| Geography: Southland is New Zealand's most southerly region with a population of only around 90,000 people. Invercargill is Southland's only city and has the distinction of being one of the most southerly settlements in the world. The Southland plains provide some of the most fertile farmland in the whole of New Zealand. |
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Pastimes: There are two National Parks
in the
Southland
region, the
Fiordland
and the
Rakiura
on
Stewart Island.
Fiordland
is the largest NP in New Zealand and is dominated by ocean flooded, steep
valleys. Two of the tallest waterfalls in the world are located
here, these being the
Browne
Falls
and the
Sutherland falls.
Milford Sound, which is technically a fjord, is the most visited tourist site in New Zealand. Lush rain forests cling precariously to the cliffs, while seals, penguins, and dolphins frequent the waters. The famous Milford track, which is 54 km long, has the reputation as the 'Finest Walk in the World'. However, you don't have to do the whole walk as there is the option of a guided walk partway along the track. Doubtful Sound is more remote being further south than Milford Sound, and is home to the southernmost population of bottlenose dolphins as well as seals and penguins. The only sensible way to see the fjord is by boat and there are several companies that run tours. The scenery is beautiful and, when the boat stops it's engine and nobodies talking, it is absolutely silent. |
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 Doubtful Sound Tour Boat
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