Do I need a visa to visit Southland?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Check the official Immigration New Zealand website before travel.

What is the main airport for Southland?

Invercargill Airport (IVC) is the main domestic airport. Queenstown Airport (ZQN), about a 2.5-hour drive north, offers more international and domestic connections.

Can I see the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) here?

Yes, Southland is one of the best places in New Zealand to see the Aurora Australis, especially during winter on clear nights away from city lights. Stewart Island is particularly renowned.

Is Milford Sound in Southland?

Yes, Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) is located within the Fiordland National Park in the Southland region.

Are there supermarkets in remote areas like Fiordland?

No, services are extremely limited. Te Anau is the last major service town before Milford Sound. Stock up on all food, fuel, and supplies before heading into remote areas.

Varies by nationality. Check with Immigration New Zealand; many countries have visa-free access up to 3 months.

What currency is used?

New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit cards widely accepted; ATMs available in towns.

Is English widely spoken?

Yes, English is the primary language. Māori and NZ Sign Language are also official.

Can I drink tap water?

Yes, tap water is safe and of high quality throughout Southland.

What is the time zone?

Pacific/Auckland (GMT+12, +13 during daylight saving).

Are there any dangerous animals?

No dangerous land animals. Sandflies are a nuisance; use repellent.

Not for main roads, but some remote gravel roads (e.g., to Milford Sound) may require caution. Check rental conditions.

What is the best way to see Milford Sound?

By cruise from Milford Sound or Te Anau. Scenic flights also available.

Is Southland good for stargazing?

Yes, especially in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, but Southland also has low light pollution.

Yes, yellow-eyed and blue penguins at the Catlins and Oamaru. Keep distance and no flash photography.

Layers, waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes, sun hat, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.

Are there vegetarian/vegan options?

Yes, most cafes and restaurants offer plant-based options, especially in Invercargill and Te Anau.

Southland

RegionNew Zealand, Oceania

Southland is a STATE in New Zealand, Oceania.

Southland, New Zealand's southernmost mainland region, offers travelers a breathtaking blend of raw wilderness, rich history, and unique wildlife. Dominated by the majestic Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the region is home to the world-famous Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, where sheer cliffs plunge into dark waters and waterfalls cascade from rainforests. The gateway city of Invercargill provides a charming base with its well-preserved Edwardian architecture and the fascinating Transport World museum. Venture to Bluff for its iconic oyster festival and the signpost marking the start of State Highway 1. The Catlins coast reveals hidden gems like Cathedral Caves, Curio Bay's petrified forest, and colonies of rare yellow-eyed penguins. For history buffs, the gold rush town of Riverton and the heritage trails tell stories of Māori and European settlement. Southland's sparse population means vast, untouched landscapes await exploration, from the remote Stewart Island/Rakiura, a sanctuary for native birds, to the rolling green pastures that define its rural heart. This is a region for adventurers seeking solitude, dramatic scenery, and authentic encounters with nature.

Best time to visit Southland

December to March (summer and early autumn) offer the warmest and most stable weather, long daylight hours (perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing), and events like the Bluff Oyster & Food Festival (May). This is the peak tourist season. April and May (autumn) provide stunning foliage and fewer crowds. Winter (June-August) is cold and wet but offers a dramatic, moody atmosphere in Fiordland and opportunities for storm watching. Snow can affect road passes.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Overcast
Temperature: 17°
Feels like: 13°
Humidity: 57%
Wind: 20 km/h
Precipitation: 0 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Mild 8-16°C, longer days

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Mid

Spring; good for hiking before peak

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

IVC

Invercargill Airport

Domestic

2 km away

ZQN

Queenstown Airport

International

190 km away

DUD

Dunedin Airport

Domestic

200 km away

Getting around

"A rental car is highly recommended for exploring the region's dispersed attractions. Major rental companies operate from Invercargill Airport. InterCity coaches provide limited bus services between main towns and to key trailheads. In Invercargill, the local bus service (Invercargill City Council Buses) covers the urban area. Taxis and ride-share services (like Uber) are available in Invercargill. For Stewart Island, regular passenger ferries and flights operate from Bluff. Popular navigation apps like Google Maps and Maps.me work well, but carry physical maps for remote areas with limited cell coverage."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available in towns and cafes; limited in remote areas

Local SIM

Prepaid SIM from Spark, Vodafone, or 2degrees at airport or stores from $5

Calling code

+64

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very low crime; main risks are weather and driving conditions.

