The Southland region has some of the most magnificent areas of native forest and indigenous grasslands found anywhere in New Zealand. It includes Rakiura National Park and the popular Mavora Lakes Park and Snowdon Forest.
From the Takitimu Mountains to Lake Monowai and the Catlins Highway, the Southland area has a number of outstanding sites to visit.
Stewart Island/Rakiura is the least modified of New Zealand's main islands. It contains vast tracts of wilderness and the country’s most southerly national park.
New Zealand's subantarctic islands are wild and beautiful places. They are home to some of the most abundant and unique wildlife on earth. All the subantarctic islands are National Nature Reserves and have also been honoured with World Heritage status.
An A-Z listing of Southland places to visit.
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Find out more about iconic Fiordland places to visit, including Milford Road and Lake Manapouri.
Find out about the places you can visit in the Otago region, including the Matukituki Valley, in Mount Aspiring National Park, and Oteake Conservation Park in Central Otago.
From forest parks to scenic reserves, alpine areas to protected coasts, there are hundreds of special conservation places.
NZ weather
DOC maps: Discover the outdoors - DOC's key places, campsites, tracks and huts, and visitor centres on a map
Check, Clean, Dry between waterways and stop the spread of didymo.
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:1. Plan your trip2. Tell someone3. Be aware of the weather4. Know your limits5. Take sufficient supplies
