Top Things to do in Southland Region
What to do and see in Southland Region, South Island: The Best Things to do Good for Adrenaline Seekers
Discover the best top things to do in Southland Region, New Zealand including Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu), Wairaurahiri Jet, Westray Adventures - Horse Treks & Quad Tours, Milford Track, Rosco's Milford Kayaks, Doubtful Sound Kayak, Southern Lakes Helicopters, Fly Fiordland, Wings & Water, Shark Dive New Zealand.
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. Wairaurahiri Jet
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 159 reviews
Jet boat into the heart of Fiordland South Island's ultimate jet boat ride! We will take you on a trip of a life time. 94 Km’s of jet boating into the heart of Fiordland National Park and back; travel across Lake Hauroko and down to the rugged southern coast via the wild Wairaurahiri River. Our All Day Adventure includes, personal guided nature walks and a delicious kiwi style BBQ For your comfort on the colder days, we have fitted heated hand rails to our boat, along with woolly hats and over sized water proof oil skin coats for our guests to use while aboard. These are a great addition to help you to enjoy our already awesome boat trip The River: The Wairaurahiri River, 34 km of rugged rock strewn grade three rapids that drop 600 feet to sea level. These are the conditions which make the Wairaurahiri Jet such an exciting ride! Trampers: We can pick up or drop off - links with Hump Ridge Track and South Coast Track. Plus other packages, Helicopter, Jet boat adventure, over night adventure, or Twilight adventures trips. Our safety: Johan, (owner operator) has over 20 years experience on the river. Our twin engine jet boat is specially designed to handle the conditions of this remote area. We believe our boat is 200% safer than any other operator on this river as we are the only boat with two engines. Twice the safety and comfort. Safety Audits Wairaurahiri Jet is also audited yearly by Maritime NZ, Wairaurahiri Jet is the only boat on the river that is an approved activity and has achieved a Gold Enviro award Qualmark. New Zealand, tourism bench mark.
3. Westray Adventures - Horse Treks & Quad Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 177 reviews
A great trip just 5 minutes from Te Anau. Experience 360 degree views of New Zealand's spectacular Fiordland landscape from Horse back or Quad Bike. Beautiful horses or Honda ATVs are available for all levels of rider experience and your guide is a wealth of information on the local area.
4. 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
5. Rosco's Milford Kayaks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 793 reviews
Want to kayak Milford Sound? Roscos Milford Kayaks is the longest owner operated sea kayaking business in New Zealand and great value too! First time paddler or pro, we’ve got a Milford Sound kayaking experience to suit just about anyone! Try 'Rosco's Original' Milford Sound Kayak Trip - Sunriser Classic - paddling the loop of Milford Sound, right through to, the 'Kayak Kombo', Rosco’s ultimate experience where you kayak and you get a Milford Track walk adventure included. The choice is yours and your trip will most certainly be one you will remember!
6. Doubtful Sound Kayak
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Doubtful Sound Kayak Full Day Tour is designed to maximise the time spent on the water of Doubtful Sound. Kayak with us and experience Doubtful Sound from Sea Level during your 4 hour Kayak from Deep Cove at the head of Doubtful Sound, followed by return water taxi. Your Kayak Adventure is the longest kayaking day tour of Doubtful Sound. During your 4 hour paddle you will journey up to 15km* into Doubtful Sound following Hall Arm, “The Sound of Silence”. We are a local company showing Doubtful Sound to 10 guests per adventure. This ensures a personal experience is provided by your Kayak Nature Guide. Meet us in Te Anau or Manapouri. Car parking is available. Your Doubtful Sound Journey includes a coach from Te Anau, relaxing cruise on Lake Manapouri and transport over spectacular Wilmot Pass into Deep Cove. Launch your kayak into Doubtful Sound at Deep Cove. Wildlife encounters may include Dolphins, Seals or Penguins. Your return to Deep Cove is via Water Taxi Cruise
7. Southern Lakes Helicopters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 236 reviews
Based in Te Anau we offer an array of exciting helicopter experiences to areas often inaccessible to most.Options include sightseeing, heli-hiking, photography, hunting, fishing, boat charters and personalised tours catering for families or small groups. Our dedicated team is committed to providing all our clients with a truly memorable helicopter experience to see all the World Heritage Fiordland National Park has to offer.
8. Fly Fiordland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 65 reviews
Scenic flight tour of Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound with informative commentary and friendly pilot/guides.
9. Wings & Water
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 117 reviews
Wings & Water, Te Anau offers picturesque scenic flights through the rugged and beautiful Fiordland National Park. Our seaplane services Milford Sound, as well as providing stunning flights into Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound and within the local Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri area.
10. Shark Dive New Zealand
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 125 reviews
Join us on an adventure you don’t want to miss – shark cage diving just off the coast of Stewart Island, New Zealand where you will be up close and personal with these fascinating creatures of the sea.
