Otago Southland Tourist Times, February 2020 — Page 15
WEST SOUTHLAND EXPLORE
t s e W t u O
Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track
Something for everyone ...Experience the Thrill - Beauty - wild NZ Jet Boating with the best!
100%
Safety Record We offer a huge variety of jet boating and wilderness adventure packages in Fiordland and Southland. Experience New Zealand’s most daring and exhilarating jet boat ride!. Our trips include a jet boat ride across Lake Hauroko and jet boating down the Wairaurahiri River, New Zealand’s most exciting Grade 3 whitewater rapids!
Phone: 0800 270 556
www.river-jet.co.nz info@river-jet.co.nz 17 Main Street, Otautau 9610, Southland NZ
Fiordland National Park
Hiking Scenic Drives Jet Boating Seaside Cafes Surfing Horse Trekking Heritage
Visit southlandnz.com/western-southland to find out more!
Heading west on the Southern Scenic Route, from Invercargill, leads you to Southland’s western reaches and some of the most fertile land of this incredibly arable province.
Situated on the southwest corner of the South Island, Fiordland is the largest of the 14 national parks in New Zealand occupying an area of over 1.2 millions hectares and encompassing mountains, lakes, fiords and rainforest environments. The park is administered by the Department of Conservation. In 1904 10,000 square kilometers were set aside as a national reserve, the area had already become a popular destination for trampers Riverton following the opening of the Milford Track from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound in 1889 by New Zealand Explorers Quintin McKinnon and Donald Sutherland. This extraordinary place was recognized by the United Nations in 1986 when it was made a World Heritage Area, (Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area), being described as having ‘superlative natural phenomena’ and ‘outstanding examples of the earths evolutionary history’. In 1990 the area was extended to also include Westland, and Mt Cook National Parks. For those keen on exploring the park, some of the Great Walks of New Zealand can be found in Fiordland, the Kepler, Milford and Routeburn tracks are all spectacular, and can be done with an local guide or independently for the more experienced tramper. With close to 1 millions visitors a year, Fiordland is a region that never ceases to amaze, a must see attraction, and destination for many, either by walking the great tracks, scenic flights or one of the many cruises available. Contact your closest i-Site for more information on tours, so you can experience the wonders this park has to offer. Park information can also be found on www.doc.govt.nz.
Te Anau
Nestled around the edge of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island, the second largest in New Zealand, Te Anau is the picturesque town which is also the main visitor base for Fiordland National Park. This busy little town is a popular destination to many tourists who are also visiting the famous nearby fiords such as Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound for the spectacular scenery. Many visitors to the area are also undertaking the popular walking tracks such as the Milford, Kepler or Routeburn, considered to be some of the best in New Zealand, or just enjoying some of the local activities such as kayaking, cycling, jetboating, fishing, hunting or helicopter sightseeing, just to name a few. There is a wide range of accommodation to choose from depending on preference, hotels, motels, lodges, camping grounds, even Farm Stays which provide visitors with a genuine Kiwi experience. It is advisable to book in advance during the summer months as this is the busy season. Te Anau is a definite must for any intrepid adventurer, a destination you won’t want to leave. Bookings and information for what to do in the area is available at the local i-Site Visitor Information Centre, they have all the local knowledge to make your visit more enjoyable.
Western Southland’s first major coastal stop is Riverton the Riviera of The South. The community has always been strong in this historic port town, which, in recent years, has developed an almost bohemian culture. Recycling, organics, conservation and the arts collide happily here. Coastal Orepuki overlooks views of the dreamy South Coast – either blue seas sparkling in bright sun, or windswept waves battering the shore. Look carefully from the grey stone beaches of Te Waewae Bay and you may just catch a glimpse of New Zealand’s largest pod of Hector’s dolphins.
Mitre Peak
No time to spare, see Fiordland by air! Come and experience the Fiordland we know...
Te Anau
Visit us at our Lakefront Helipad and mention this advert for a 10% discount on scenic flights **Direct bookings only Lakefront Drive, Te Anau Phone: 03 249 7167 Email: info@southernlakeshelicopters.co.nz Website: www.southernlakeshelicopters.co.nz
