Top Things to do in Southland Region
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in Southland Region, South Island
Discover the best top things to do in Southland Region, New Zealand including Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu), Doubtful Sound, Milford Track, Hollyford Track, Ulva Island, Bill Richardson Transport World, Milford sound Hwy, Classic Motorcycle Mecca, Milford Sound, Southern Scenic Route.
Restaurants in Southland Region
1. Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 658 reviews
Reviewed By 67arda - North Shore, New Zealand
we did both kepler and routeburn tracks = such a gem of an area and so pristine - lovely to meet full of like minded folk along the way who equally enjoyed taking the time to fully breathe in the environs ....tip - take your time and keep camera charged !
2. Doubtful Sound
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,296 reviews
Reviewed By Nalacoops1950
Go Orange provide a very professional, organised service and meet their promise of a trip with small numbers on a comfortable boat. Travis and Karina were the guide and.captain for the day, both being amusing, knowledgeable and enthusiastic in making it enjoyable for all, The trip across lake Manapouri is a great start to the day, followed by an interesting bus ride to the harbour. Karina made a few stops showing interesting place on the way. The 3 hours sailing the Sound is full of spectacular mountains, waterfalls and scenery all around. Time passed quickly and at the end you have the pleasure of reversing the bus journey and Manapouri lake crossing to look forward to. It is not a cheap trip but does provide the small personal tour promised in a comfortable boat with enough personal space to view the Sound. We would certainly do the trip again and would recommend it to others. Thanks for a superb and memorable day
3. Milford Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 361 reviews
Great Walks season is October - April. Outside this period facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional safety hazards to consider. Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By EmmaMSmithDerby - Auckland, New Zealand
Completing the Milford really is a magical experience, you can definitely see why it is consistently voted one of the best Walks in the world. First things first, actually getting there takes quite a lot of planning and coordinating; booking your nights in the DoC (Department of Conservation) cabins is first and foremost as the track only allows 40 (non guided) walkers per day and camping in tents is not permitted on the track. I flew down the Queenstown then bused to Te Anau with Traknet, before transferring the next day to DoC transport (bus and ferry) to get to the starting point - Glade Wharf (where due to excessive rain the wharf was under water!) Day 1: this is a great introduction to the track, nice and flat and only around 5km, passing the guided walkers lodge you come up to a nice long swing bridge for some epic pictures. It’s actually nice that first night to have some time to settle into the huts and meet the other 40 people who you’ll see along your journey. Approaching Clinton hut on that first day is like entering a fairy wonderland, with everything covered in bright green moss, making it feel quite magical. I also took advantage of the resident Ranger, who conducted a late afternoon nature walk (highly recommended), takes around an hour but is only about 400m of walking. She talked us through the local plants and birds as well as showing us the best place to spy some Glowworms after dark (well worth staying up to see). With our bellies full (there are gas’s burners provided), it was off to bed (with obligatory earplugs and eye mask) to prepare for a full days walking the next day. Day 2: wow what a day, I was incredibly lucky with the weather, hot and sunny. The day takes you through some outstanding landscape, stunning valleys and alpine vistas. Make sure you take the slight excursion to the Wetlands Track (only around 10-15 minutes) which takes you out into the marshland for some great views. More swing bridges, woodland tracks and river climbs greet you throughout the day as you make your way to Mintaro Hut. Despite a pretty full on day of walking it’s great to relax down by the river (taking a dip if you dare!). I also got to the hut nice and early and with the weather due to close in the next day the DoC Ranger advised us to head up into Mackinnon Pass that afternoon to capture the views, and despite the 2.5hr round trip it was so worth it. Incredible views across both sides of the valley, even saw a small avalanche. I was able to spend some time appreciating the vista (hugely different to the experience the following day). Day 3: well the ranger was right about the weather closing in. They had advised us the night before