4 minute read
Secret Gems in Southland
TOP SPOT
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Gore hosts the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards every June. This is also one of the best trout fishing areas, epitomised by the giant fish statue which greets you as you drive into town. Other drawcards are the Eastern Southland Art Gallery, the Mataura Museum, based in an 1880s settlers cottage and the Hokonui Moonshine Museum which may be undergoing renovations.
Dolamore Park is 14km from Gore and is one of its jewels. Nestled inthe Hokonui Hills, it has overnight camping facilities and multiple walking tracks through beautiful native bush.
Mandeville, 17km from Gore, is home to the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre, which features mostly aircraft from the golden years of flying in the 1920s and 1930s.
Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre © Gore District Council
ARTS, CULTURE & HISTORY
Te Hikoi Museum, Southland © Great South
ANDERSEN PARK
On the outskirts of Invercargill, this is a grand old 1925 homestead with manicured gardens and mature trees.
INVERCARGILL STREET ART
From sculptures to murals, artistic flair is alive and kicking. Keep an eye out for ‘Blade of Grass,’ a steel kinetic sculpture and the bronze statue of the native New Zealand weka bird on Esk Street.
RAKIURA MUSEUM
This gem highlights the intrepid nature of life on Stewart Island.
THE WATER TOWER
An architectural treasure that is still in working order, providing a back-up role for the city’s water supply.
RIVERTON ARTS CENTRE
Local artists and craftspeople exhibit here and it’s the perfect spot for gift and souvenir shopping.
TE HIKOI SOUTHERN JOURNEY MUSEUM
A spectacularly good museum, in Riverton, providing intriguing insight into the region’s past.
WALKS & HIKES
LAKE HAUROKO LOOKOUT TRACK
This four-hour return walk climbs from the edge of remote Lake Hauroko in Fiordland National Park to a lookout with views across to Foveaux Strait in the south and Fiordland’s Takitimu, Princess and Kaherekoau mountains. Top tip: pack insect repellent; the sandflies are vicious here!
LAKE2LAKE
Explore the lakeside surrounds of Te Anau and Manapōuri on this scenic 28kmtrail, designed for cycling as well as walking.
SANDY POINT DOMAIN
Less than 10km from Invercargill heading west, this sandy and shingle peninsula is bound by the Oreti River and Foveaux Strait. Pack a picnic, let the kids play, and make the most of the expansive space which encourages walking, biking and running.
Mores Scenic Reserve © Tourism NZ
NATURE
• Clifden Caves
When you leave Tūātapere heading for Te Anau, you’ll find this geological marvel on SH 99. It’s a labyrinth of interesting limestone cave systems with large stalactites features and glow-worms. It takes roughly 1.5-2 hours to travel through the entire cave system; you’ll need to rug up and carry the right equipment to get the most out of the experience.
• Monkey Island
Te Puka o Tākitimu is one of those best-kept-secrets. This long, uncrowded beach is at the eastern end of Te Waewae and is perfect for riding horses, surfing and picnicking. Explore rock pools, watch the sunset, and make unforgettable memories with your loved ones. A 20-minute drive from Riverton.
• Lake Manapōuri
Often described as ‘The loveliest of all lakes,’ Lake Manapōuri is located in Fiordland National Park. Its cluster of 33 small islands each play their part in enriching the beauty of the area. The second deepest lake in New Zealand, it has a giant hydropower station that you can see through prearranged tours. Explore this awe-inspiring area by sea kayak or cruise boat.
Iona Island © Tourism NZ
