Top Things to do in Southland Region
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Things to do in Southland Region, South Island: The Best Outdoor Activities
Discover the best top things to do in Southland Region, New Zealand including Milford Track, Trips & Tramps, Hollyford Track, Mitre Peak Cruises, Wairaurahiri Jet, Faith in Fiordland, Fiordland Outdoors Co., Cruise Milford, Rakiura Rides, Lake Marian Track.
Restaurants in Southland Region
1. Milford Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 361 reviews
Great Walks season is October - April. Outside this period facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional safety hazards to consider. Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By EmmaMSmithDerby - Auckland, New Zealand
Completing the Milford really is a magical experience, you can definitely see why it is consistently voted one of the best Walks in the world. First things first, actually getting there takes quite a lot of planning and coordinating; booking your nights in the DoC (Department of Conservation) cabins is first and foremost as the track only allows 40 (non guided) walkers per day and camping in tents is not permitted on the track. I flew down the Queenstown then bused to Te Anau with Traknet, before transferring the next day to DoC transport (bus and ferry) to get to the starting point - Glade Wharf (where due to excessive rain the wharf was under water!) Day 1: this is a great introduction to the track, nice and flat and only around 5km, passing the guided walkers lodge you come up to a nice long swing bridge for some epic pictures. It’s actually nice that first night to have some time to settle into the huts and meet the other 40 people who you’ll see along your journey. Approaching Clinton hut on that first day is like entering a fairy wonderland, with everything covered in bright green moss, making it feel quite magical. I also took advantage of the resident Ranger, who conducted a late afternoon nature walk (highly recommended), takes around an hour but is only about 400m of walking. She talked us through the local plants and birds as well as showing us the best place to spy some Glowworms after dark (well worth staying up to see). With our bellies full (there are gas’s burners provided), it was off to bed (with obligatory earplugs and eye mask) to prepare for a full days walking the next day. Day 2: wow what a day, I was incredibly lucky with the weather, hot and sunny. The day takes you through some outstanding landscape, stunning valleys and alpine vistas. Make sure you take the slight excursion to the Wetlands Track (only around 10-15 minutes) which takes you out into the marshland for some great views. More swing bridges, woodland tracks and river climbs greet you throughout the day as you make your way to Mintaro Hut. Despite a pretty full on day of walking it’s great to relax down by the river (taking a dip if you dare!). I also got to the hut nice and early and with the weather due to close in the next day the DoC Ranger advised us to head up into Mackinnon Pass that afternoon to capture the views, and despite the 2.5hr round trip it was so worth it. Incredible views across both sides of the valley, even saw a small avalanche. I was able to spend some time appreciating the vista (hugely different to the experience the following day). Day 3: well the ranger was right about the weather closing in. They had advised us the night before that we had to be out of the hut by 07:00 latest to ensure we could get over the pass safely, I left at 05:45 and it’s a good job that I did, as the weather was appalling. Having a good quality rain jacket and ample pack protection (dry bags/ rain cover) was essential. Getting up onto the pass was okay despite the rain, but getting to the shelter on top of the pass was a challenge - Howling wind (+130kph), snow and hail. Make sure you stop at the Mackinnon shelter to warm up, put on some extra layers and rest your legs. If the weather is nice though, take advantage of the loo with a view! Getting over and down the other side of pass is particularly tricky in bad weather, there is little shelter from the wind and it’s a very steep decent, a lot of strain on the knees, with much of the track ankle deep in water. The challenge of a day like that definitely gives you a feeling of enormous satisfaction, as you navigate more swing bridges and rivers which come up over your knees. I was incredibly grateful when I spied the sign for Dumpling hut. If it’s been a wet day (barely in mind wet weather is far more common in Fiordland than dry), get into dry clothes as quickly as possible, get the fire lit and have some warm food/drink. Beware of the cheeky Kea’s and Weka if you dare to leave anything outside of the huts, they have become masters of backpack entry, food thefts and boot insole removal. Day 4: A lot easier conditions, warm and sunny with the track gently undulating through more stunning native kiwi forest, a lot of puddles and more wet feet as we navigated through the remnants of the previous days bad weather towards out finish line of Sandfly point. With the final mile marker (the track is measured in miles) calling out the last 400m you soon realise this is completely untrue, with it actually being about a mile to the end. And when you make it to Sandfly point it certainly lives up to its name, I have never seen so many of the nibbling little buggers! The final boat ride taking you into the Sound itself truly sums up this great walk, a marvellous end to a marvellous walk. Top Tips: Don’t forget to collect your DoC tickets from the Te Anau office before you head onto the track. Buy one of the yellow pack liners (these can be purchased at the DoC office), a good bit of extra dry protection. Take lots of layers as we experienced vast changes in weather conditions Don’t forget your ear plugs Take a good supply of insect repellent (ideally specifically for sandflies) and antihistamines if you are allergic Tap into the excellent knowledge of the DoC rangers Stop regularly, breathe and enjoy
2. Trips & Tramps
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 860 reviews
Operating from Lake Te Anau, Trips & Tramps offers small group Milford Sound cruise and walking tours, guided day hikes on the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Great Walks plus track transport. Our guides are friendly and down-to-earth, you'll love their fascinating commentary and entertaining kiwi stories.
3. Hollyford Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By lachie_n_load
Stepping into the dramatic Hollyford Valley is like entering a world that’s remained largely unchanged for thousands of years. Geologically spectacular and ever changing, the sheer diversity of vegetation and wildlife in this one valley is truly unparalleled and makes for an utterly amazing guided walk. So many stunning photo opportunities, and some interesting historical characters bring the settlement stories of the area to life. ????% would walk 40km in the rain again for this amazing experience.
