Southland

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Southland

At the southern extremity of New Zealand the region of Southland lies within the “roaring forties” latitudes, although the climate is not so wild as that may infer. 


Southland has a varied landscape which includes a fiord coast, golden sandy beaches, offshore islands, fertile coastal plains, rain forest, lakes and rolling hills leading to rugged mountains.


Note: the fiord area of Southland is covered on our website in a separate "Fiordland" region.


Despite it’s southerly position this region was explored by early Maori, and later by the European explorers, sealers, settlers and missionaries. Timber milling and boatbuilding became an important industry partly to support the off-shore fishing. During the early 20th Century there was also an influx of Scandinavians involved in whaling.

Invercargill is New Zealand’s southern most city, and has a substantial population of 50,000. It was originally built on a swampland in the late 1850’s and it’s main purpose was as a flax milling centre. There are many fine buildings and many are unscathed from modern developments. The city has numerous bars, cafes and restaurants, and there are museums, art galleries, parks and gardens. Invercargill being on the southern scenic route is the main gateway to Stewart Island, the Catlins and Fiordland. There are some interesting walks including Greenpoint Domain where a ship "graveyard" containing old whalers and fishing boats can be seen.

Bluff (population circa 300) some 27 kilometres south of Invercargill is reputed to be one of the first established townships in New Zealand, when in 1823 one James Spencer landed and decided to settle here. Today Bluff is world famous for it’s oysters and has the Bluff Oyster Festival, held annually in May. The local oysters are a must try if you visit during the season. Bluff is also the start (or finish) of State Highway 1 and nearby Stirling Point has similar significance in this country as Land’s End has in England.

The east coast of the region is known as The Catlins, a rugged coastal area, that is scenic and geologically interesting, providing excellent nature walks. Curio Bay is especially renowned for it’s 160 million years old fossilised rocks. There are some lovely golden beaches, and plenty of wildlife to spot including sea lions, Hector’s dolphins, and yellow eyed penguins. Away from the coast The Catlins also provide a rainforest environment.

The Southern Scenic Route is a 559 kilometre route which travels much of Southland, and is a fantastic way to experience this part of the world. It is predominantly a coastal journey, with some inland incursions, and is now on completely sealed roads, although some side trips will involve New Zealand "metal" (or gravel roads). The route starts (or finishes) in Dunedin on the east coast and takes in The Catlins, Invercargill, Bluff, Riverton, Tuatapere, Te Anau, and across to Milford Sound on the west coast.

Stewart Island lies across the Foveaux Strait, and is accessible by sea – a 1 hour passage from Bluff to Oban (Half Moon Bay) or by air from Invercargill. It was named after William Stewart who was successful in charting much of this southern territory. Although the original Maori name is perhaps a little more romantic: “Te Punga Te Waha a Maui” meaning “the anchor stone of Maui’s canoe” and is part of a story within Maori mythology. Indeed it was the Maori who first came here in search of food, hunting and fishing around the island.

The island’s landscape is predominantly native bush and rainforest with some low lying wetland areas, and in parts a lovely sand-dune coast. The climate is temperate but quite variable and unpredictable, being open to the southern ocean. There are few roads but great walking country and pristine clear waters. Life here is simple and “slow” as there are no towns as such and only around 400 permanent residents. Much of the island is within the Rakiura National Park. The Rakiura track a 36 kilometre (2 to 3 day) walk is one of New Zealand’s "Great Walks". Fishing is also popular both commercially, and for sport, the main catch being blue cod, crayfish, and paua. Salmon and mussels are farmed on the island.

Other pastimes include hunting (for deer), diving, and birdwatching. The bird life in particular is of great interest as there are good populations of weka, stewart island robin, fernbird, New Zealand wood pigeon, and brown kiwi. Seabirds include albatross, petrel, cormorants, sooty shearwater and the blue penguin.

Ulva Island is a popular island within the Paterson Inlet of Stewart Island, and is just a ten minute boat ride from the main island. Mostly forest covered, with an easy round the island walk, and some lovely sandy beaches. Ulva is home to several species of native bird.

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