At the commercial centre of Southland lies New Zealands most Southern city, Invercargill. It is a very convenient base to the wonders of Southland as well as being a lovely city with Victorian heritage buildings, wide boulevards, parks and beautiful walks. Invercargill shares a Scottish heritage with Dunedin.
The spectacular Catlins Coast is worth exploring. Just 88km from Invercargill you will find Curio Bay where, at low tide, you will be able to view the ancient fossilised remains of a forest that existed 160 million years ago. Another worthwhile place to visit at low tide is the Cathedral Caves a series of five interconnecting caves at Waipati Beach. These caves can reach 20m in height. You can only reach them within 2 hours of low tide and make sure that you bring a flash light. Blue penguins and fur seals are sometimes seen in the deep recesses of the caves. Follow the Maclean Falls River Walk along the Tautuku River valley to view the spectacular Maclean Falls. You will hear bellbirds and tuis and be accompanied by fantails. A trip to Nugget Bay Lighthouse and nearby Cannibal Bay is interesting and an opportunity to see fur seals and sea lions.
Drive to Bluff home to the gourmet Bluff oysters and the Tiwai Point Aluminium smelter. From Bluff you can take the ferry to Stewart Island. A short boat trip takes you to Ulva Island to view many rare native birds or you can go on one of the many beautiful bush walks. Fish and chips featuring blue cod is available and compares to any in New Zealand.
In Invercargill City you will be able to enjoy retail shopping in the city centre or dine out in one the many restaurants and cafes. The Southland Aquatic centre, known as the Splash Palace, is open every day of the year except for Christmas. Visit the Southland Museum and art gallery where you can see fine art, techno displays, nautical exhibits, tuatara and the Southern Hemisphere's largest pyramid.
In Invercargill accommodation is well catered for with many conveniently situated motels, hotels and backpackers.
The spectacular Catlins Coast is worth exploring. Just 88km from Invercargill you will find Curio Bay where, at low tide, you will be able to view the ancient fossilised remains of a forest that existed 160 million years ago. Another worthwhile place to visit at low tide is the Cathedral Caves a series of five interconnecting caves at Waipati Beach. These caves can reach 20m in height. You can only reach them within 2 hours of low tide and make sure that you bring a flash light. Blue penguins and fur seals are sometimes seen in the deep recesses of the caves. Follow the Maclean Falls River Walk along the Tautuku River valley to view the spectacular Maclean Falls. You will hear bellbirds and tuis and be accompanied by fantails. A trip to Nugget Bay Lighthouse and nearby Cannibal Bay is interesting and an opportunity to see fur seals and sea lions.
Drive to Bluff home to the gourmet Bluff oysters and the Tiwai Point Aluminium smelter. From Bluff you can take the ferry to Stewart Island. A short boat trip takes you to Ulva Island to view many rare native birds or you can go on one of the many beautiful bush walks. Fish and chips featuring blue cod is available and compares to any in New Zealand.
In Invercargill City you will be able to enjoy retail shopping in the city centre or dine out in one the many restaurants and cafes. The Southland Aquatic centre, known as the Splash Palace, is open every day of the year except for Christmas. Visit the Southland Museum and art gallery where you can see fine art, techno displays, nautical exhibits, tuatara and the Southern Hemisphere's largest pyramid.
In Invercargill accommodation is well catered for with many conveniently situated motels, hotels and backpackers.