The home page of everything you need to know about Southland, local community events, visitor information.

This guide is a proven high quality, up-to-date, reader friendly online publication and includes the celebrated Southern Scenic Route that takes you along the rugged southern coastline, the unspoilt beauty of Stewart Island, Western Southland with the picturesque seaside beach town of Riverton, The Catlins with its abundant wildlife, towering cliffs, estuaries and native forests and of course the extraordinary region of dramatic grandeur and primeval beauty Fiordland.

Southland is New Zealand's southern most province and spans the breadth of the South Island.

It's celebrated for the uniqueness and diversity of its ever-changing backdrops, so varied and yet so close.

Within a days travel, you will experience everything from towering rainforests, alpine tussocks, rolling fertile farmlands and golden beaches stretching as far as your eye can see.

You will experience nature at its best through many encounters with its abundant wildlife, bird life and marine life and you will meet the genuine, down-to-earth, friendly people who are fortunate enough to call this place home.

It's a dozen destinations all rolled into one.

Real Journeys is a locally owned company that has guided excursions into this region for more than 50 years.  They pride themselves on the quality of their service, local knowledge and award-winning environmental ethos.

Their tours will take you to some of the world’s most spectacular wilderness areas; from stunning Milford Sound in Fiordland through to the natural splendor of Stewart Island and Queenstown.

Explore the untouched wilderness of Stewart Island

Unspoilt, relaxing and incredibly beautiful, Stewart Island is a showcase for untouched natural New Zealand.

A one hour ferry ride from Bluff across Foveaux Strait lies Stewart Island; one of New Zealand’s largely undiscovered eco-tourism destinations.  With its network of stunning bays, inlets, golden sand beaches and densely forested hills, Stewart Island combines a spectacular mix of breathtaking landscapes.

Stewart Island, known as Rakiura (‘The Isle of Glowing Skies’), is also home to New Zealand’s newest national park – Rakiura – established in 2002. The park covers almost 85 per cent of the island with fantastic coastal views and is a walkers’ paradise with a choice of tracks for all abilities.

The special unspoilt character of Stewart Island, its solitude, stunning coastal scenery, fauna, flora and its special landscape attracts nature lovers from around the world for either a one-day excursion or a more leisurely stay.

The gem of Southland. Featuring national and local exhibitions. Subantarctic Roaring 40’s cinema experience. Five art galleries, live Tuatara Enclosure, Museum Shop, Artworks Café.

Victoria Railway Hotel
Beside the Invercargill Railway Station, the Victoria Railway Hotel was built to serve train travelers to the region. In 1907 the hotel was expanded with it's first major upgrade to cater for increased demand.

In 2003 the hotel was closed for a 12 month extensive restoration and modernisation project which has resulted in an Invercargill icon being restored to it's former glory and offering a comfortable and unique accommodation experience with modern facilities amidst historic charm and character.

Queens Park Motels are situated within  the CBD but off the main roads in a quiet peaceful neighbourhood next to the idyllic Queens Park gardens.

Mark and Maureen invite you to stay at Queens Park Motels.They will ensure you  a warm and friendly welcome and a comfortable and relaxing stay.