that we had to be out of the hut by 07:00 latest to ensure we could get over the pass safely, I left at 05:45 and it’s a good job that I did, as the weather was appalling. Having a good quality rain jacket and ample pack protection (dry bags/ rain cover) was essential. Getting up onto the pass was okay despite the rain, but getting to the shelter on top of the pass was a challenge - Howling wind (+130kph), snow and hail. Make sure you stop at the Mackinnon shelter to warm up, put on some extra layers and rest your legs. If the weather is nice though, take advantage of the loo with a view! Getting over and down the other side of pass is particularly tricky in bad weather, there is little shelter from the wind and it’s a very steep decent, a lot of strain on the knees, with much of the track ankle deep in water. The challenge of a day like that definitely gives you a feeling of enormous satisfaction, as you navigate more swing bridges and rivers which come up over your knees. I was incredibly grateful when I spied the sign for Dumpling hut. If it’s been a wet day (barely in mind wet weather is far more common in Fiordland than dry), get into dry clothes as quickly as possible, get the fire lit and have some warm food/drink. Beware of the cheeky Kea’s and Weka if you dare to leave anything outside of the huts, they have become masters of backpack entry, food thefts and boot insole removal. Day 4: A lot easier conditions, warm and sunny with the track gently undulating through more stunning native kiwi forest, a lot of puddles and more wet feet as we navigated through the remnants of the previous days bad weather towards out finish line of Sandfly point. With the final mile marker (the track is measured in miles) calling out the last 400m you soon realise this is completely untrue, with it actually being about a mile to the end. And when you make it to Sandfly point it certainly lives up to its name, I have never seen so many of the nibbling little buggers! The final boat ride taking you into the Sound itself truly sums up this great walk, a marvellous end to a marvellous walk. Top Tips: Don’t forget to collect your DoC tickets from the Te Anau office before you head onto the track. Buy one of the yellow pack liners (these can be purchased at the DoC office), a good bit of extra dry protection. Take lots of layers as we experienced vast changes in weather conditions Don’t forget your ear plugs Take a good supply of insect repellent (ideally specifically for sandflies) and antihistamines if you are allergic Tap into the excellent knowledge of the DoC rangers Stop regularly, breathe and enjoy
4. Hollyford Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By lachie_n_load
Stepping into the dramatic Hollyford Valley is like entering a world that’s remained largely unchanged for thousands of years. Geologically spectacular and ever changing, the sheer diversity of vegetation and wildlife in this one valley is truly unparalleled and makes for an utterly amazing guided walk. So many stunning photo opportunities, and some interesting historical characters bring the settlement stories of the area to life. ????% would walk 40km in the rain again for this amazing experience.
5. Ulva Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 682 reviews
Reviewed By Kiwifreespirits - Auckland, New Zealand
We did a self guided walk using the guide book ( $2) we bought in Oban before going We used the excellent Rakiura Charters Water Taxi to get to Ulva having spent a wonderful few hours with them before hand around Patterson Inlet and the Mussel and Salmon Farm area in Big Glory Bay . Great people !!. We allowed ourselves 3 hours on Ulva . Way too short !!! . Should have made it 4 ( it was a fine day which helped ) to give sufficient time to just stop listen and watch frequently eg . Late in the walk we saw a Kiwi very close to us . But we were tight for time and could only spend 2 or 3 minutes looking which was frustrating. Many of the birds are very friendly eg Stewart Island robins that hop on your shoes and check out the laces , Wekas who hang out at the two beaches etc .
6. Bill Richardson Transport World
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 755 reviews
One man’s passion started it all. Experience a family legacy that has become the largest private automotive museum of its type in the world. Stunningly crafted within a world-class facility, Bill Richardson Transport World has something for everyone. Hugely popular, you will find more than 300 vehicles including retro Kombis, Henry Ford Letter Cars, Model Ts, stunning 1930s V8s and over 200 vintage petrol pumps. Outside of our extraordinary vehicle range we house a growing wearable arts collection, movie theatre, children’s play zones and themed bathrooms fast becoming as famous as our vehicles. Allow plenty of time - there is a lot to see.
