Top Things to do in Southland Region
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Top 10 Things to do in Southland Region, South Island
Discover the best top things to do in Southland Region, New Zealand including Doubtful Sound, Bill Richardson Transport World, Milford sound Hwy, Milford Sound, Te Anau Glowworm Caves, E Hayes and Sons - The World's Fastest Indian, Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Underwater Observatory, Eglinton Valley, Bowen Falls, Homer Tunnel.
Restaurants in Southland Region
1. Doubtful Sound
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,296 reviews
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
2. Bill Richardson Transport World
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 755 reviews
One man’s passion started it all. Experience a family legacy that has become the largest private automotive museum of its type in the world. Stunningly crafted within a world-class facility, Bill Richardson Transport World has something for everyone. Hugely popular, you will find more than 300 vehicles including retro Kombis, Henry Ford Letter Cars, Model Ts, stunning 1930s V8s and over 200 vintage petrol pumps. Outside of our extraordinary vehicle range we house a growing wearable arts collection, movie theatre, children’s play zones and themed bathrooms fast becoming as famous as our vehicles. Allow plenty of time - there is a lot to see.
Reviewed By john241Caloundra
An amazing collection of cars,trucks,tractors,vintage cars etc,all beautifully presented in a monster building...Allow yourself at least a day to do it justice,it is a fantastic display...many exhibits have their history attached...The restaurant too,is of a high standard...Well worth entrance fee of $25...Don't miss it if you have any interest at all in motoring history
3. Milford sound Hwy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By Cruisey-Trudey - Palmerston, New Zealand
This drive along the Milford Highway is truly spectacular in our own back yard...entering into the Fiordland National Park.. no fences.. coming from a farming community, I noticed this first lol. The ever changing landscape towered by massive mountains, seeing the destruction the heavy rain fall can do, going through the Homer tunnel and meeting the Kaka up close was so awesome are just some of the things you see on this drive it really is breathtaking.
4. Milford Sound
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,688 reviews
Reviewed By EugenioA193 - Singapore, Singapore
The tour we take starts from Queenstown to milford Sound national park, ee contract our tour with #southerndiscoveries and starting wit our guide and driver Greg, we feel safe with Greg due to the weather conditions on the road, slippery road with snow and Etc, the trip Magic all the information along the road Greg gave us, we arrive on time and the service incredible all the logistics without a mistake, we arrive the ship and start the trip beautiful sights and all incredible until we returned to Queenstown Safe and Happy, magic experience is a must on the south Island in New Zealand
5. Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,476 reviews
Visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves - an underground network of limestone caves lit by hundreds of glowworms. In the darkness they produce a glittering display. Carved out by the force of the river, the underground world is surprisingly beautiful with whirlpools and roaring waterfalls. Begin with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau and then our nature guides will take you in groups through the caves and then in a small boat into the grotto. Departs Te Anau.
Reviewed By 554michaelr554 - Umina Beach, Australia
I know there are many sites around the world you can see glowworms but this tour is so different. Harry (Potter) our guide was full of very interesting information on all things glowworm and also provided a lot of information on the formation of the underground caves,. After a short walk through the cave we reached an underground jetty where we stepped into a small dinghy and in complete darkness Harry used a wall mounted chain to pull us along a section filled with glowworms. What an absolutely marvellous experience. Once back at the kiosk we were given a short slideshow lecture on the life and times of the glowworm, overall a fantastic experience. I should add that the boat ride to the glowworms was also interesting with informative information on Lake Te Anau as well as a slight detour along the way to highlight some of the more picturesque aspects of Lake Te Anau
6. E Hayes and Sons - The World's Fastest Indian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 829 reviews
E Hayes and Sons is a hardware, homeware, giftware and engineering supply store and visitor experience like no other. We’ve built a reputation for PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST serving the Invercargill and Southland region with an unmatched selection of quality goods, services and advice since 1932. Our entire store is also home to the unique E Hayes Motorworks Collection representing one of the finest private collections of classic motorcycles, automobiles and engines in New Zealand proudly built around our centerpiece - Burt Munro’s Authentic, Original and Legendary ‘World's Fastest Indian' motorcycle. The E Hayes Motorworks Collection and World's Fastest Indian is 100% FREE TO VIEW during our normal store opening hours.
Reviewed By brittneywhittinghamx - Hamilton, New Zealand
Wow, this is a 'must do' if ever visiting Invercargill. The shop is incredible to say the least! Obviously Burt Munro and the Worlds Fastest Indian was our reason for visiting but I did not realise how many other awesome items were on display. It is incredibly fascinating if you are in to seeing how objects, items, machinery and more have all evolved and changed over the years. With the shop being so large there is so much to see. You could spend hours here and buy almost any household item + more whilst you're at it. There is also a cafe and gift store inside. This was a great visit and amazing to have great NZ history on display all for free. They have done a brilliant job at this setup.
7. Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Underwater Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 254 reviews
Reviewed By lin4197 - Nailsea, United Kingdom
We accessed this as part of our overnight cruise on Milford Sound. I am so, so pleased we did. The visit was fascinating giving you direct access to marine life in its real habitat and without disturbing it. Gosh, it was so diverse. Our guide was amazing, she was so knowledgable and enthusiastic. She obviously loved her job and sharing her knowledge. I learnt so. much and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. I wholly recommend this experience - it was fascinating.
8. Eglinton Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By oliviaclaire99 - Wellington, New Zealand
Drove past this a few times on separate trips. Got out with 8 friends and had a blast running around the field and taking photos. Great photo op for those driving to Milford or the Divide at Te Anau.
9. Bowen Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
After 16 years closed, the Bowen Falls are again open to the public. Take a short boat road across the harbour to the base of this spectacular waterfall, with amazing views up the fiord to Mitre Peak and beyond.
Reviewed By Nytrees - Buffalo, United States
A must visit location in New Zealand. Best if seen by boat. These falls go year round. Others on Milford sound crop up after a rainy period. Truly beautiful.
10. Homer Tunnel
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 539 reviews
Reviewed By TravlQ - Bengaluru, India
On way tunnel on the way to Milford from Queenstown, this is an engineering marvel One has to wait for a few minutes ( max waiting time is 10 mins) for your-side to permit entry inside the tunnel It is a very unique experience ; one admire the engineering feat while going through the tunnel. It adds more variety to a beautiful road trip. One can spot kiwi bird while waiting for your turn
