4 minute read
Discover Southland
SOULFUL SOUTHLAND: RUGGED GOOD LOOKS AND COUNTRY MUSIC
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Gore has made quite a name for itself. In fact, it’s made several. Such titles bestowed to the Rural City (and that’s one of them) include The Home of Country Music and the Brown Trout Fishing Capital. Indeed, there’s the annual Gold Guitar Awards and an abundance of trout in the Mataura River. There’s also a trio of museums, including the Moonshine Museum that celebrates illegal hooch made during prohibition. Another goodie is the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre. Located just outside of town, this museum is crammed with New Zealand’s earliest aircraft and you can even book a scenic flight aboard a vintage bi-plane.
Just 13km northwest of Gore is Dolamore Park, a 95-hectare forest bursting with native New Zealand birdlife. There are multiple walks and a tranquil campground that come nightfall, twinkles with stars and glowworms.
Fishing in Gore © Gore District Council
EXPLORE INVERCARGILL
With a lively CBD and excellent restaurants and bars, Invercargill has all the benefits of city life with few of the drawbacks. The elegant 19th century buildings and wide, tree-lined streets make it an enticing place. The kids will love Splash Palace with its wave pool and waterslide, and mum and dad will enjoy a tour of the Invercargill Brewery. The Heritage Trail is a great way to explore – the half-day tour features public artworks, sculptures and major landmarks. Although best undertaken by car, it features plenty of stops to explore on foot. The Estuary Walkway is a relaxing way to explore Pleasure Bay Lagoon, with a 5km track offering picture-perfect views back towards the city.
Invercargill © Southland Tourism
What puts Invercargill on the map?
1. BURT MUNRO In 1967 Burt Munro smashed the overland speed world record by motorcycle at 305.89 km/h. He was 68 years of age. You can see the very bike he rode at E Hayes & Sons, a hardware store and motoring museum.
2. ŌRETI BEACH Only 10km west of the city centre is Ōreti Beach, where Burt Munro (among others) raced his motorbike. You can still drive on the beach but the speed limit is now a modest 30km/h and a 4WD is advised. If that’s not an option, you might like to ride a horse along its vast expanse of clean, flat sand.
3. MOTORSPORT MANIA Inspired by Burt, Transport World houses over 300 polished vehicles and 200 vintage petrol pumps, while Classic Motorcycle Mecca boasts hundreds of motorbikes.
4. HERITAGE BUILDINGS Founded in the 1850s, Invercargill’s wide streets are lined with Victorian, Edwardian and art deco buildings. Visit the 40-metre-high water tower, a striking Victorian brick structure from 1889.
5. PARKLANDS Queens Park is a whopping 80 hectares. There are themed gardens, ponds, playgrounds, farm animals and a tuatara breeding programme. You also don’t want to miss Anderson Park for its magnificent homestead, manicured lawns and delicious smelling rose gardens.
Motorheads will dig this...
Dig This © Transport World
Discover Northern & Western Southland
The main centre of Western Southland, Riverton boasts a thriving community of artists, potters, jewellers, furniture-makers and textile workers. Pop into the Riverton Arts Centre or one of the many great shops and come away with a one-of-a-kind piece of art.
One of the oldest settlements in New Zealand, it’s also rich in history. Budding photographers can take a guided photography tour here. Many geological attractions are also found in the area, including Colac Bay, the surfing capital of Southland, and Gemstone Beach where it is possible to find your own sapphire stone on the beautiful, wild beach.
Te Hikoi Southern Journey
This museum is the ultimate heritage experience of the south where you can take an interactive journey with adventurous characters and hear engaging stories. Guided tours start from here and take you to fossick the beaches and dig for history.
Tuatapere
Tuatapere is surrounded by fascinating scenery. The spectacular Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is a 43km circuit that starts and ends at the western side of Te Waewae Bay. Other activities include visiting limestone caves and sampling the town’s renowned sausages.
Winton
There’s plenty to do in Winton. Enjoy southern hospitality at the cafés and pubs, follow the heritage trail, visit the quaint gift shops, enjoy a game of golf at the 18-hole course, go fishing on the Oreti River or explore the Forest Hill and Dunsdale scenic reserves.
Northern Southland
Immerse yourself in a farming station in Northern Southland. Enjoy a horse trek or nip into Lumsden’s quirky cafés and bars.
Gemstone Beach, Riverton/Aparima © Deb Racz
Main Image: Croydon bush walk © Gore District Council
