Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Southland Region, South Island

May 19, 2022 Velvet Mowry

Discover the best top things to do in Southland Region, New Zealand including Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu), Doubtful Sound, Cruise Te Anau, Fiordland Tours, Te Anau Helicopter Services, Faith in Fiordland, Wairaurahiri Jet, Ulva Island, Rakiura Rides, Fiordland Expeditions - Day Tours.
Restaurants in Southland Region

1. Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand +64 27 245 9709 [email protected] http://www.fiordlandcharters.co.nz
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
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5.0 based on 658 reviews

Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

Reviewed By 67arda - North Shore, New Zealand

we did both kepler and routeburn tracks = such a gem of an area and so pristine - lovely to meet full of like minded folk along the way who equally enjoyed taking the time to fully breathe in the environs ....tip - take your time and keep camera charged !

2. Doubtful Sound

Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
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5.0 based on 2,296 reviews

Doubtful Sound

Reviewed By Nalacoops1950

Go Orange provide a very professional, organised service and meet their promise of a trip with small numbers on a comfortable boat. Travis and Karina were the guide and.captain for the day, both being amusing, knowledgeable and enthusiastic in making it enjoyable for all, The trip across lake Manapouri is a great start to the day, followed by an interesting bus ride to the harbour. Karina made a few stops showing interesting place on the way. The 3 hours sailing the Sound is full of spectacular mountains, waterfalls and scenery all around. Time passed quickly and at the end you have the pleasure of reversing the bus journey and Manapouri lake crossing to look forward to. It is not a cheap trip but does provide the small personal tour promised in a comfortable boat with enough personal space to view the Sound. We would certainly do the trip again and would recommend it to others. Thanks for a superb and memorable day

3. Cruise Te Anau

Excellent
89%
Good
8%
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2%
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5.0 based on 88 reviews

Cruise Te Anau

DISCOVERY CRUISE Join Peter (your local born & breed skipper) on 'Cruise Te Anau' for a personalized boutique 3 hour 'Discovery Cruise' to the scenic South Fiord of Lake Te Anau, including a relaxing bush/nature walk to discover the Hidden Lakes. Cruise Te Anau have been operating personalized boutique cruises on beautiful Lake Te Anau, (New Zealand's 2nd largest lake) for over 15 years. With a maximum of 12 people per trip you are assured of the untouched tranquility of the beautiful South Fiord of Lake Te Anau. Cruises Depart Daily at 1pm (also 5pm during summer months) - Bookings essential - you can book through our website.

4. Fiordland Tours

Excellent
97%
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5.0 based on 708 reviews

Fiordland Tours

Fiordland Tours Milford Sound small group Coach & Cruise.We maximise your opportunity to capture one of the finest alpine drives in the world in a unique and unhurried way.Our leading small boat operation gives you a chance to see Seals, Dolphins and Penguins with an in depth, fun commentary about the rich history of Fiordland.We do personal pick-ups from your accommodation. Departs Te Anau 8-00am Returns 6pm

5. Te Anau Helicopter Services

Excellent
96%
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2%
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2%
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5.0 based on 45 reviews

Te Anau Helicopter Services

Te Anau Helicopter Services provides the opportunity for you to see the stunning scenery in Fiordland, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and many beautiful places in between.

6. Faith in Fiordland

Excellent
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5.0 based on 245 reviews

Faith in Fiordland

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. Wairaurahiri Jet

Excellent
96%
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5.0 based on 159 reviews

Wairaurahiri Jet

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.

8. Ulva Island

Stewart Island New Zealand +64 800 783 9278 http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/southland/places/stewart-island-rakiura/ulva-island-te-wharawhara
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 682 reviews

Ulva Island

Reviewed By Kiwifreespirits - Auckland, New Zealand

We did a self guided walk using the guide book ( $2) we bought in Oban before going We used the excellent Rakiura Charters Water Taxi to get to Ulva having spent a wonderful few hours with them before hand around Patterson Inlet and the Mussel and Salmon Farm area in Big Glory Bay . Great people !!. We allowed ourselves 3 hours on Ulva . Way too short !!! . Should have made it 4 ( it was a fine day which helped ) to give sufficient time to just stop listen and watch frequently eg . Late in the walk we saw a Kiwi very close to us . But we were tight for time and could only spend 2 or 3 minutes looking which was frustrating. Many of the birds are very friendly eg Stewart Island robins that hop on your shoes and check out the laces , Wekas who hang out at the two beaches etc .

9. Rakiura Rides

5 Sandy Point Road Off Dunnes Road, Invercargill 9879 New Zealand +64 21 234 0322 [email protected] http://truenz.co.nz/horsetrekking/southland/rakiura-rides
Excellent
95%
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5.0 based on 62 reviews

Rakiura Rides

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. Fiordland Expeditions - Day Tours

Excellent
94%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 148 reviews

Fiordland Expeditions - Day Tours

Fiordland Expeditions is a cruise boat company offering either Overnight Cruise experiences in Doubtful Sound or Multi-day Live-aboard charters throughout Fiordland year round. We can offer scenic cruises throughout Fiordland which can include some fishing or scuba diving, or deer hunting and have some kayaks aboard so you can go for a paddle and explore in a more close up manner whilst we watch on. Our cruises have become sought after from people all over the globe and show off the beauty that Fiordland has to offer. From the mountain vistas to the seals and dolphins, to the albatross at sea; there is plenty to explore and keep you entertained. This small family owned and operated business offers cruises to smaller groups of up to 12 on their two vessels based from Doubtful Sound in Fiordland, New Zealand. Our crews are friendly and attentive and knowledgeable and passionate. Your cruise with us will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

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