Night safety

8/10

Very low crime; main risks are weather and driving conditions.

Transport

8/10

Scam risk

9/10

"Southland is generally very safe with low crime rates. Standard precautions for personal belongings apply in towns. The primary risks are environmental. Weather in Fiordland and coastal areas can change rapidly; always check forecasts and be prepared for cold, rain, and strong winds. Inform someone of your plans before undertaking remote hikes (e.g., Kepler or Milford Tracks). Roads can be narrow, winding, and shared with livestock; drive cautiously, especially at dawn/dusk. Be aware of rising tides when exploring coastal areas like the Catlins. There are no specific areas to avoid, but standard vigilance is advised at night in urban centers."

Police

111

Ambulance

111

Fire

111

Tourist Police

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical facilities are concentrated in Invercargill (Southland Hospital) and Gore (Gore Health). For remote areas like Fiordland or Stewart Island, comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential. There are no unusual disease risks, but standard travel vaccinations (e.g., routine, hepatitis A & B) are recommended. The climate can be cold, wet, and windy; hypothermia is a risk for hikers. Sandflies are prevalent in Fiordland; strong insect repellent is advised. Tap water is safe to drink. Always carry any necessary prescription medications, as access in remote areas may be limited."

Culture

Local customs

"New Zealanders (Kiwis) are generally informal and friendly. A firm handshake is a common greeting. Tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service. Dress is casual, but smart-casual attire is suitable for nicer restaurants. When visiting marae (Māori meeting grounds), it is respectful to follow the guidance of your hosts, which may include removing shoes. Respect the environment by following the 'Tiaki Promise' – care for land, sea, and nature, and tread lightly. Punctuality is valued."

EnglishMāori

Costs and practicals

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD) · $

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-25 | average restaurant meal

Hotels

$80-150 | mid-range hotel per night

Local transport

$50-80 | daily car rental

Cost notes

Fuel costs higher in remote areas. Budget accommodation like hostels from $30/night.

Timezone

Pacific/Auckland +12:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

102,400

Area

34,415 km²

Government

Regional Council (Southland Regional Council) and Territorial Authorities (Invercargill City Council, Southland District Council, Gore District Council)

ISO code

NZ-F8

Type

Region

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Саусленд, Murihiku, Саутленд, サウスランド, STL, Southland, NZ-STL, Southland Régió, IVC, Inbhir Chargaill, Invercargill, Invergargill, Inverkargilas, Inverkargill, Ostium Cargillense, Waihopai, anfrkarjl, anwrkargl, anwrkarګl, aynwrkargyl, inabharakargila, inavarakaragila, inbakagiru, inbeokagil, invarakargila, xin wexr kharkill, yin fu ka ji er, ʿiniverikarigiል, Інверкаргілл, Инвергаргилл, Инверкаргилл, אינברקרגיל, إنفركارجل, انورکارګل, انورکارگل, اینورکارگیل, इन्वरकार्गिल, ইনভারকার্গিল, ਇਨਵਰਕਾਰਗਿਲ, อินเวอร์คาร์กิลล์, ინვერკარგილი, ኢንቬርካርጊል, インバーカーギル, 因弗卡吉尔, 인버카길

Capital CityMajor HubWildernessFiordlandHikingWildlifeStargazingCoastalAdventureScenic Drives