Southland Region

Travel Guide Oceania Polynesia New Zealand South Island Southland Region

Introduction

Southland encompasses the southernmost area of South Island, New Zealand. It is home to Fiordland National Park, where Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are both located, as well as the southern town of Invercargill, which is one of the southernmost cities in the world.

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Geography

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Cities and Towns

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Sights and Activities

Milford Sound Waterfall

Milford Sound, despite its remote location is one of the country's most popular attractions. Boat tours around the Sound (which is technically a fjord, not a sound) are the most popular way to get around, though the more adventurous travellers can set out in their own kayak.
To the south of Milford Sound is the altogether more remote feeling Doubtful Sound. Both the Milford and Doubtful Sound are part of the Fiordland National Park.

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Events and Festivals

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Weather

This is one of the cooler and wetter parts of New Zealand, though summers from December to March are usually quite ok, with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius during the day. Winters are relatively cool, but not that cold. The westcoast is one of the wettest areas in the country though, so bring that raingear.

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Getting There

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

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Getting Around

By Plane

By Train

By Car

Some of the other options to rent cars include the following companies:

Before you rent, ask the rental company if they have any relocation deals. Even in high season there can be a bottle neck of cars and campers at certain locations that the hire company is willing to offer discounted sometimes free rental to move the vehicle, possibly right to where you want to go. The only down side is the vehicle often has a time restriction, but even this is negotiable, depending on how much the rental company needs the vehicle moved.