Southland · Travel guide · Updated 2026

Discover the Enchanting Wonders of Southland

Experience the untouched beauty of Southland, New Zealand, where majestic fjords, historic towns, and coastal gems await your discovery.

Nestled at the southern tip of New Zealand's South Island, Southland is a region of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the striking beauty of Fiordland National Park to the charming town of Invercargill, Southland offers a uniquely serene experience for every traveler. Fiordland National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. Home to the famous Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, this UNESCO World Heritage site boasts dramatic fjords, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. Whether you're kayaking, hiking, or taking a scenic cruise, the stunning vistas will leave you in awe. Invercargill, Southland's largest city, offers a blend of modern amenities and historic charm. Visit the Southland Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the region's history and culture, or take a stroll through the beautiful Queens Park. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the unique Burt Munro Challenge, celebrating the legendary speed racer. For a taste of local flavor, head to the coastal town of Bluff. Famous for its oysters, Bluff is a seafood lover's paradise. Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants and take in the panoramic views from Bluff Hill. The annual Bluff Oyster & Food Festival is a highlight for many visitors. Southland's Catlins region is another gem waiting to be explored. With its rugged coastline, dense forests, and hidden waterfalls, the Catlins offer endless opportunities for adventure. Keep an eye out for native wildlife, including the rare yellow-eyed penguin and the playful Hector's dolphin.

Invercargill

Bill Richardson Transport World

Experience the untouched beauty of Southland, New Zealand, where majestic fjords, historic towns, and coastal gems await your discovery.

Bluff

Stirling Point

Experience the untouched beauty of Southland, New Zealand, where majestic fjords, historic towns, and coastal gems await your discovery.

McLean Falls

Experience the untouched beauty of Southland, New Zealand, where majestic fjords, historic towns, and coastal gems await your discovery.

Slope Point

The Southern Most Point of the South Island of New Zealand

Experience the untouched beauty of Southland, New Zealand, where majestic fjords, historic towns, and coastal gems await your discovery.

Gertrude Valley Lookout

Experience the untouched beauty of Southland, New Zealand, where majestic fjords, historic towns, and coastal gems await your discovery.

Hollyford Valley Lookout

Experience the untouched beauty of Southland, New Zealand, where majestic fjords, historic towns, and coastal gems await your discovery.

Lake Gunn Nature Walk

Experience the untouched beauty of Southland, New Zealand, where majestic fjords, historic towns, and coastal gems await your discovery.

Eastern Bush

Clifden Caves

Experience the untouched beauty of Southland, New Zealand, where majestic fjords, historic towns, and coastal gems await your discovery.

Progress Valley

Koropuku Falls

Experience the untouched beauty of Southland, New Zealand, where majestic fjords, historic towns, and coastal gems await your discovery.

When is the best time to go to Southland?

Weather at a glance

Use the monthly temperature and precipitation trends to compare typical conditions across the year before planning countryside walks, town visits, and heritage days.

Temperature

°C

Precipitation

mm
Warmest monthsNov–Mar
Longest daylightNov–Feb
Driest periodSep–Apr

Explore places in Southland

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    Iconic landmarks you can't miss

    Classic Southland sights that mirror the landmark pins above, with a little more context before users explore further.

    Unmissable attractions to see

    These cards mirror the attraction list in the map, while adding enough context to help users prioritise.

    Bill Richardson Transport World

    Explore New Zealand's transport history at Bill Richardson Transport World, a unique museum showcasing vintage vehicles and engaging exhibits in Invercargill.

    Bill Richardson Transport World

    Stirling Point

    Discover the breathtaking Stirling Point, a historic landmark at New Zealand's southern tip, offering stunning views and a taste of local culture.

    Stirling Point

    McLean Falls

    Experience the breathtaking beauty of McLean Falls in Otago, New Zealand – a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

    McLean Falls

    The Southern Most Point of the South Island of New Zealand

    Experience the breathtaking beauty of Slope Point, the southernmost point of New Zealand's South Island, with stunning coastal views and iconic landscapes.

