1. Bluff
The southern end of SH1. Stirling Point, Bluff oysters in season, and the signpost. Watch the ferry to Stewart Island come in.
2. Stewart Island / Rakiura
The third island. Ulva Island bird sanctuary, kiwi in the wild, and the Rakiura Track.
3. The Catlins
The southern coast. McLean Falls, Purakaunui Falls, Cathedral Caves. Take your time.
4. Invercargill
The city. The museum, the water tower, and the southern hospitality.
5. Riverton / Aparima
The oldest town in Southland. Art galleries, a good pub, and the best beach drive in the region.
6. Mavora Lakes
Two lakes south of Queenstown. First-class campsites. Stargazing here is exceptional.
7. Ōreti Beach
Invercargill's beach. 26km of sand. Drive on it (be careful, check conditions).
8. The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track
NZ's 11th Great Walk. 3 days along the coast. Book early.
9. The Wairaurahiri River
The fastest-flowing river in the Southern Hemisphere. Jet boat from Lake Hauroko to the sea.
10. Nightcaps
The pub, not the town. The beer is cold, the locals are friendly, and the scones are the reason anyone stops.
FAQ
Is Bluff worth visiting outside oyster season?
Yes, but for a different reason: Stirling Point and the signpost photo op work year-round, and watching the Stewart Island ferry come in doesn't depend on the season. The oysters themselves are the seasonal drawcard though, typically autumn through early spring, so a summer visit trades the seafood for a quieter town.
Do I need to book the Hump Ridge Track months in advance, and is it worth it over the more famous Great Walks?
Book at least a few months out in peak season (summer, roughly November-March), the same as any Great Walk hut system. It's worth it as the newest of the 11 Great Walks specifically for the 3-day length, shorter than the Milford or Kepler commitment, and the coastal scenery rather than mountains is the actual difference, not a lesser version of the alpine walks.
Is driving on Ōreti Beach actually safe?
Only if you check tide times and beach conditions before driving on, since Ōreti is a legal vehicle beach but soft sand and incoming tides catch people out every season. It's a genuine 26km drive when conditions are right, not a beach to treat casually just because cars are allowed on it.