'''Southland''' [http://www.southland.org.nz/] is the southernmost region in the South Island of New Zealand. It boasts stunning landscapes from the high mountains and icy glaciers to green and lush grasslands on the plains where agriculture is king. The linchpins of the economy are farming, forestry and horticulture.
The population within the Invercargill Council area is around 52,000, within the Southland Council area 30,000 and within the Gore Council area 13,000 making a total of 95,000.
It has about 1600 sunshine hours per year with an average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius.
Regions
Cities
Balclutha
Balfour
Bluff
Gore
Invercargill - NZ's southernmost city, Southland's only city and the commercial heart of Southland
Lumsden
Mataura
Riverton
Te Anau
Tuatapere
Otautau
Winton
Other destinations
Fiordland and Milford Sound
The Catlins
Understand
Talk
Get in
Get around
See
Take a plane or ferry to Stewart Island (schedule [http://www.stewartisland.co.nz/plane_ferry_schedule.htm here]), the most southerly of NZ's three main islands with bush walks and kayaking
Do
[http://www.southlandnz.com/sections/visit/activity/brochures/exploresouthland/towns/sthrnscenicroute/ Southern Scenic Route] and [http://www.southernscenicroute.co.nz/ here], drive the coastal route from Invercargill to Dunedin.
Drive to '''Tuatapere''' and walk the '''Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track'''. Stroll through '''Riverton''', known as a historic fishing town and popular holiday spot.
Enjoy the Victorian architecture in '''Invercargill'''. Don't miss the Southland Museum and Art Gallery.
Then on to the '''Catlins''' and enjoy views over native forest towards the Pacific Ocean. Make a detour to Curio Bay to see its 160 million year old fossilized forest.
Celebrate finishing the route in '''Dunedin''' with a Speight's in the many pubs and cafes.
There are many other walks on the route, see [http://www.southernscenicroute.co.nz/Activities/Walks.asp here]
Explore Fiordland National Park [http://www.fiordland.org.nz/default.asp (information)]. Make time to see Milford Sound (the most well-known and accessible of the fiords) and Doubtful Sound (the deepest fiord in NZ)
Explore The Catlins and walk through the native forest and along the coast. Look out for the fur seals, Hector's dolphins and yellow-eyed penguins.
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Backpacker Hostels are a cheap alternative to motels. Most offer double, single, twin or shared rooms.
Get out