Southland, Fiordland & The Southern Lakes

Southland is New Zealand's southernmost region and includes New Zealand's third island, Stewart Island. Main centres include Fiordland, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Catlins, Gore, Invercargill, Bluff and Stewart Island.

Some of the most wild and dramatic scenery in New Zealand can be found in Fiordland, in the south west corner of the South island. Fiordland is one of the largest National Park in the world, and it is also a world heritage area. The hub of the region is Te Anau, nestle on the tranquil shores of Lake Te Anau.

Te Anau is renowned as the "Walking Capital of the World", close to the main southern walking tracks of Milford, Hollyford, Routeburn, Greenstone and Kepler. The township looks across the alke to the Kepler mountains, with the Murchison Mountains to the north.

Another main feature of Te Anau are the Te Ana-au-caves. On the other side of the lake, easily accessible by boat, the caves are geologicaly active and are home to thousands of glow-worms.

From Te Anau begins the famed Milford Track Walk. The road to Milford Sound is also spectacular. Milford Sound is the most famous and accessible of the fiords. Boat trips on the sound provide close up views of the awesome scenery.

Doubtful Sound is the deepest Fiord; a haven of nature with ancient rain forest and abundant wildlife. It is quite simply breathtaking.

The Fiordland National Park embrases a vast area of rugged, pimeval wilderness. It is New Zealand's largest National Park and contains spectacular fiords reaching into bush-clad hills backed by mountains and lakes. The Fiordland Lakes are a supreme attraction, nestled in bush settings beneath giant ranges, the greatest being Manapouri. To best appreciate the park, undertake one of the many walks through the area, ranging from a few hours to a few days.