Southland Overview

Southlanders ardently claim that the bottom of New Zealand should be at the top of any visitor’s destination list. What the region lacks in tourist infrastructure and sensational urban centers, it makes up for with a down-to-earth approach to its own rugged beauty. From the slow-paced, inviting Catlins to the wild, untouched beauty of Stewart Island—as of 2002 New Zealand’s newest national park—Southland delivers intriguing views of off-the-beaten-path New Zealand.

Pray for a low tide to access the awe-inspiring Cathedral Caves .
Tame the wild as you wander amid Stewart Island’s Northwest Circuit .
Charge the freezing surf at Slope Point, South Island’s southernmost point .

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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.