Southland Region

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It's true that the cold weather keeps a lot of tourists away from Southland and yet it is the part of New Zealand where you can drive for miles with only a few cars sharing the road. 
 
Invercargill 
The largest city in the region, Invercargill is well worth a visit. Have a picnic in Anderson Park or take a look and walk up the stairs, 112 in all, at the Invercargill Water Tower.
 
Gore 
Gore is Southland's second largest town, and is better known for its brown trout and country music than anything else. It's close to the Catlins Forest Park and is a good starting point for visiting this area. 
 
Catlins and the Southern Scenic Route (SH92)  
The Catlins are famous for their abundant wildlife, rainforest, wild beaches and cave formations, plus the 160-million-year-old fossilised forest at Curio Bay. If your family are keen mountain-bikers then mark this on your map. With steep hills, a very good level of fitness is recommended and biking is not suitable for young children.
 
Video: Courtesy of Waikava Harbour View. This holiday accommodation is ideal for families wanting to explore the Catlins     
 
Bluff
Bluff vehicle parking: Secure vehicle parking is available in Bluff, adjacent to the Bluff Visitor Terminal for visitors driving themselves and taking the ferry to Stewart Island. Storage is available for cars, boat trailers, coaches, campervans, motorcycles and bicycles. Reservations are not required. 
 
Bluff Visitor Terminal, Foreshore Road, Bluff : Ph: 03 212 7660
 
Stewart Island 
South of the South Island is the eco-paradise of Stewart ISland. The island is a one-hour ferry ride from Bluff across Foveaux Strait. There are stunjning bays, inlets, sandy beaches and forested hills on Stewart Island and it's a great family destination for those who love the outdoors and New Zealand's wildlife.
 
If your children are into outdoor activities you can hire mountain bikes, kayaks and do a lot of walking. The birdlife is truly amazing and it is well worth throwing in a book on native New Zealand birds so that the children can see how many they can spot. One of the popular activities for both local and visiting children is fishing off the wharf with a hand-line.
 

Walking and tramping on Stewart Island 

The island is home to New Zealand's newest national park — Rakiura. Rakiura National Park was established in 2002 and covers around 85 percent of the island.
 
There are over 280km of tracks on Stewart Island, but most are unsuitable for children. To find out more about these tracks and those that are suitable for your family contact the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre (Main Road, Stewart Island. Ph: 03 219 0009) 

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Accommodation and Activities:

                                      
Accommodation   Activities   Beaches and Parks   Travel Tips


Find accommodation in Southland to suit your family needs and budget.

  
Find great activities and attractions to do in Southland with your family. 		 
Discover the outdoors in Southaland with your children.		  
Travel tips for travelling around Southland to make your holiday even more special
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