Te Anau, Invercargill, The Catlins, Stewart Island, Gore & Bluff

Located at the southernmost tip of New Zealand’s South Island, Southland is a region defined by rugged coastlines, ancient forests, pristine lakes and rich cultural heritage. From the dramatic fiords of Fiordland to the windswept beauty of The Catlins and the untouched wilderness of Stewart Island, Southland offers a slower, more authentic New Zealand experience.

Wildlife encounters, outdoor adventures, and peaceful landscapes await travellers who venture south. Whether you’re planning a scenic road trip, an outdoor escape, or a remote island adventure, Southland rewards exploration at every turn.

Find accommodation and things to do in Southland. Support local and book direct.

Te Anau – Gateway to Fiordland National Park

Set on the edge of Lake Te Anau, Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and one of Southland’s most popular destinations. Surrounded by alpine scenery, rainforest and crystal-clear lakes, Te Anau is the ideal base for exploring Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and the famous Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

The town is also the starting point for three of New Zealand’s Great Walks – the Milford, Kepler and Routeburn Tracks – making it a must-visit for hikers and nature lovers.

Things to do in Te Anau

• Scenic alpine flights with Southern Lakes Helicopters
• Milford Sound experiences with Luxe Tours
• Jet boating with Fiordland Jet
• Floatplane adventures with Wings & Water
• Horse trekking with Westray Farm Horse Treks
• Transport services via Fiordland Outdoors Transport
• Guided wilderness cruise experiences with Fiordland Expeditions

Accommodation in Te Anau

• Fiordland Hotel – Centrally located Te Anau hotel offering comfortable rooms, on-site dining, and easy access to Fiordland National Park attractions and Great Walks.
• Fiordland Lakeview Motel & Apartments – Modern motel and apartment-style accommodation with lake and mountain views, ideal for couples, families, and longer stays in Te Anau.
• Eglinton Valley Camp – Scenic alpine camping and lodge-style accommodation set within the Eglinton Valley, perfect for nature lovers exploring Fiordland National Park.
• Andy’s Place Campground – Friendly, relaxed campground close to Te Anau town centre, offering camping sites for self-contained campervans.

Invercargill – Southern City & Adventure Hub

As New Zealand’s southernmost city, Invercargill blends heritage charm with a relaxed pace of life. Wide streets, Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and the beautifully landscaped Queens Park make Invercargill a pleasant place to explore.

Invercargill is also a key base for accessing Bluff, Stewart Island, Eastern Southland and remote wilderness areas to the west.

Outdoor adventures near Invercargill

• Around 40km from Invercargill near Ōtautau, Wairaurahiri Wilderness Jet offers thrilling jet boat adventures through dramatic river gorges and remote Fiordland landscapes.

Stay & travel

• Lovett Lodge – Comfortable boutique-style accommodation in a quiet Invercargill suburb, close to the CBD and Queens Park. Ideal for couples, families, and groups.
• Waitutu Forest Lodge – Scenic wilderness lodge approximately 1 hour 5 minutes from Invercargill, offering rustic accommodation deep in Fiordland’s Waitutu Forest—perfect for nature lovers seeking remote forest walks, birdwatching, and off-the-beaten-track experiences.
• Stewart Island Flights – Daily scenic flights from Invercargill to Stewart Island, offering a fast and memorable way to reach Rakiura with stunning views over Foveaux Strait.

The Catlins – Rugged Coastlines & Wildlife Encounters

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of the South Island, The Catlins is one of New Zealand’s most unspoiled regions. Known for its dramatic coastlines, ancient forests and cascading waterfalls, the Catlins is perfect for travellers seeking solitude and raw natural beauty.

Highlights include Nugget Point Lighthouse, Cathedral Caves and Purakaunui Falls, along with opportunities to see yellow-eyed penguins, sea lions and Hector’s dolphins.

Where to stay

• Fern Hut Accommodation – peaceful off-grid accommodation surrounded by nature.

Bluff – Culture, History & Southern Flavours

At the southern end of State Highway 1 lies Bluff, a small yet iconic town known for its maritime history and world-famous Bluff oysters. Visit Stirling Point, enjoy panoramic views from Bluff Hill Lookout, and experience the strong cultural heritage of the region.

• Murihiku Māori Experience – based in Bluff, offering powerful cultural storytelling and insight into Southland’s Māori history.

Stewart Island (Rakiura) – Untouched Island Wilderness

Located south of the South Island, Stewart Island is one of New Zealand’s most pristine destinations. Most of the island is protected as Rakiura National Park, offering rugged walking tracks, secluded beaches and exceptional wildlife encounters.

