Southland Region

Region ·🇳🇿 New Zealand

Population 104,800

Area 31,665 km²

Time zone Pacific/Auckland

Official website www.es.govt.nz

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Explore Southland Region

Southland Region Essentials

Southland encompasses the dramatic landscapes of Fiordland National Park and Stewart Island. This region features the glacial-carved Milford and Doubtful Sounds, the prehistoric petrified forest at Curio Bay, and the southernmost point of the South Island at Slope Point. Key highlights include the bioluminescent Te Ana-au Glow-Worm Caves, the 151-meter-high Stirling Falls, and the Waipapa Point Lighthouse, which marks the site of one of New Zealand’s most significant shipwrecks.

13 places

Wilderness Huts & Shelters

Southland’s backcountry features a network of Department of Conservation (DOC) huts and private lodges essential for navigating Fiordland, Stewart Island, and the Takitimu Mountains. These shelters range from large serviced huts on Great Walks like the Kepler Track to remote 2-bunk bivouacs on the Dusky and George Sound Tracks. Most provide basic amenities such as bunk beds, water tanks, and wood stoves, serving as critical refuges for hikers facing the region's unpredictable alpine weather.

17 places

Scenic Mountain Peaks

This collection features prominent summits across the Southland region, ranging from the 1,692-metre Mitre Peak in Milford Sound to the alpine wetlands of Key Summit on the Routeburn Track. The list encompasses diverse geological formations, including the Hokonui Hills peaks like Ship Cone and Ben Bolt, as well as coastal viewpoints on Stewart Island. These peaks provide insights into New Zealand’s glacial history, unique alpine flora, and the varied topography of the southern South Island.

9 places

Lakes and Waterfalls

Fiordland’s glacial landscape is defined by its dramatic water features, including Lake Hauroko, New Zealand's deepest lake at 462 meters. This collection highlights iconic cascades like the 580-meter Sutherland Falls and the 162-meter Bowen Falls in Milford Sound. The list also includes the reflective Mirror Lakes along the Milford Road and Lake Manapouri, known for its numerous islands and indented coastline. These sites showcase the region's geological diversity, from towering multi-tiered waterfalls to expansive wilderness lakes within a UNESCO World Heritage area.

9 places

Scenic Campsites and Huts

Southland’s rugged landscapes offer diverse outdoor accommodation, from coastal campsites at Monkey Island and Curio Bay to remote backcountry huts along the Kepler, Rakiura, and Hollyford Tracks. These sites provide access to ancient fossil forests, glacial lakes, and dense beech wilderness. While wilderness huts often feature open fireplaces and basic latrines, holiday parks in Te Anau and Manapouri provide full amenities including power supplies and laundry facilities for those exploring Fiordland and Stewart Island.

14 places