolling green, fertile plains, meandering rivers and rugged mountains.
Southland’s scenery is forever changing. You can stand in a forest and feel you’re the only person on earth, fish on long clear uncrowded rivers or relax on a golden beach that reaches as far as the eye can see. Cafes and craft shops are dotted throughout the countryside and there is an abundance of bird and sea life.
One of the most spectacular roads in Southland is the Southern Scenic Route, which forms a link from the world-renowned Milford Sound in Fiordland, through New Zealand’s southernmost city, Invercargill, up to the Edinburgh of the south, Dunedin.
Dolphins, sea lions, seals and penguins are just some of the wildlife to be seen in the Catlins. Caves hidden from sight by tides, waterfalls flowing through the trees and an ancient petrified forest are what visitors come to see while driving the Southern Scenic Route and they are never disappointed.
The city of water and light, Invercargill, is not only the starting point for the many adventures in Southland, but also the cosmopolitan hub for the province. Art galleries, including the Southland Museum and Art Gallery housed in a pyramid, show off the talents of Southlanders and New Zealanders while cafes and bars provide delectable cuisine. Invercargill was home to the Burt Munro, from The World’s Fastest Indian fame. His land speed record set in 1967 in still unbroken.
Some of the best brown trout fishing in the world can be experienced on the Mataura River on the outskirts of Gore. Southland’s second largest town is also home to cultural heritage attractions including the Hokonui Moonshine Museum which celebrates the history of moonshine making, the Eastern Southland Art Gallery which is home to a fine collection of Ralph Hotere’s work and the John Money collection, as well as Croydon Aircraft Company which specialises in the restoration of vintage aircraft. Gore is also home of the Peugeot Hokonui Fashion design awards which take place in July, and attracts talent from far and wide in New Zealand.
Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island is New Zealand’s newest National Park. Stewart Island is New Zealand’s third island and when you arrive you know you have come to a very special place. It is a haven for native birdlife and one of the best places in New Zealand to see kiwi in their natural habitat. Hiking the many tracks, sea kayaking, fishing, walking on the bird sanctuary - Ulva Island, are just some of the activities on offer on this special island.
The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is one of the newer hiking tracks in New Zealand and its covers 53 kilometres over three days/two nights. The track passes through many different landscapes including coastline, marine terraces, podocarp and beech forest, sub-alpine settings and spectacular sandstone outcrops. The area is rich in history for both Maori and European cultures and the key attractions are the restored Percy Burn Viaduct and the Edwin, Sandhill and Francis Burn Viaducts.
Southland offers a variety of quality accommodation, from friendly B&B’s to 5 star accommodation and activities from fishing, hiking, kiwi spotting, bird watching, kayaking and jet boating.
Southlanders welcome visitors with open arms, showing them the hidden secrets of the region and sharing their homes, their lives and their spirit – that’s why Southland is home to Spirit of the Nation.
It’s time to discover Southland, the most diverse destination in New Zealand
For more information go to www.southlandnz.com
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