Reviewed By john241Caloundra
An amazing collection of cars,trucks,tractors,vintage cars etc,all beautifully presented in a monster building...Allow yourself at least a day to do it justice,it is a fantastic display...many exhibits have their history attached...The restaurant too,is of a high standard...Well worth entrance fee of $25...Don't miss it if you have any interest at all in motoring history
7. Milford sound Hwy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By Cruisey-Trudey - Palmerston, New Zealand
This drive along the Milford Highway is truly spectacular in our own back yard...entering into the Fiordland National Park.. no fences.. coming from a farming community, I noticed this first lol. The ever changing landscape towered by massive mountains, seeing the destruction the heavy rain fall can do, going through the Homer tunnel and meeting the Kaka up close was so awesome are just some of the things you see on this drive it really is breathtaking.
8. Classic Motorcycle Mecca
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 161 reviews
Regularly described as ‘stunning’ and ‘mind-blowing’ in scale, Classic Motorcycle Mecca is the Southern Hemisphere’s leading motorcycle museum. Offering New Zealand’s most diverse collection, guests will find displays of classic British, European and American bikes as well as Japanese, Motocross and Speedway. A tribute to legend Burt Munro and an internationally significant hero bike display of Britten and Brough Superior is also on offer. Offering guests an intimate, up-close experience of the bikes and packed with quirky details, quality exhibits and interactive displays, Classic Motorcycle Mecca is a truly mind-blowing experience.
Reviewed By Pamikki
great collection of bikes and easy space to browse through in your own time. best collection i have seen. mock bikes for young and old to open the throttle and hear the grunt
9. Milford Sound
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,688 reviews
Reviewed By EugenioA193 - Singapore, Singapore
The tour we take starts from Queenstown to milford Sound national park, ee contract our tour with #southerndiscoveries and starting wit our guide and driver Greg, we feel safe with Greg due to the weather conditions on the road, slippery road with snow and Etc, the trip Magic all the information along the road Greg gave us, we arrive on time and the service incredible all the logistics without a mistake, we arrive the ship and start the trip beautiful sights and all incredible until we returned to Queenstown Safe and Happy, magic experience is a must on the south Island in New Zealand
10. Southern Scenic Route
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
Reviewed By Rantinrover - Biggar, United Kingdom
In my original review of the Southern Scenic Route (SSR) back in April 2014 I indicated that there were places which we’d missed and would hopefully see on a return visit. It only took until March 2020 for us to finally get back! The SSR is a road trip through the southern part of New Zealand’s South Island which provides the traveller with an opportunity to see one of the less developed parts of the country, rugged coast and rural landscape, combined with waterfalls, small communities and wildlife. If you’re looking for a buzz and thrills and spills it may be better to stick to Queenstown. Some will do parts of the route in a day trip, others could easily spend a week or more depending upon interests and time available. Firstly it is advisable to get a copy of the SSR which is available online or at tourist info sites. This booklet provides maps and a brief description of the multitude of attractions along the route. This time around we travelled east to west from Dunedin to Queenstown and having previously visited Stewart Island, Fiordland and Queenstown itself we didn’t make any allowance for detours to these particular places. Dunedin is well worth exploring and we spent a few days there. Aside from a trip on the train up the Taieri Gorge which was enjoyable, we made time to visit the Otago Peninsula and see the albatrosses, have a workout on the dunes to reach Sandfly Bay and endured a similar test of the calf muscles at Tunnel Beach just to the south west of the city. For coastal scenery it would take a lot to beat Tunnel Beach which I would add to the “must do” list on the SSR. For those who enjoy going off the beaten track like us I would add a word of caution at this point. Keen to enjoy the coastline as much as possible as we headed south we ignored the SSR signpost to Waihola when we reached Taieri Mouth. We were sure that we could link up with the SSR after a short detour along the road