Southland Region

Region · South Island, 🇳🇿 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 Essentials

Southland spans the southwestern corner of New Zealand, encompassing the glacier-carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park and the rugged coastline of the Catlins. This region features the world-renowned Milford Sound, the deep waters of Doubtful Sound, and the limestone Te Ana-au Glow-Worm Caves. Coastal highlights include Slope Point, the South Island's southernmost tip, and the 180-million-year-old petrified forest at Curio Bay. Further south, Stewart Island's Rakiura National Park offers a sanctuary for native birdlife and extensive hiking tracks.

13 places

Mountain Peaks

The Southland region of New Zealand contains some of the country's most dramatic alpine topography, centered primarily within Fiordland National Park. This selection features Mitre Peak, which rises 1,692 meters from the shores of Milford Sound, and Key Summit, a prominent viewpoint along the Routeburn Track overlooking the Hollyford and Eglinton valleys. The list also includes Secretary Island's Mount Grono and the granite peaks of Stewart Island, representing the diverse geological formations of the southern South Island.

5 places

Coastal Wonders

This collection spans the dramatic southwestern edge of New Zealand, from the glacier-carved fjords of Fiordland National Park to the rugged coastlines of the Catlins and Stewart Island. Highlights include the towering cliffs of Milford Sound, the 180-million-year-old petrified forest at Curio Bay, and remote maritime heritage sites like the Puysegur Point Lighthouse. These locations showcase a unique intersection of geological history, including the southernmost fjords of Rakituma and Taiari, and diverse marine ecosystems.

16 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

Museums & History

Southland’s history spans from the Jurassic era to the golden age of motoring. This collection includes the world’s largest private automotive museum, Bill Richardson Transport World, and the collaborative He Waka Tuia art space in Invercargill. On Stewart Island, the Rakiura Museum details maritime and indigenous heritage, while the Wohlers Monument marks early missionary influence. The list concludes at Curio Bay, where 180-million-year-old fossilized tree stumps and logs are exposed on the shoreline during low tide.

5 places