4. Mitre Peak Cruises
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,034 reviews
Mitre Peak Cruises offer fantastic 2 hour cruises of stunning Milford Sound on its small purpose built boats (maximum capacity 75). Mitre Peak Cruises takes you where the big boats can't go, taking you closer to the waterfalls, wildlife and spectacular scenery of Milford Sound. Coach, fly and helicopter options are available from Queenstown and Te Anau.
5. Wairaurahiri Jet
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 159 reviews
Jet boat into the heart of Fiordland South Island's ultimate jet boat ride! We will take you on a trip of a life time. 94 Km’s of jet boating into the heart of Fiordland National Park and back; travel across Lake Hauroko and down to the rugged southern coast via the wild Wairaurahiri River. Our All Day Adventure includes, personal guided nature walks and a delicious kiwi style BBQ For your comfort on the colder days, we have fitted heated hand rails to our boat, along with woolly hats and over sized water proof oil skin coats for our guests to use while aboard. These are a great addition to help you to enjoy our already awesome boat trip The River: The Wairaurahiri River, 34 km of rugged rock strewn grade three rapids that drop 600 feet to sea level. These are the conditions which make the Wairaurahiri Jet such an exciting ride! Trampers: We can pick up or drop off - links with Hump Ridge Track and South Coast Track. Plus other packages, Helicopter, Jet boat adventure, over night adventure, or Twilight adventures trips. Our safety: Johan, (owner operator) has over 20 years experience on the river. Our twin engine jet boat is specially designed to handle the conditions of this remote area. We believe our boat is 200% safer than any other operator on this river as we are the only boat with two engines. Twice the safety and comfort. Safety Audits Wairaurahiri Jet is also audited yearly by Maritime NZ, Wairaurahiri Jet is the only boat on the river that is an approved activity and has achieved a Gold Enviro award Qualmark. New Zealand, tourism bench mark.
6. Faith in Fiordland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 245 reviews
Elegant Historic Cruises the Motor Yacht "Faith" on Lake Te Te Anau, Fiordland, New Zealand. Exceptional food served on board, drinks included, a guided walk, and a local crew happy to show you their untouched Kiwi backyard. Maximum of 16 people aboard to ensure a quality experience.
7. Fiordland Outdoors Co.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 178 reviews
Journey to a place you will remember. We host people on their adventures in Fiordland, sharing our places, stories and creating impossible to forget experiences including: • Guided Trout Fishing for experienced anglers • Jet boat fishing for beginners, a truly Kiwi experience • Privately guided hiking on the famous Milford Track • Water taxi to the famous Milford Track • Complete your Lake2Lake Cycle Trail adventure with a Waiau River taxi journey by jet boat • Private crafted journeys into Fiordland to visit special places
8. Cruise Milford
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,395 reviews
Experience Milford Sound the local way - Cruise Milford is the only family owned & operated day cruise operator at Milford Sound. We are also the only company to limit passenger numbers on-board to 50% of the boats capacity to guarantee an uncrowded and much more personal experience on-board our Boutique Small Boat Cruises. Let us show you our Milford Sound, up close and personal. Voted one of the Top 10 Experiences in New Zealand in 2019 & 2020
9. Rakiura Rides
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
We have 7 beautiful horses - 6 are Clydsedale x thoroughbred and one is a purebred Morgan, all of whom we totally adore and have wonderful personalities. All of our treks are in small groups, so you get more attention and help also with riding for the less confident. Nervous riders and young children (10+) can have their horse led on a lead rope by one of our experienced guides. The rides vary to suit ability. There is a one hour ride to suit beginners. This is along the rivers edge and through some bush tracks. Lots of fun. The two hour ride is suitable also for beginners to the experienced. The beginners don't go as far but is a super ride along the rivers edge also, through winding bush and forest tracks. If the riders can trot we also go over the sand dunes to the beach. Experienced riders can have a canter on the beach. If you bring your camera along we stop at various nice spots and take photos for you to remind you of your day We supply helmets, gloves and wet weather gear. We do have a weight limit -- to protect the horses backs -- of 100 kg We are situated ten minutes drive from invercargill CBD. Many overseas travellers have come along - their general comment - "its blows them away - so much "space" and freedom! We operate all year around, but we are weather dependent. If you love the outdoors, some good company and a great ride come for a trek, Times are limited - depending on availability - 1-5 people per ride. "A True Southern Experience"
Reviewed By Cuthereccil - Tauranga, New Zealand
I just loved spending two hours with Sue and her beautiful horses. We went through the forest and onto a wild beach , we decided on a more leisurely pace. I loved every minute ,it is an experience I will never forget.
10. Lake Marian Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 70 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By StephenSue - Canberra, Australia
Having come straight from the Key Summit Walk, we didn't have the fitness or time for another long trek, and just did the short 20 minute hike to the falls. This is one of the best returns you'll get for a hike - there's heaps of parking, toilets, a great swing bridge entry across a spectacular river, a short mostly flat walk alongside the river and through some nice forest, and then a boardwalk hanging out over the falls. You could just about push a pram here if needed, but this short, easy walk also makes it very popular with tour groups, so be prepared to share the path. A nice short walk to finish off a long day, or for those who want a bit of a walk and some views without the effort on the way to, or from, MIlford Sound.