beyond Taieri Beach. Yes, we did but our “short detour” took us around 40 minutes along unsealed roads, up and down hills, through forest along the Akatore Road on a route which was possibly more suited to rallying. Reaching Balclutha was a relief and an opportunity to get something to eat. It is also one of the few places where you can fill up your fuel tank so make the most of that unless you have already done so in Dunedin. With few food shopping opportunities and a limited amount of places to dine out on the SSR it would be wise to also have a few non-perishable emergency supplies if you plan to spread the visit over a few days. Be aware that stores, etc work more traditional hours in this area so you won’t find a 24 hour “MacDonald’s“. Likewise if you plan to stay over, book ahead. We stayed at Kaka Point for a night, a couple of nights at Curio Bay and a night at Riverton on this occasion. All good accommodation reviewed on TA separately where possible (Seascape Accommodation, Kaka Point & Curio Bay Accommodation, Curio Bay). The self-contained unit at Riverton was “Miro” on Bates Street which we booked via AirBnB. Kaka Point is a stone’s throw from Nugget Point Lighthouse, another on the “must do” list of the SSR in my view. This time around we spotted an entire seal colony clinging to the almost vertical cliffs of one of the “Nuggets” overlooked by the lighthouse. It was bizarre how such bulky creatures had managed to climb such heights. We also managed to see a pod of sea lions a bit further along the coast at Cannibal Bay. The road to Nugget Point Lighthouse is sealed now however the one to Cannibal Bay is not…prepare for a bumpy ride down that one. Quite a few of the gravel roads have been sealed since our last visit which saves on time but perhaps takes away a little of the adventure. Yet again we were unable to visit Cathedral Caves as this time the approach road was closed. We had been advised that tidal closures apart, this attraction had been closed for part of the season in any case. Just our misfortune. Check their website for details of when they are open to get the timing correct…and perhaps have a towel and change of clothing on standby. If waterfalls are an attraction our favourites are at McLean Falls which are not far from Cathedral Caves. Although the Purakaunui Falls are much-photographed we found them at bit disappointing last time and on this occasion we went instead to the Matai Falls/Horseshoe Falls (two for the price of one) and the lesser known Koropuku Falls. The Matai Falls were fairly modest, as were the Koropuku Falls however we found the trail to the latter was a bit of an adventure which added to the enjoyment - it was like stepping into a tropical forest. Curio Bay has benefited from a newly built visitor centre (with café/restaurant) located between the petrified forest and Porpoise Bay. The centre serves a function however the main attraction is still the surroundings. The petrified forest was an interesting distraction whilst we spoke to a DOC ranger and waited in vain for the yellow-eyed penguins to come ashore at dusk. That was a disappointment as we had seen some of these rare penguins on our previous visit and had been unaware that their numbers were dwindling further in current times. Porpoise Bay has a fabulous, wind-swept beach and often hosts a resident pod of Hector’s Dolphins but they were not playing when we were there. By chance, further along the coast at Waipapa Point Lighthouse, we saw a Blue Penguin in broad daylight. A ragged looking specimen which was going through the molting process and hence the reason it wasn’t at sea fishing during the day as would normally be the case. It was nonetheless an uplifting moment for us since it was very unexpected. The sea lions which frequent the area around the lighthouse were not around on this occasion! Slightly further on we couldn’t resist revisiting Slope Point, the most southerly spot on mainland South Island. It was still blowing a gale, as it seems to do most of the time, but was easier to get to by road since it is one of the routes which has been sealed. Our travels around Riverton and further north towards Queenstown were not only limited due to poor weather but also the restrictions introduced as a result of Covid-19 and we were again left with the thought that we’d see a few more things next time we visit. We travelled in March 2020 and by the time we reached Riverton the country went into Level 3 Alert putting paid to our plans this time for seeing some of the other attractions on the SSR. In the meantime hopefully nature and staycation New Zealanders will enjoy this lovely part of the country.
