Marlborough Express - Weekend Express

Things that make Southland special

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Southern kaimoana

With some of the world’s best sea food produced within the region, Southland serves up an eclectic mix of succulent kaimoana including world famous Bluff oysters, Stewart Island salmon, mussels, paua and blue cod to name a few. Go out and catch it yourself or head to one of the many restaurant­s where you will find these delicacies on the menu. An exciting calendar of events Southland is home to the famous Bluff Oyster & Food Festival, the Burt Munro Challenge, Tussock Country Music Festival, ILT Kidzone Festival and many other unique events. With such a diverse range of festivals and events throughout the seasons of the year, there is always something going on for all to enjoy close to home!

Half of New Zealand’s great walks

Southland is home to half of New Zealand’s Great Walks for the hiking-inclined, with the Milford, Kepler and Routeburn tracks a short drive from Te Anau, Rakiura Track beginning on the outskirts of Oban, Stewart Island and the latest Great Walk the Hump Ridge Track starting along the southweste­rn coast near Tuatapere. For those who just love to get out in nature there are waterfall trails for photograph­ers, night walks for kiwi spotters and coastal walks for beach lovers. Starry night skies

Ever wanted to see the southern lights? Southland has great conditions for stargazing and a better chance than most to observe the Aurora Australis, the Milky Way and New Zealand’s most famous constellat­ion, the Southern Cross. Rakiura Stewart Island in particular has outstandin­g sky quality and is an Internatio­nal Dark Sky Sanctuary. Where kiwis meet kiwis

Want to listen to native birdsong while you are having your morning coffee? Spot kiwi hiding in the dark on your next weekend roadie? Native wildlife is right on your doorstep when you live in Southland.

Time to explore

It’s time to buy the boat and discover New Zealand’s deepest lake (Lake Hauroko), go trout fishing in crystal clear rivers, or catch an early morning wave before work at one of the great surf spots. Spend more time adventurin­g in nature in both Fiordland and Rakiura National Parks, go camping in pure wilderness, or take up mountain biking and ride unique trails. Go south for the best quality of life!

Find out more about living in Southland at www.southlandn­z. com

 ?? PHOTO: MILES HOLDEN. ?? Kepler Track, one of a number of Great Walks in Southland.
PHOTO: MILES HOLDEN. Kepler Track, one of a number of Great Walks in Southland.
 ?? PHOTO: GREAT SOUTH. ?? Birdlife abounds in Southland including kiwi on Stewart Island.
PHOTO: GREAT SOUTH. Birdlife abounds in Southland including kiwi on Stewart Island.
 ?? PHOTO: VIDEOCOPTE­R. ?? Star gazers will love the dark skies above Oreti River.
PHOTO: VIDEOCOPTE­R. Star gazers will love the dark skies above Oreti River.

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