Southland Region

Coastal wonders in Southland

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.

Coastal Wonders — Map

Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch,… / cc0

A

Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

Fjord featuring dramatic sheer rock faces, waterfalls, and unique marine life. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Matchkick / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Doubtful Sound

The deepest of the South Island fjords, reaching depths of 421 meters. It contains three distinct arms and notable waterfalls, including the 619-meter Browne Falls and Helena Falls.

C

Tamatea / Dusky Sound

Tamatea / Dusky Sound is a fiord on the southwest corner of New Zealand, in Fiordland National Park.

Avenue / CC-BY-SA-3.0

D

Curio Bay

Curio Bay is a coastal embayment in the Southland District of New Zealand, best known as the site of a petrified forest some 180 million…

Pavel Špindler / CC BY 3.0

E

Waipapa Point Lighthouse

Built in 1884 following the wreck of the SS Tararua, this is one of the last two wooden lighthouses constructed in New Zealand. It stands on a low-lying point frequently inhabited by New Zealand sea lions.

John Hill / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Halfmoon Bay

Halfmoon Bay lies on the eastern coast of Stewart Island/Rakiura in New Zealand.

LawrieM / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

Puysegur Point

Puysegur Point is a headland located in the far southwest of the South Island of New Zealand.

LawrieM / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Chalky Inlet

Taiari / Chalky Inlet is one of the southernmost fiords in Fiordland, in the southwestern corner of New Zealand's South Island and part of…

LawrieM / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

Rakituma / Preservation Inlet

Rakituma / Preservation Inlet is the southernmost fiord in Fiordland National Park and lies on the southwest corner of the South Island of…

J

Dagg Sound

Te Rā / Dagg Sound is a narrow fiord located in Fiordland, New Zealand.

K

Thompson Sound

Thompson Sound is a fiord of the South Island of New Zealand. It is one of the fiords that form the coast of Fiordland.

L

Charles Sound

Taiporoporo / Charles Sound is a fiord of the South Island of New Zealand. It is one of the fiords that form the coast of Fiordland.

M

Caswell Sound

Taitetimu / Caswell Sound is a fiord of the South Island of New Zealand. It is one of the fiords that form the coast of Fiordland.

N

Breaksea Sound

Te Puaitaha / Breaksea Sound is a small fiord on the southwestern coast of South Island, New Zealand in the Tasman Sea.

O

Nancy Sound

Hinenui / Nancy Sound is a fiord on the South Island of New Zealand. It is one of the fiords that form the coast of Fiordland.

P

Puysegur Point Lighthouse

Situated at the remote southwestern tip of the South Island, this station marks the entrance to Preservation Inlet. The current concrete tower dates to 1943, replacing an 1879 wooden structure.

Other Lists

Southland Essentials Mountain Peaks Lakes and Waterfalls Museums & History