Stewart Island is one of the few places in New Zealand where kiwi can be seen in the wild, often during daylight hours.

Things to do & stay

• Diving and snorkelling with Dive Rakiura offers a rare chance to explore Stewart Island’s pristine underwater world, rich in marine life and untouched kelp forests.
• Stewart Island Flights provides fast, scenic flights from Invercargill to Stewart Island, offering stunning aerial views and a convenient alternative to the ferry.
• Church Hill Boutique Lodge & Restaurant provides elegant Stewart Island accommodation with fine dining and elevated views, ideal for a relaxed island escape.
• Anchorstone Luxury Boutique Accommodation offers premium, private Stewart Island stays with exceptional comfort and personalised service, perfect for couples and special occasions.

Gore – Fly Fishing, Arts & Country Music

Located in Eastern Southland, Gore is best known for world-class trout fishing on the Mataura River and its reputation as New Zealand’s country music capital. The town also features the Eastern Southland Gallery, showcasing impressive national and international art collections.

Fly fishing in Gore

• Flyfish The South – Based in Gore, Flyfish the South offers professionally guided fly-fishing adventures across Southland and Fiordland, with access to world-class rivers, lakes, and remote backcountry waters. Suitable for beginners through to experienced anglers.

Stay & travel

• Esplanade Motels – Comfortable, centrally located Gore accommodation overlooking the Mataura River, ideal for anglers, families, and travellers exploring Eastern Southland.
• Explore Southland by campervan with Southern Campers – Travel at your own pace with a fully equipped campervan, perfect for discovering Southland’s scenic roads, coastal regions, and remote wilderness areas.

Things to Do in Southland

• Explore Fiordland National Park – Discover dramatic fiords, alpine peaks, waterfalls, and ancient rainforest in one of New Zealand’s most iconic wilderness areas.
• Cruise Milford Sound & Doubtful Sound – Experience towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife on scenic fiord cruises.
• Walk the Great Walks – Tackle the Milford and Kepler Tracks or enjoy shorter walks around Lake Te Anau and the Catlins coastline.
• Visit Lake Te Anau & Lake Manapouri – Enjoy scenic cruises, kayaking, lakeside walks, and breathtaking mountain reflections.
• See the Te Anau Glowworm Caves – Explore underground limestone caves lit by thousands of glowworms.
• Discover The Catlins Coastline – Visit Nugget Point Lighthouse, Cathedral Caves, Purakaunui Falls, and windswept beaches rich in wildlife.
• Wildlife Viewing – Spot kiwi, yellow-eyed penguins, sea lions, fur seals, and Hector’s dolphins in their natural habitats.
• Jet Boating & River Adventures – Ride through remote river gorges and wilderness landscapes near Invercargill and Fiordland.
• Scenic Flights & Floatplane Tours – See fiords, glaciers, and alpine landscapes from above with unforgettable aerial views.
• Kayaking & Water Activities – Paddle Fiordland lakes, rivers, and coastal inlets for close-up nature experiences.
• Diving & Snorkelling – Explore Stewart Island’s pristine marine environment, including kelp forests and abundant marine life.
• Explore Stewart Island (Rakiura) – Walk rugged coastal tracks, visit Ulva Island bird sanctuary, and experience untouched island wilderness.
• Fly Fishing & Freshwater Fishing – Fish world-class rivers such as the Mataura River near Gore, renowned for brown trout.
• Cycling & Mountain Biking – Ride scenic trails including the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail.
• Experience Māori Culture – Learn about Southland’s heritage through authentic Māori storytelling and cultural experiences in Bluff.
• Food & Local Flavours – Taste Bluff oysters, fresh seafood, and hearty southern cuisine.
• Photography & Stargazing – Capture dramatic landscapes and enjoy some of New Zealand’s clearest night skies.

Travel Tips for Southland

Climate: Southland has a cooler, temperate climate with changeable weather – especially in Fiordland and coastal areas.

Getting There: Fly into Invercargill, drive scenic routes, or ferry/flight to Stewart Island.

Accommodation: Options range from luxury lodges to campgrounds – book ahead in peak holiday seasons.

Safety: Always check weather conditions and carry suitable gear when exploring remote areas.

Explore Southland, New Zealand

Southland’s untamed landscapes, rich wildlife and peaceful pace make it one of New Zealand’s most rewarding regions to explore. From Fiordland adventures to remote coastal escapes and island wilderness, Southland offers experiences you’ll never forget.

👉 Explore Southland accommodation and activities on NZ Online Travel and book direct with trusted local operators.