|
| |
Southland
Welcome to
Southland
It’s one of those
rare getaways where you truly do get away from it all. No traffic jams. No
queues. No worries.
New Zealand’s southernmost province, Southland spans the breadth of the South
Island. Much of its uniqueness and intrigue lies in the ever-changing backdrops
– vistas so different, it’s difficult to imagine you’re in the same country, let
alone the same province.
Within a day’s travel, you’ll experience everything from towering rainforests,
alpine tussocks, rolling fertile farmlands and golden beaches stretching as far
as the eye can see. It’s like a dozen destinations rolled into one.
With its wide open spaces, and a roomy ratio of just one person to every 30
hectares of land, there’s plenty of scope for serenity and solitude.
This region’s celebrated for its “off the beaten track” activities and
attractions, yet Southland is easily accessible and offers quality amenities and
services, including world-class fare and an inviting range of accommodation.
Southland’s spectacular scenery, unique wildlife and rich heritage draws
trampers, sightseers, adventurers, naturalists and culture buffs alike … or
those simply looking for an idyllic, peaceful retreat a world away from the
rigors of everyday life.
Click
here to find out about the Official Southland
Visitor Guide
Dunedin
additional info
Stay at the
exclusive
The Lodge at Tikana
Stewart Island
Stewart Island, the
southern-most island of New Zealand. It measures 64 km long, and 40 km across at
its widest point. It has a 700 km coastline, and only 20 km of roads!
 The
terrain is rugged made of granite, some of the oldest rock in New Zealand. A
wide range of minerals are present, though not in commercial quantities. There's
black iron sand on some beaches, others are white with quartz or red with
garnet. Many beaches are gold, sparkling in the sun.
Paterson Inlet
almost cuts the Island in half. This large expanse of water is popular for
boat-trips and recreational fishing and diving.
The climate is mild if just a little damp. The eastern lowlands are forest,
right to the water's edge. A canopy of kamahi is pierced by majestic rimu and
miro. Lianes and lush fern growth adorn the bush interior.
The forest is a haven for bird-liffe, as there are fewer predators than on the
mainland. Kaka, parakeets, tui, and bellbird give a wonderful dawn chorus in
spring. New Zealand's national bird, the kiwi is found all round the Island.
Seabirds abound off-shore. Albatross, petrels, cormorants, gulls and blue
penguins are common. Rarer species like yellow-eye penguins are also seen often.
Mason Bay, on the Island's West Coast is much different. It's a 12 mile crescent
of sandy beach, with huge sand-hills and tussock and scrub in place of forest.
On a limited
schedule there is no better way to become aquainted with Stewart Island then
with a guided tour with
Ruggedy Range.
.
|
