Top Things to do in Southland Region
What to do and see in Southland Region, South Island: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
Discover the best top things to do in Southland Region, New Zealand including Milford Track, Hollyford Track, Mitre Peak Cruises, Fiordland Tours, Cruise Milford, Bill Richardson Transport World, Classic Motorcycle Mecca, Dig This Invercargill, Oyster Allsorts, Athol Art Gallery.
Restaurants in Southland Region
1. 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
2. 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.
3. Mitre Peak Cruises
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,034 reviews
Mitre Peak Cruises offer fantastic 2 hour cruises of stunning Milford Sound on its small purpose built boats (maximum capacity 75). Mitre Peak Cruises takes you where the big boats can't go, taking you closer to the waterfalls, wildlife and spectacular scenery of Milford Sound. Coach, fly and helicopter options are available from Queenstown and Te Anau.
4. Fiordland Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 708 reviews
Fiordland Tours Milford Sound small group Coach & Cruise.We maximise your opportunity to capture one of the finest alpine drives in the world in a unique and unhurried way.Our leading small boat operation gives you a chance to see Seals, Dolphins and Penguins with an in depth, fun commentary about the rich history of Fiordland.We do personal pick-ups from your accommodation. Departs Te Anau 8-00am Returns 6pm
5. Cruise Milford
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,395 reviews
Experience Milford Sound the local way - Cruise Milford is the only family owned & operated day cruise operator at Milford Sound. We are also the only company to limit passenger numbers on-board to 50% of the boats capacity to guarantee an uncrowded and much more personal experience on-board our Boutique Small Boat Cruises. Let us show you our Milford Sound, up close and personal. Voted one of the Top 10 Experiences in New Zealand in 2019 & 2020
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. 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
8. Dig This Invercargill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 388 reviews
Are you ready to step outside your comfort zone? Want to unleash your inner child? For a memorable experience, Dig This Invercargill is not to be missed. Learn to operate diggers, bulldozers and skid steers at New Zealand’s only heavy equipment playground. Fully instructed with a range of experiences to choose from, our friendly and approachable Dig This team is on hand to help navigate your way through a series of challenges like tyre stacking, earth moving and digger basketball. Suitable for young and young-at-heart, individuals and groups, you will be grinning from ear to ear. Tick it off your bucket list today!
Reviewed By TFrizz - Invercargill, New Zealand
Had my 6 year olds birthday party at Dig This. Just amazing, We had 20 kids on site and they were well entertained throughout. The party room was great, and Lex the junior digger instructor showed the patience of a saint getting all 20 kids through a great experience. We had a hidden treasure hunt in the sand pit and all the kids loved seeing the big diggers in action too, Just great fun, and a perfect venue for kids party's
9. Oyster Allsorts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By banafsha - Nelson, New Zealand
One of those lovely places where you can find a choice of things to do. Great on a rainy day, Oyster allsorts is a cafe with a small museum, or collection of local photos and artefacts, and also a shop with attractive local crafts and cards to buy. It has a lounge-sized bathroom, always a bonus when you can get in and out without bruising your knees. They were a bit overwhelmed by a party of thirteen when we arrived so we left, looking for another open cafe. But there wasn't one.
10. Athol Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
The Athol Gallery represents both established and new local artists who have a deep connection to the land and its rural life. From stunning scenery to the everyday beauty of rural activities, we seek to capture the visual essence of this region of New Zealand's South Island. Athol Gallery is curated by a few local souls passionate about sharing the exceptional creativity flourishing here.
Reviewed By Helenjen - Brisbane, Australia
What an interesting art gallery to drop into either on your way to Te Anau or on your way back. The quality of the art and the diversity of displays reflecting the areas beautiful landscapes and the surrounding rural lives make it a must visit. Prices are reasonable and definitely would be a memorable "souvenir" of this beautiful country to take home with you (or shipped).....highly recommend!
