Southland
Overview
Southland Region is located at the southernmost tip of New Zealand's South Island, where pristine nature, wildlife, peaceful pastures, and glaciers harmoniously coexist. This area has a relatively low population and is less developed, preserving its natural beauty, and offers a unique landscape with dense forests, lakes, mountainous regions, and vast plains. One of the most beautiful fjords in New Zealand, Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are located here, making it a popular destination for travelers who love nature and wildlife. This region is well-known for its outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation.
Features
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Habitat of Pristine Nature and Wildlife
The Southland region is a habitat for various wildlife, making it a great place to observe marine creatures such as dolphins, seals, and penguins. With the preservation of pristine nature, including Fiordland National Park, the majestic mountainous terrain, forests, lakes, and coastlines create a harmonious ecological tourism destination.
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Fiord Topography and Marine Environment
This area boasts New Zealand's representative fiord topography. In particular, Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound offer breathtaking views where the sea and mountains blend together, attracting many tourists. In the fiord landscape, visitors can experience the beauty of the sea and mountains through boat tours, kayaking, and trekking.
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Center of Fishing and Seafood
The Southland region is also famous for fishing and seafood. Thanks to its rich marine resources, high-quality seafood can be enjoyed, with fresh oysters, salmon, and fish being popular. In particular, the Bluff area is well-known for its high-quality oysters.
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Paradise for Trekking and Nature Exploration
Fiordland National Park is home to some of New Zealand's most popular trekking routes, featuring world-renowned tracks such as the Milford Track, Routeburn Track, and Kepler Track. Visitors can enjoy diverse landscapes and experience nature up close.
Major Cities
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Invercargill
The central city of Southland and a major city at the southernmost point of New Zealand. Invercargill is the hub of the economy and culture of the southern region, characterized by wide, flat streets and Victorian-style architecture. This city has a developed fishing and seafood industry, and there are several beaches and parks nearby where you can enjoy a leisurely lifestyle and tourism.
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Bluff
A small coastal town located south of Invercargill, well-known for New Zealand's famous seafood, particularly Bluff Oysters. This place is famous for fishing and seafood cuisine, and at Sterling Point, you can see the 'South Point Sign', symbolizing the meeting of the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Ocean, which opens towards Antarctica.
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Te Anau
A gateway to Fiordland National Park and a base for fjord exploration. It is a small town centered around Lake Te Anau, attracting many visitors who want to enjoy fjords and trekking. Te Anau is conveniently located for traveling to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, and it is well-equipped with various accommodations and amenities.
Attractions
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Milford Sound
One of the most famous fjords in New Zealand, it is a world-renowned tourist destination where majestic mountains, clear seas, and waterfalls come together. You can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the fjord through boat tours or helicopter tours, and encounter various wildlife such as dolphins and seals. Milford Sound is a must-visit destination for many tourists every year due to its beautiful natural landscapes.
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Doubtful Sound
A wider and deeper fjord than Milford Sound, it boasts a tranquil atmosphere while preserving its natural state. Doubtful Sound has relatively fewer tourists, making it a great place to enjoy the serene nature, and you can observe various marine animals and birds. You can explore the fjord through boat tours and kayak tours, and it is famous for its beautiful scenery.
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Lake Te Anau & Te Anau Glowworm Caves
The largest lake in the Southland region, it is a place to appreciate the beautiful nature of Fiordland National Park. In particular, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are a famous spot where you can see glowing glowworms inside the cave, and you can take a boat into the cave to admire the mysterious light of the glowworms.
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Routeburn Track
A trekking route that connects Fiordland National Park and Mount Aspiring National Park, it is one of New Zealand's iconic Great Walks. The Routeburn Track offers various landscapes through lush forests and alpine terrain, and the approximately 3-day trail is very popular among trekking enthusiasts.
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Milford Track
A world-famous trekking route, it is a 4-day journey that crosses Fiordland National Park to reach Milford Sound. The Milford Track boasts beautiful natural scenery with dense forests, lakes, and waterfalls, and is considered one of the most famous trekking routes in New Zealand. It is a popular trail that requires advance booking.
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Bluff Sterling Point
One of the southernmost points in New Zealand, it is home to the ‘South Point Sign’. This sign indicates the directions and distances to New Zealand, Antarctica, and major cities around the world, making it a popular spot for tourists to take photos. The Bluff area is famous for its oysters and seafood, making it a great place to taste seafood.
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The Catlins Coast
Located on the border of the Southland and Otago regions, the Catlins Coast is a beautiful natural site where waterfalls, coastal cliffs, and beaches come together. In particular, the Catlins is home to several attractions such as McLean Falls, Purakaunui Falls, and Nugget Point, making it popular among nature lovers. In this area, you can observe penguins, seals, and various marine life up close.
Cities and Towns
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