Best Things to Do in Southland

Southland is Aotearoa – New Zealand’s Deep South, a region filled with rugged coastlines, wild wildlife encounters, authentic small towns and unforgettable landscapes. From the raw beauty of the Catlins to the charm of Gore, the gateway of Invercargill and the untouched wilderness of Rakiura – Stewart Island. Southland is a place where every stop feels like a new discovery. These are the best things to do in Southland, each showcasing why this region is a must on any journey.

🌿 The Catlins – Nugget Point Lighthouse

The Catlins is a land of misty forests, hidden waterfalls and rugged coastlines where nature is at its most raw. The star attraction, Nugget Point Lighthouse, stands proudly above the Pacific Ocean, guiding ships for over a century. On the walk out you’ll often hear the crash of waves below, while seabirds circle overhead and fur seals bask on the rocks. It’s one of the most breathtaking coastal views in the country.

• Spot fur seals, sea lions, and seabirds along the rocky shoreline.
• Walk to the lighthouse lookout for a sweeping panorama.

👉 Discover the Catlins on a guided tour Here

⚓ Bluff – Stirling Point & Oysters

Sitting at the very bottom of the South Island, Bluff is where Aotearoa feels truly wild. Known worldwide for its Bluff oysters, this hardy little town also offers rugged coastal walks and a deep sense of southern heritage. At Stirling Point, the famous yellow signpost points the way to cities across the globe — the ultimate “end of the road” photo.

• Taste fresh Bluff oysters during the March–August season.
• Walk to the top of Bluff Hill for sweeping harbour and ocean views.

👉 Find the best things to do in Bluff Here

🐧 Rakiura – Stewart Island – Ulva Island Sanctuary

Rakiura – Stewart Island is a step into another world, where life moves slowly and the wilderness still rules. Just across the bay from Oban lies Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary where native birds flourish. Walking its trails, you’ll hear the calls of the kākā and saddleback, and if you’re lucky, glimpse a kiwi in the wild — something few places in the world can offer.

• Take a kiwi-spotting night tour for a magical wildlife experience.
• Explore Oban’s walking tracks, local cafés and coastal charm.

👉 Book your Stewart Island adventure Here

🎶 Gore – Country Music & Art

Gore is Southland’s cultural surprise package. Known as the country music capital of Aotearoa, it comes alive each year during the Tussock Country Music Festival. Beyond music, Gore has a growing arts scene — the Eastern Southland Gallery holds an internationally respected collection, including works by Ralph Hotere. For a small town, it punches well above its weight.

• Visit during the Tussock Country Music Festival in winter.
• Explore the Eastern Southland Gallery and heritage trails.

👉 Check out Best things to Do Here

🏙️ Invercargill – Bill Richardson Transport World

Invercargill, Southland’s biggest city, blends classic Kiwi charm with unique attractions. A must-see is the Bill Richardson Transport World, the largest private collection of vehicles in the Southern Hemisphere. From gleaming vintage trucks to quirky petrol pumps and wearable art, it’s more than a museum — it’s a colourful walk through Kiwi history.

• Wander the Transport World’s huge vehicle collection.
• Relax in Queens Park’s gardens, playgrounds and walking trails.

👉 Discover things to do in Invercargill Here

🌊 Piopiotahi – Milford Sound Cruise

Piopiotahi – Milford Sound is the jewel of Fiordland, where sheer cliffs rise straight from dark waters and waterfalls thunder down year-round. On a cruise, you’ll sail beneath Mitre Peak, spot dolphins and seals and feel dwarfed by the sheer scale of the landscape. In the rain, the fiord comes alive with dozens of temporary waterfalls, making it even more spectacular.

• Take a scenic cruise beneath towering cliffs.
• Hike a section of the Milford Track, one of NZ’s Great Walks.

👉 Book your Milford Sound cruise Here

🌌 Te Anau – Glowworm Caves

Te Anau is the peaceful lakeside gateway to Fiordland and its glowworm caves are pure magic. A boat carries you across the lake to limestone caves carved by rushing water. Inside, streams tumble through caverns before opening into a grotto where thousands of glowworms light up the dark like a starry night sky. It’s a sight that lingers long in memory.

• Visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves on a guided boat tour.
• Walk the lakeside track or a section of the Kepler Track.

👉 Book your Adventures Here

🍷 Wine Touring – A Taste of the South

Southland opens the door to Central Otago’s celebrated vineyards, famous for world-class Pinot Noir. A wine tour offers the perfect way to sample award-winning vintages while taking in dramatic mountain and lake views. Each cellar door tells its own story, with boutique producers offering warm southern hospitality alongside their wines.

• Akarua – celebrated for Pinot Noir and sparkling wines.
• Misha’s Vineyard – elegant aromatic whites and reds.
• Maude Wines – boutique cellar door near Lake Wanaka.

✨ Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Southland

The best things to do in Southland go far beyond the main towns and famous landmarks. This region is a place of hidden surprises from the rugged beauty of the Catlins to the serenity of Rakiura – Stewart Island, from the soulful sounds of Gore to the history-packed streets of Invercargill. But Southland also rewards those who wander further, with places like Riverton’s surfing beaches, the dramatic Hump Ridge Track and quiet fishing villages that feel frozen in time.

Every corner of Southland offers something special, whether it’s wildlife, food, music or adventure. Take your time here, explore the unbeaten paths and you’ll discover a region that embodies the true wild spirit of Aotearoa – New Zealand’s Deep South.

👉 Ready to experience Southland? Book your Southland adventure here

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.