    The Southern Most Point of the South Island of New Zealand

    Clifden Caves

    Explore the enchanting Clifden Caves in Southland, New Zealand, where nature's artistry meets adventure in stunning limestone formations and breathtaking landscapes.

    Clifden Caves

    Dig This Invercargill

    Unleash your inner operator at Dig This Invercargill, where adventure awaits with heavy machinery experiences in New Zealand's southern gem.

    Dig This Invercargill

    Thomsons Bush

    Experience the natural beauty of Thomsons Bush, a tranquil nature preserve in Invercargill, New Zealand, perfect for nature walks and wildlife watching.

    Thomsons Bush

    Hollyford Valley Lookout

    Discover the Hollyford Valley Lookout, a scenic viewpoint offering stunning landscapes and tranquil vistas in New Zealand's Southland region.

    Hollyford Valley Lookout

    Lake Gunn Nature Walk

    Explore the breathtaking beauty of Lake Gunn Nature Walk in Fiordland National Park, where tranquility meets stunning landscapes, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

    Lake Gunn Nature Walk

    Essential places to dine

    The dining ideas below match the food pins above, making the map and editorial recommendations work together.

    Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

    Each shopping card aligns with a mapped browsing area, from major retail streets to market-led detours.

    Spotlight Invercargill

    Unleash your creativity at Spotlight Invercargill, the ultimate destination for crafts, home decor, and DIY enthusiasts in New Zealand.

    Spotlight Invercargill

    Mrs Woolly's General Store

    Experience the charm of Mrs Woolly's General Store, the perfect blend of gifts, crafts, and café delights in the heart of Glenorchy, New Zealand.

    Mrs Woolly's General Store

    The Warehouse Invercargill

    Explore The Warehouse Invercargill, your one-stop department store for everything from clothing to home goods in New Zealand's southern city.

    The Warehouse Invercargill

    Art Fun Wear (Invercargill)

    Art Fun Wear in Invercargill offers a unique blend of clothing, crafts, and souvenirs, perfect for capturing the spirit of New Zealand.

    Art Fun Wear (Invercargill)

    Clearance Centre

    Explore the Clearance Centre in Invercargill for unbeatable deals on diverse products, from trendy apparel to unique home decor.

    Clearance Centre

    Southern Adventure

    Explore the great outdoors with top-quality gear from Southern Adventure, Invercargill's premier outdoor clothing and equipment shop.

    Southern Adventure

    Art Supplies Southland

    Discover a treasure trove of art supplies at Art Supplies Southland, the ultimate destination for creativity in Invercargill, New Zealand.

    Art Supplies Southland

    Yaks 'n' Yeti's

    Explore Yaks 'n' Yeti's in Invercargill for a delightful collection of collectibles that showcase New Zealand's unique charm and cultural heritage.

    Yaks 'n' Yeti's

    Mokotua Store

    Experience the essence of local flavors at Mokotua Store, your go-to grocery destination in the picturesque Awarua Wetlands.

    Mokotua Store

    Essential bars & hidden hideouts

    The evening cards below match the bars layer in the map, so browsing and orientation stay connected.

    Milford Sound landscape in New Zealand image - Free stock photo - Public  Domain photo - CC0 Images
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    Explore Southland in Photos

    A quick visual route through countryside views, towns, gardens, and regional day-trip atmosphere.

    Waters and landscape of Milford Sound, New Zealand image - Free stock photo  - Public Domain photo - CC0 Images
    File:Fiordland National Park, New Zealand (Unsplash).jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Stewart Island weka.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Spring in Esk Street - Invercargill.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Port of Napier as seen from Bluff Hill Lookout (14757349814).jpg -  Wikimedia Commons
    File:Catlins Coast, South Island - 8605868000.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:00 1356 New Zealand - Lake Te Anau (Fiordland National Park).jpg -  Wikimedia Commons
    File:Forest Stewart Island.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Lake Wakatipu. New Zealand. (32898216300).jpg - Wikimedia Commons
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