Western Southland

Home to many waterfowl species, including scaup/papako, grey teal/tētē and paradise shelduck/pūtakitaki.

A short walk opposite Borland Lodge through beech forest, this is one of the best places in Southland to see native mistletoe which flowers in early summer.

40 min return

Walk through mature beech forest to overlook the lower reaches of Lake Monowai.

30 min return

Hauroko means “the soughing of the wind”. At 462 metres deep, this is New Zealand’s deepest lake. The Wairaurahiri River leaves Lake Hauroko and flows through the Waitutu Forest to the South Coast. Accessed from the Lillburn Valley Road, Lake Hauroko is signposted from Clifden. There are varied recreational opportunities in the area and commercial operators to help you explore. Wairaurahiri River is the steepest river in New Zealand to be navigated by commercial jet-boat operators. Lake Hauroko Bush Walk is an easy 40 min return loop walk skirting a swampy area close to the lake. Trees include matai, tōtara and rimu, becoming mountain beech/tawhai rauriki further inland.

Signposted from the Lake Hauroko road. A pleasant 12km drive to the track where you will see some of the largest tōtara trees in Southland, over 1000 years old.

30 min return

These limestone caves are one of few cave systems in Southland and are signposted along the Clifden Gorge Road. Ensure you have a good torch with spare batteries and warm clothing. Ask for advice at the nearest visitor centre. Warning – This cave system is subject to flash flooding. Do NOT enter during or immediately after heavy rain, or if rain events are forecast. To fully explore these caves, caving experience is essential. DOC has a Clifden Caves publication with further information.

This circuit track has all the qualities of a “Great Walk”. The first day leads hikers from sea-level up through native forest to the Hump Ridge providing sweeping 360 degree views of the South West Coast far below and the peaks of the Southern Alps marching northwards. From the top of Hump Ridge, the track descends almost back to sea-level then traverses along old tram lines and across mighty wooden viaducts to the historic Port Craig. Bush and beach tracks following Te Waewae Bay complete the circuit on the third day. Various packages are available - independent (year-round) or guided (October-May). Visit www.humpridgetrack.co.nz for more information. Bookings are required.

3 day/2 night hike

The site of a 1920s timber mill and town, the only remaining historic building is the school which is now DOC accommodation. The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track accommodation at Port Craig is also available to hikers - bookings essential. A self-guided heritage trail takes visitors around relics of the town and mill site. The Percy Burn viaduct (approx 2 hr walk west from Port Craig) is a spectacular site. Visit www.doc.govt.nz and www.humpridgetrack.co.nz for more details.

5 hr to 7 hr (each way)

Located ½ km north of Orepuki, Gemstone Beach is known for its constant state of change from sand to stones with the storms and tides. Semi-precious gems such as garnet, jasper, quartz and nephrite can often be found on the beach. Also a great beach for surfing and surfcasting.

Starting at Round Hill Road, 15 km west of Riverton, the Long Hilly Track explores regenerating native bush and relics from the little-known days of early Chinese gold-mining activity – the largest Chinese settlement in New Zealand. The gravelled loop-track leads through a tramway cutting to old earth dams. A wide variety of native plants and birds can be found along the way.

2 ¼ hr return

Mores Reserve, at the top of Richard Street (turn left at the end of the bridge over the estuary and follow the signs), offers several short walks and great views over Southland and Foveaux Strait towards Stewart Island/Rakiura.

10 min to 3hr

At the end of the ‘Rocks Highway’, this is a privately-owned recreation reserve and a great place for walking, picnicking, fishing, and bird watching. It offers spectacular views of Taramea Bay, Invercargill, Bluff and Stewart Island/Rakiura.

A short walking track starts at the eastern entrance to Riverton (on the left hand side of the road heading to Invercargill) and leads down to loop through the 6 hectare flax wetland. This reserve provides a sanctuary for whitebait and other native fishes. Part of the walk is along the beach at the edge of the estuary itself.

20 min return