Southland
In the deep south of New Zealand, the Southland region offers breathtaking scenery, from pristine waterfalls and rugged coastlines to windswept emerald green hills, combined with wonderful southern hospitality.
Main Centres
Invercargill – main centre of the Southland region. Bluff – New Zealand’s southernmost settlement, famous for Bluff Oysters.
Getting There
By Air – Invercargill Airport offers domestic flights. By Road – 3 hours, 10 minutes from Dunedin to Invercargill. Several coach companies provide regular services to the region. Stewart Island is a 30-minute flight or 1-hour boat trip from Invercargill.
Eating Out
Exclusive
148 on Elles (148 Elles Rd, Invercargill, t +64 3 216 1000).
Casual
Cabbage Tree (379 Dunns Rd, RD 9 Otatara, Invercargill, t +64 3 213 1443, www.thecabbagetree.com).
Ziffs Cafe & Bar (143 Dunns Rd, Otatara, Invercargill, t +64 3 213 0501).
The Beach House (Riverton) – these guys recently won the award for second-best cafe in NZ according to Michael Guy’s Eating Out Guide/Cafe Magazine.
The Moth (Old Mandeville Airfield, SH 94, Mandeville (10 min out of Gore), t +64 3 208 9662).
The Rocks Café (101 Courtville Pl, Invercargill, t +64 3 218 7597).
Vinnies Pizza & Pasta (16 Don St, Invercargill, t +64 3 218 9240).
Reds Café, Restaurant & Bar (Winton, t +64 3 236 8080).
Did you know?
- The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track in Western Southland is New Zealand’s newest walking track.
- Southland’s rivers are reputed to be the best place in New Zealand to fish for brown trout.
- Invercargill is the third largest city in the South Island.
- The Southland Museum and Art Gallery is home to New Zealand’s largest collection of live Tuatara (a native New Zealand reptile).
Seafood Sampler
Seafood lovers beware! Southland offers delectable fresh seafood, from Blue Cod and Stewart Island Salmon to Mussels and Bluff Oysters.
Hit the Road
The Southern Scenic Route from Dunedin through Invercargill and Te Anau to Milford Sound offers stunning scenery, wildlife, walks, beaches, waterfalls and native bush. For more information see www.SouthernScenicRoute.co.nz.
Snap It
Visit Nugget Point and snap the local wildlife against a dramatic backdrop of shifting skies, restless ocean and sheer cliffs.
Where to Drink
Stylish bar
Louies Cafe & Tapas Bar (142 Dee St, Invercargill, t +64 3 214 2913 ).
Ziffs Cafe & Bar (143 Dunns Rd, Otatara, Invercargill, t +64 3 213 0501).
Cosy pub
Waxy O’Sheas Irish Pub (90 Dee St, Invercargill, t +64 3 214 0313).
Cabbage Tree (379 Dunns Rd, RD 9 Otatara, Invercargill, t +64 3 213 1443, www.thecabbagetree.com) – a bar/restaurant/café.
Coffee fix
Zookeepers Café (50 Tay St, Invercargill, t +64 3 218 3373).
The Moth (Old Mandeville Airfield, SH 94, Mandeville (10 min out of Gore), t +64 3 208 9662).
The Green Room Café (59 Irk St, Gore, t +64 3 208 1005).
Something to take home ...
Fiordland Souvenirs (35 Bath Rd, Riverton, t +64 3 234 8825).
Something Special Gallery (127 Palmerston St, Riverton, t +64 3 234 9100).
Further Information
Gore i-SITE Visitor Centre (Cnr Hokonui Dr & Norfolk St, t +64 3 208 9908).
Invercargill i-SITE Visitor Centre (Queens Park, 108 Gala St, t +64 3 214 6243).