New Zealand’s most southerly city and Southland's largest, Invercargill is an attractive garden city known for its southern hospitality. The key commercial centre of the area, Invercargill offers all the accommodation, shopping, eating and entertainment options you could need.

The city is centrally located on the Southern Scenic Route, which runs from Dunedin down around the coast of Southland and up to the spectacular lakes of Fiordland. The drive offers stunning scenery, wildlife, walks, beaches, waterfalls and native bush.

Other Southland Attractions

The remote beauty of Stewart Island and the rugged mountains and glacial lakes of Fiordland National Park are the two main attractions of this region. A diverse range of activities includes everything from kayaking and diving, to cycling, walking, hunting and fishing.

Invercargill's port at Bluff is famous for its succulent Bluff oysters. Across the 32km width of Foveaux Strait is the remote Stewart Island, New Zealand's third and smallest island, a haven for walkers and native wildlife.

On the southwest corner of the South Island's west coast lies Fiordland, a spectacular indented coastline which gives its name to New Zealand's largest national park. Milford Sound is Fiordland's most popular destination, home to the famous Mitre Peak. The lakeside town of Te Anau is Fiordland's main resort and the country's walking capital during summer.

The Catlins region is famous for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife, including Hector's dolphins, Hooker's sea lions, fur seals, yellow-eyed penguins and other native birds.

Accommodation http://www.iltaccommodation.co.nz

Restaurants http://www.ilt.co.nz/rest.php

Bars & Taverns http://www.ilt.co.nz/taverns.php

The Official Southland homepage http://www.visit.southlandnz.com