In September and October 2011 New Zealand will host the world’s third-largest sporting event – the Rugby World Cup. Approximately 70,000 international visitors are expected to attend, meaning that it is essential to book well in advance for accommodation and transport during this period. The event will include a nationwide festival showcasing New Zealand’s entertainment, arts, cuisine and lifestyle, so even if your clients are not sports fanatics, it will be an exciting time to visit. 
New Zealand Trade Manual has been designed with travel industry professionals in mind. 
Superb outdoor adventures and wildlife encounters in a ruggedly beautiful landscape complement warm southern hospitality in the deep south of New Zealand.
Southland is an unspoilt land of contrast. Situated in the far south of New Zealand’s South Island, the region offers breathtaking scenery, from pristine waterfalls and rugged coastlines to windswept emerald green hills, combined with wonderful southern hospitality. Invercargill is the region’s cosmopolitan hub. Art galleries showcase local talent, while cafés and bars provide delectable cuisine and entertainment. At the Southland Museum and Art Gallery, visitors can see New Zealand’s largest collection of live Tuatara, a remarkable native reptile that dates back to the age of the dinosaurs. East of Invercargill, the Catlins region offers magnificent coastal scenery and wilderness areas.
On the south coast is Bluff. Often described as the most southerly point of mainland New Zealand, this is not strictly the case, however this windswept spot features great views of Stewart Island and the wild ocean that surrounds it. Bluff is also home to delicious Bluff Oysters – a seasonal delicacy.
To get to Stewart Island, visitors can catch a ferry from Bluff or take a scenic flight from Invercargill. New Zealand’s third largest island offers a slice of unspoilt wilderness where native birds thrive. Visitors can hike in New Zealand’s newest national park, Rakiura, watch the incredible sunsets and visit the historic South Sea Hotel to share a beer with the local characters. In the evening, join a guided tour to a Stewart Island beach to watch wild Kiwi foraging – a sight entirely unique to this part of the world.
Regional Highlights
Unforgettable Sights
The Bluff Signpost at Stirling Point Perched against an expansive backdrop of ocean and sky. Although it’s not strictly the southernmost point of mainland New Zealand, the view is breathtaking. Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track See the stunning view from the top of one of the nation’s newest hiking trails. Nugget Point Lighthouse Perched on a spur of land high above the rugged coast in the Catlins region. 180 million-year-old Petrified Forest See it revealed as the tide goes out at Curio Bay, one of only three such accessible fossil forests in the world.
Adrenaline Rush
Wairaurahiri Jet (Tuatapere) Jet boating through native forest on Grade 3 rapids in the Wairaurahiri River. www.wjet.co.nz Blokarting The expanse of Oreti Beach is the perfect place for ‘land-based sailing.’ Mountain biking Ride around Sandy Point, a 2,000-hectare sand and shingle peninsula bound by the Oreri River and Foveaux Strait. Sea kayaking Explore the rugged beauty of Stewart Island by sea kayak. Scenic Flights Take a flight from Invercargill or Mandeville over scenery at the Catlins or Stewart Island.
Relax & Indulge
Day spa pampering Relax and rejuvenate at an urban day spa in Invercargill. Fly fishing Experience the serenity of fishing for Brown Trout on the Mataura River, one of the best places in New Zealand to hook one of these famously large trout. Sampling New Zealand wine Enjoy a glass of wine at Church Hill Café in the tranquil surrounds of Stewart Island.
Luxury
The Lodge at Tikana (Winton) Exclusive and environmentally aware accommodation. www.tikana.co.nz
Culture
Hokonui Moonshine Museum (Gore) This museum is a celebration of Southland’s colourful ‘moonshine’ days. www.gorenz.com Eastern Southland Art Gallery (Gore) Features the Dr John Money collection and works by Ralph Hotere. www.gorenz.com Southland Museum and Art Gallery (Invercargill) Renowned museum featuring a colony of live Tuatara and excellent cultural history displays. www.southlandmuseum.com Te Hikoi – Southern Journery (Riverton) Cultural heritage museum offering an informative snapshot of early New Zealand bicultural heritage. www.tehikoi.co.nz
Natural New Zealand
Kiwi spotting Spend a magical evening watching wild Kiwi forage on a Stewart Island beach. Exploring Ulva Island Off the coast of Stewart Island, this island sanctuary is home to remarkable native wildlife. Walking the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track A challenging hike through bush and beaches, alpine tors and tarns, and offering stunning views.
