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Southland

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. The amazing Catlins...

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Exploring Invercargill and Bluff

Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and the township of Bluff is famous for its oysters.

  • View New Zealand's largest collection of live tuatara (a native New Zealand reptile) at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery
  • Wander through the aviary, Japanese garden and rose gardens of Queens Park
  • Enjoy examples of historic New Zealand architecture
  • Visit the Maritime Museum for an insight into the region's fascinating maritime history
  • Join in the fun at the Bluff Oyster & Southland Seafood Festival, held on the fourth Saturday in April. Bluff Oysters are a true New Zealand delicacy!

    • The fascinating world of the Catlins

    The Catlins Coast is a place of hidden waterfalls and river valleys, sea mammals and seabirds, rocky coastal bays and tranquil estuaries.

  • Of international geological significance is Curio Bay's 180-million-year-old fossilised forest, best viewed at low tide.
  • Nugget Point (Tokata) is a place to see three penguin species (including Hoiho, the Yellow-eyed Penguin), Hooker's sea lions, Hector's dolphins, elephant seals and New Zealand fur seals.
  • Walk to Purakaunui Falls or do the Catlins River Walk, a five hour beech forest walk between Tawanui and the Wisp
  • Hike to the spectacular Cathedral Caves - accessible only at low tide
  • Visit the lighthouse at Waipapa Point, scene of New Zealand's worst shipping disaster

    • Trout fishing, train rides and more

    Gore is the brown trout fishing centre of Southland - the Mataura River has the highest population and catch rates of any river in New Zealand.

  • Fish the best spots on the Mataura River, and get a guide to show you the other great trout pools in the area
  • Visit the Hokonui Moonshine Museum & Eastern Southland Art Gallery
  • Take an open cockpit air flight and see restored vintage aircraft at the Croydon Aircraft Company
  • Drive further north to catch the Kingston Flyer, the vintage steam train that operates on a 14-kilometre stretch of scenic track between Kingston and Fairlight
  • Visit the seaside resort of Riverton, just to the west of Invercargill, one of the oldest settlements in New Zealand
  • Tuatapere is the home of the Hump Ridge Track - a three-day walking experience through rugged coastline, podocarp and beech forest and spectacular sandstone outcrops


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