Nugget Point is a highlight of the Catlins coast road tour, especially if you like wildlife.
In contrast to the dryness of Central Otago, Southland is lush and green. Tranquil
waterways attract fly-fishing enthusiasts in search of brown trout. Near-pristine
southern rainforest provides opportunities for day walks and hiking. The amazing
Catlins Coast promises wildlife encounters and the chance to see Curio Bay - a
petrified forest of subtropical kauri and other trees dating back to the Jurassic
age.
Southland's largest urban centre is Invercargill, a city of 49,000 people. Visitors
come to admire the elegant Victorian and Edwardian buildings, gardens and landscaped
parks.
A half hour drive south from Invercargill is the fishing port of Bluff - home
to the famous Bluff oyster and a lively annual seafood festival.
From Bluff, visitors can catch a ferry to Stewart Island - a haven for native
bird life and the only place in New Zealand where you can readily see kiwi in
their natural habitat.
Key Features
The Catlins Coast Winding between Fortrose and Kaka Point, the Catlins Coast takes you to enthralling
wildlife experiences, beautiful waterfalls and rustic, farmland scenery. Beaches,
forest walks and nostalgic hospitality will capture your heart.
Park in the city
Invercargill is built around beautiful Queens Park - 80 hectares of gardens,
wildlife and sporting fun. As well as an 18-hole golf course, the park has animal
enclosures, a bird aviary, play areas and the Southland Museum.
Rakiura National Park, Stewart Island
Stewart Island is an ecological wonderland. The clamour of civilisation is replaced
by rapturous birdsong and sounds of the sea. Rendezvous with a kiwi, visit Ulva
Island bird sanctuary or walk one of the many tracks.
Key Tips
There are daily flights to Invercargill from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
From Invercargill you can drive to Queenstown in 2 ½ hours or Te Anau in 2 hours.
Pack warm clothing during autumn and winter months. There's no such thing as
bad weather, just bad clothes!
At all times of the year, the ferry to Stewart Island departs twice daily; the
plane departs three times a day.
MEMORY:Submitted by Alex Lee from Singapore
"
We came from 8500kms away to experience the most wonderful journey we have ever had.
"
Finding the road to dreams: explore motorcycle legend Burt Munro's Southland. Walk where he rode, meet the locals and feel like you're in the movie filmed here: "The World's Fastest Indian".
Finding the road to dreams: explore motorcycle legend Burt Munro's Southland. Walk where he rode, meet the locals and feel like you're in the movie filmed here: "The World's Fastest Indian".
Make the most of Southland’s crisp, clear winter by embracing snow fun. Nestled between the Garvie and Umbrella Mountains, the Waikaia Valley is the place to catch an arctic snow cat - follow the snow pole trail used by goldminers of the last century. Cross country skiing is another way to enjoy winter in the Waikaia Valley.
If you’re looking for a challenge, Heli-skiing on the peaks of Nokomai Station will blow your mind.
Finding the road to dreams: explore motorcycle legend Burt Munro's Southland. Walk where he rode, meet the locals and feel like you're in the movie filmed here: "The World's Fastest Indian".
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