The Star: March 16, 2023

44 The Star Thursday March 16 2023
SOUTHLAND/FIORDLAND
This
autumn,
you’re due
South!
Autumn is one of the most beautiful and
colourful times of year to visit Southland and
explore all the region has to offer, from clear
night skies, wildlife spotting, walking trails, iconic
food spots, historic trails, and sightseeing along
the way.
The shorter days are a great time to go kiwi
spotting on Stewart Island. Learn about the
natural and early European history of the
area while keeping an eye out for the Rakiura
Tokoeka Southern Brown Kiwi.
Nightlife doesn’t stop there, as Autumn offers
you a good chance to see the famous Southern
Lights (Aurora Australis) and what better place
to see them than in Southland’s only dark sky
sanctuary, Rakiura Stewart Island? Fiordland
National Park is another great destination to go
stargazing.
Daytime in Southland has just as much to offer
to keep you captivated. Take time to visit the
lake town of Te Anau and go on a daytime cruise
and indulge in canapes and wine. Don’t miss the
chance to visit the seaside port town of Bluff.
Seafood lovers can rejoice here, as Bluff oyster
season is from March to August.
Oysters aren’t the only Southland food group
you can indulge in during your visit. Fiordland
venison, blue cod and crayfish offer an
exceptional taste of the South. The cooler
months are the perfect time to try “southern
sushi” - the southland cheese roll. Celebrating
our finest flavours, Southland hosts Savour the
South during the month of April. Combining
the best of our hospitality, you can enjoy long
lunches, unique events and dishes popping up
across the region.
History enthusiasts are also spoilt for choice, as
March marks Southland Heritage Month. Visit
the famous Te Hikoi Museum in Riverton to
gain insight into how our Māori and European
ancestors adapted to survive on nature’s edge,
visit Fiordland Cinema to watch the story
of Fiordland “Ata Whenua - Shadowland”,
Eastern Southland Gallery in Gore with
national collections guaranteed to surpass your
expectations and let E Hayes and Sons and Bill
Richardson Transport World show you why
Invercargill is dubbed the Motoring Capital of
New Zealand.
Autumn is also the perfect time to explore one
of the many walks. From walks like Mores Scenic
Reserve, Dolamore Park, Queens Park and Lake
Marian to epic multi-day Great Walks such as
the Rakiura Track, Hump Ridge Track and The
Kepler, Milford or Routeburn Track in Fiordland.
No matter your passion, Southland & Fiordland
has something for you. Our doors are always
open, the jug’s on, and we can’t wait to show
you around!
Discover more about Southland & Fiordland at
southlandnz.com and fiordland.org.nz
YOU’RE DUE SOUTH
for the ultimate
foodie adventure!
Time off
for slowing down.
Take time off
in Te Anau.
OYSTER COVE, BLUFF
southlandnz.com
fiordland.org.nz
Fiordland Historic
Cruises