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Last Updated: Aug 17th, 2009 - 19:02:51 |
In the very southernmost part of New Zealand's South Island is Murihiku, or Southland. Whether you are backpacking on a budget or staying in luxury at one of the area's exquisite lodges, you are bound to be swept away by the bold landscape and wild wilderness of Southland's sweeping sandy beaches and beautiful green landscapes.
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Spectacular Oreti Beach is undoubtedly one of the area's key highlights. A stunning expanse of white sand, the beach overlooks the glittering waters of Foveaux Strait. Film buffs may recognise the breathtaking scenery from the set of The World's Fastest Indian.
One of the area's key events takes place nearby from April 22nd to 23rd – the Bluff Oyster and Southland Seafood Festival. The annual event showcases an array of local seafood and of course the Bluff oyster, arguably the best in the Pacific.
From Bluff, a twice-daily ferry will take you to Stewart Island and the Rakiura national park, the only place in New Zealand where the kiwi can be seen in its natural habitat. The island has been described as an ecological wonderland, an unspoiled sanctuary where the sounds of birdsong and the sea are often as loud as any city.
Half an hour's drive north from Bluff you will arrive at Invercargill, Southland's largest city and home to just under 50,000 people. Invercargill has grown up around Queens Park, a vast collection of gardens and wildlife spread over 80 hectares, and has everything from culture to shopping and nightlife. In addition, visitors come to see the elegant Victorian and Edwardian architecture which lines the city's wide streets.
The Catlins coast, which winds between Fortrose and Kaka Point, is renowned for its wild beauty. Cascading waterfalls and rustic farmland, beaches and forest walks await visitors and a boat trip around Porpoise Bay will transport you among tiny Hector's Dolphins. One of the best locations for viewing wildlife is Nugget Point, where fur seals, sea lions and sea elephants coexist along with yellow-eyed and blue penguins.
The coast also has a unique, fossilised rainforest at Curio Bay which dates back to the Jurassic age 180 million years ago, and visitors shouldn't miss the magnificent 20 metre waterfall at Purakaunui Falls.
A three-day walking trail will take you along the Humpridge Track from Tuatapere, through ancient forests and deep gorges and alongside tranquil lakes and coastal coves.
From March to May, the autumn season brings with it clear blue skies and crisp, cool air. A scenic flight will provide awe-inspiring views over the mountains, lakes and fiords and show off the rich colours of the season's aging leaves.
Southland's winters, from June to August, are crisp and clear with an average daytime temperature of ten degrees Celcius. Although snow doesn't tend to fall near the coast, the higher rural areas and hills are regularly covered and offer some breathtaking cross-country skiing.
Daily flights travel to Invercargill from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, or you can reach the city by road from Queenstown in a journey that takes around two and a half hours and will enable you to truly appreciate the lush scenery of this natural treasure box.
(c) Adfero Ltd 2006
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0845 299 4450
Mon - Fri 08.30 - 22.00
Saturday 09.00 - 22.00
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