Southland Travel Guide
Southland accommodation, Southland activities and attractions, Southland maps, transportation to and around Southland - the ALL NEW Jasons Southland Destination Travel Guide is your complete visitor guide for Southland.
From lush rainforests to rolling farmlands and golden beaches, Southland is one of New Zealand’s most diverse regions and a great place to go if you enjoy getting off the beaten track. Southland’s spectacular scenery and native wildlife tempts hikers and adventurers alike, with a huge range of activities from surfing and cycling through to hiking, hunting and fishing.
Southland's largest city is
Invercargill, known for its 1200 hectares of gardens and parklands, and its southern hospitality. Just down the road, Southland's busy port at
Bluff is the place to sample succulent Bluff oysters. Across the Foveaux Strait lies
Stewart Island, a haven for walkers and native wildlife, where bush cloaks most of the rugged landscape. Oban, the island's only town, is located at Halfmoon Bay.
Between Dunedin and Invercargill lies the
Catlins, a spectacular coastal area backed by towering podocarp and beech forests, often described as New Zealand's best kept secret. Here you’ll see yellow-eyed penguins, dolphins and Hookers sea lions in their natural habitat.
Gore is famous for trout fishing along the Mataura River and its tributaries, and for its annual Gold Guitars country music festival, which is held during the first weekend of June.
Visit the official website for
Southland.
Geographic Location
Lower South Island, incorporating Stewart Island
Population
91,000
Climate
Summer average: 18°C
Winter average: 9°C
Average rainfall: 1042mm/year