Things to Do in Southland — New Zealand: Top Attractions, Tours & Tickets

#1South West New Zealand World Heritage AreaMust4.7(26)

This is the umbrella designation for the immense Fiordland wilderness that makes Southland feel genuinely remote. Treat it as context for choosing a fiord cruise, a Great Walk, or a backcountry-style day rather than as a standalone stop.

FreeGo beyond the roadside viewpoints or travel outside peak summer to feel the scale of the place.

Pairs with: Fiordland National Park · Milford Sound / Piopiotahi · Doubtful Sound / Patea

#2Curio Bay CliffsMust4.7(459)

Curio Bay combines a dramatic Catlins coastline with an accessible fossil forest and strong wildlife potential. Time the visit around the tide and linger rather than treating it as a photo pull-off; the bay is especially worthwhile at the edges of the day.

1h FreeGo at dawn or dusk for the best chance of a quieter shoreline and wildlife activity.

Pairs with: Cathedral Caves · The Southern Most Point of the South Island of New Zealand · Southern Scenic Route

#3Fiordland National ParkMust4.8(286)

Fiordland is the region’s essential wilderness setting: deep valleys, lakes, fiords and trailheads all flow from this enormous protected landscape. Use Te Anau as the practical base, then choose one major experience rather than trying to cover the park superficially.

FreeStart road-based excursions early; weather is part of the experience, not a reason to postpone automatically.

Pairs with: Milford Sound / Piopiotahi · Doubtful Sound / Patea · Kepler Track

#4Milford Sound / PiopiotahiMust

Milford Sound is Southland’s defining fiord experience and remains worthwhile even in rain, when waterfalls and low cloud intensify the scenery. Pair the spectacular approach road with a cruise, but allow a full day from Te Anau so the journey is not reduced to a hurried transfer.

4h Book aheadTake an early cruise or stay nearby to avoid the heaviest day-trip traffic.

Book a cruise ahead for popular travel dates and secure an early departure if you are driving from Te Anau.

Pairs with: Fiordland National Park · South West New Zealand World Heritage Area · Kepler Track

#5Doubtful Sound / PateaMust

Doubtful Sound is the more immersive, less road-accessible fiord choice, with the transport logistics forming part of the excursion. Choose it over Milford if you value a longer wilderness day and a quieter sense of isolation; doing both is ideal only with enough time.

8h Book aheadTake the earliest available departure for the calmest, least hurried experience.

Reserve the integrated boat-and-coach excursion in advance, especially during the main travel season.

Pairs with: Fiordland National Park · South West New Zealand World Heritage Area · RealNZ | Te Anau Glowworm Caves

#6Rakiura National ParkMust

Rakiura brings a distinct island-and-forest dimension to a Southland itinerary, with quiet trails, beaches and serious dark-sky appeal. It merits an overnight stay on Stewart Island rather than a rushed excursion, particularly for travelers interested in birdlife and remote coastal walking.

FreeStay overnight and walk early or after dusk for the island’s quietest atmosphere.

#7The Southern Most Point of the South Island of New ZealandShould4.6(559)

This windswept coastal landmark is a satisfying end-of-the-road detour, with the appeal coming from the exposed landscape rather than an elaborate attraction. Use it as a short stop while exploring the Catlins, and dress for weather rather than expecting shelter.

30m FreeEarly morning or late afternoon gives it a quieter, more atmospheric feel.

Pairs with: Curio Bay Cliffs · Cathedral Caves · Southern Scenic Route

#8RealNZ | Te Anau Glowworm CavesShould4.6(1,585)

This is Te Anau’s most reliable all-weather excursion and a good contrast to the region’s big open landscapes. The guided trip is polished rather than adventurous, so it is best used on an arrival day, rainy day, or evening when you do not want another long drive.

2.5h Book aheadChoose an earlier departure where possible, before the busiest Te Anau touring hours.

Reserve ahead for peak travel dates; departure times are tied to the operator’s boat service.

Pairs with: Fiordland National Park · Kepler Track · Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

#9Cathedral CavesShould4(303)

These sea caves are among the Catlins’ most memorable natural stops when access and tides cooperate. The experience depends on conditions, so build flexibility into a coastal day and do not make the trip solely for this one sight.

1.3h Walk upArrive near opening and plan around the safe access window rather than midday.

Access is tide-dependent and can close because of track or safety conditions, so check current local status before setting out.

Pairs with: Curio Bay Cliffs · The Southern Most Point of the South Island of New Zealand · Southern Scenic Route

#10Southern Scenic RouteShould4.6(96)

This is the connective journey that turns Southland’s disparate highlights into a coherent road trip, linking the Catlins, Invercargill, Tuatapere and Fiordland approaches. Drive it in sections with deliberate overnight stops rather than attempting a rushed through-route.

FreeAllow extra time in changeable weather and travel early for clearer roads and better light.

Pairs with: Curio Bay Cliffs · Cathedral Caves · Clifden Suspension Bridge

#11Routeburn TrackShould

The Routeburn is one of the country’s classic alpine walks, delivering Fiordland’s mountain scenery in a way roadside travel cannot. Commit to the full traverse only if you have bookings and suitable gear; otherwise, a carefully chosen day walk still gives a meaningful taste.

Sells out — book weeks aheadBegin early, particularly on day-walk sections, before transport arrivals and changing alpine weather.

Overnight hut spaces on the full track can sell out far ahead; book as soon as plans are firm and check transport logistics.

Pairs with: Fiordland National Park · Milford Sound / Piopiotahi · South West New Zealand World Heritage Area

#12Kepler TrackShould

The Kepler is Te Anau’s most accessible flagship walk, making it a strong choice for travelers who want a major Fiordland trail without complicated transfers. Its day-walk options are excellent, while the full circuit rewards those able to secure hut bookings and commit the time.

Sells out — book weeks aheadStart at first light for better parking, cooler climbing and more stable weather.

Reserve overnight huts well ahead in the main walking season; day access remains a flexible alternative.

Pairs with: Fiordland National Park · RealNZ | Te Anau Glowworm Caves · Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

#13Clifden Suspension BridgeIf time4.6(270)

This preserved bridge is an evocative, easy-to-reach piece of Southland’s rural transport history. It is a brief stop, but works well when breaking up a drive through the western interior and gives the Clifden area more substance than a simple roadside pause.

20m Free

Pairs with: Clifden Caves · Southern Scenic Route · Lake Hauroko

#14Clifden CavesIf time4.7(273)

Clifden Caves offers a rougher, self-directed underground experience than the Te Anau glowworm tour. It suits confident independent travelers with suitable footwear, a reliable light and a tolerance for muddy, unpolished conditions.

1.5h FreeVisit in dry, settled conditions and avoid it after heavy rain.

Pairs with: Clifden Suspension Bridge · Lake Hauroko · Southern Scenic Route

#15Lake HaurokoIf time

Lake Hauroko is a rewarding detour for travelers seeking a less-visited Fiordland fringe landscape without committing to a major expedition. Go for the wild, secluded setting and combine it with the Clifden area; it is best for self-drivers comfortable with a slower day.

1.3h FreeVisit on a clear morning, when the lake and surrounding slopes are most legible.

Pairs with: Clifden Suspension Bridge · Clifden Caves · Southern Scenic Route

#16Westernmost Point of The South Island of New ZealandNiche3.8(5)

This is a remote geographic novelty for travelers already pursuing Fiordland’s less-developed edges. It is not a practical substitute for Milford or Doubtful Sound, but has appeal for serious wilderness and navigation-minded visitors.

Free

Pairs with: Fiordland National Park · South West New Zealand World Heritage Area