On a Budget
Fish ‘n’ chips on the Riverton Rocks Feast on hot local fish ‘n’ chips while contemplating the wonderful view. Hiking Take a scenic walk and absorb Southland’s remarkable natural beauty.
The Iconic Experience
Have your photo taken at the Bluff Signpost on Stirling Point and find out how far from home you really are!
Dining & Shopping
Exclusive Dining
Church Hill Café, Bar & Restaurant (Stewart Island) Magnificent views enhance the stone-grill dining experience and a la carté menu, phone +64 3 219 1323.
Casual Dining
Ziffs Café & Bar (Invercargill) This is a small but award-winning restaurant with a warm and friendly atmosphere. www.ziffs.co.nz
Café
BeachHouse Café Bar (Riverton) Excellent food and great views of the ocean, phone +64 3 234 8274.
Stylish Bar
The Kiln Monteith’s Bar & Restaurant (Invercargill) Stylish contemporary environment with Monteith’s craft beers on tap and an authentic New Zealand menu. www.thekiln.co.nz
Cosy Pub
South Sea Hotel (Stewart Island) This historic pub is the vibrant social hub of the Stewart Island community; the perfect place to strike up a conversation with the locals, phone +64 3 219 1059.
Culinary Experience
Bluff Oysters Visitors should take the opportunity to sample the local delicacy fresh from the sea.
Shop or Gallery
The Fernery (Stewart Island) Featuring a wide range of art and giftware, phone +64 3 219 1453.
Suggested Itineraries
2 days in Southland
Start Invercargill I Finish Bluff
Day 1 Invercargill
Day 2 Bluff
On Day 1, visit the Southland Museum & Art Gallery, home to a colony of live Tuatara. Take a short walk through the city’s public gardens – Queens Park – before driving to Sandy Point to sample local walks and visit the Sandy Point Visitor Centre. Stop at Oreti Beach then unwind at an Invercargill restaurant. On Day 2, travel south to Bluff, stopping at the Bluff Maritime Museum and the Bluff Signpost. Walk around to Whalers Point and hike to the top of Bluff Hill for panoramic views before returning to Invercargill.
4 days in Southland
Start Catlins I Finish Riverton
Day 1 Catlins
Day 2 Curio Bay – Bluff – Stewart Island
Day 3 Stewart Island
Day 4 Stewart Island – Riverton
Begin at Nugget Point, viewing point for penguins, seals and sea lions. Stop for lunch in Owaka then take the 10-minute walk to Purakaunui Falls. Overnight in Waikawa or Curio Bay. On Day 2, visit Curio Bay’s fossilised forest on the way to Bluff. Catch the ferry to Stewart Island. On Day 3, visit Ulva Island, a predator-free bird sanctuary. Spend the afternoon exploring Stewart Island on foot, by bike or by scooter. Spend the evening Kiwi spotting. On Day 4, take a cruise to explore the coastline. In the afternoon, return to Bluff and drive through Invercargill to Riverton.
Road Trip
Southern Scenic Route Encounter stunning coastal scenery and rainforest. www.southernscenicroute.co.nz
Transport
Airports
Invercargill Airport offers domestic flights to and from Christchurch and Wellington International Airports. It does not offer any direct international flights. Flights to Stewart Island are available and take approximately 20 minutes.
Roads
Invercargill is located at the southern end of State Highway One. The town is three hours from Dunedin, two hours, 30 minutes from Queenstown (SH 6) and two hours, 10 minutes from Te Anau (Southern Scenic Route). Several coach companies provide scheduled services to the region.
Ferries
Stewart Island is a one-hour boat trip from Bluff.
Further Information
Venture Southland
Phone +64 3 211 1400
Fax +64 3 211 1415
www.southlandnz.com
