For the American South sometimes called as 'Southland', see South (United States of America) Southland (dead link: January 2023) is the southernmost region in the South Island of New Zealand. It boasts stunning landscapes from the high mountains and icy glaciers to green and lush grasslands on the plains where agriculture is king. The linchpins of the economy are farming, forestry and horticulture.
The population within the Invercargill Council area is around 52,000, within the Southland Council area 30,000 and within the Gore Council area 13,000 making a total of 95,000.
It has about 1600 sunshine hours per year with an average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius.
Bluff – southernmost point and home to the country's best oysters
Gore – world's capital of brown trout fishing, and New Zealand's capital of country music
Invercargill – the country's southernmost city, and the commercial heart of Southland
Mataura – brown trout fishing, and a local museum
Te Anau – the attractions of the Lake Te Anau area, and gateway to Fiordland
Many Southlanders, influenced by their Scots ancestry, speak with a Southland burr, in which they roll their _r_s. This is the most distinctive regional accent in New Zealand.
Air New Zealand flies to Invercargill Airport from Christchurch and Wellington.
Cruise ships visit Fiordland and Stewart Island.
Rental cars are available at Invercargill Airport.
Backpacker hostels are a cheap alternative to motels. Most offer double, single, twin or shared rooms.
Related: Driving in New Zealand