The beautiful greenness of Southland tells you there's plenty of rainfall. Add this to the fertile soils and you have a fantastic environment for gardening.

	Queen's Park is one of the best public gardens in New Zealand.
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A number of Invercargill's private landscapes are open for viewing during the summer months. Marshwood is a place to enjoy roses, lavender and beautiful hedges. In Wyndham I recommend Maple Glen - a large country garden developed at the head of a deep gully.

Gardens for staying

Many of Southland's bed and breakfast places have fantastic gardens, so you can combine your need for sleep with your love of botany. Fernlea is situated on a dairy farm, and the guest quarters are surrounded by cottage gardens. Bella Retreat is nestled in five acres of garden and woodlands. Greenbush Bed and Breakfast sits in a two-acre garden paradise.

Catlins Coast

Between Balclutha and Invercargill is a stretch of coast known as the Catlins. It's full of amazing landscapes. At Slope Point, which is the southernmost tip of the South Island, the trees grow bent and gnarled from exposure to the prevailing wind. Waterfalls are everywhere, including the humorously named Niagara Falls - they're only about a foot high.

Hoiho on the Otago Peninsula
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Riverton and beyond

The southern coast to the west of Invercargill is another world of wild landscapes. There's heaps of history to be discovered at Riverton, one of New Zealand's oldest settlements. I also love Te Waewae Bay and Gemstone Beach - true wilderness coast. To get the full effect of this area, hike the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track - it's one of New Zealand's newest walks.