Sweet south Kiwi as
If adventure runs in your blood, there is one region of New Zealand that is no doubt calling you louder than most.
Southland is home to rare wildlife, untamed Jurassic forests, wild amusement rides (on diggers), and even the southernmost chocolate factory in the world. Here are a few gems of the deep south you can’t miss.
Exceptional wildlife
The wild nutrient-rich ocean surrounding the Catlins, just an hour from Invercargill, is home to some of our rarest creatures.
The endangered yellow-eyed penguin nests near a Jurassic petrified forest at Curio Bay.
The birds usually lay around September and October, and your best chance of spotting them is in the early morning or late afternoon when they come and go from the nest.
The same bay is home to a resident population of Hector’s dolphins, the smallest in the world. You’ll often find them swimming with surfers. You also have a chance to see the world’s rarest sea lion at Waipapa Point, Surat Bay and Cannibal Bay.
New Zealand sea lion bulls weigh up to 500 kilograms, and aren’t afraid of humans – so don’t get too close. You may also spot 4000kg elephant seals, leopard seals, fur seals, and albatross.
Adventure with a difference
Forget Rainbow’s End, Invercargill is home to one of the world’s most unusual adventure rides.
At Dig This, you’ll get behind the wheel of a digger of your choice (up to 15 tonnes), then be let loose. You will be under the walkie-talkie guidance of an expert operator as you perform tricks, lift your machine off the ground, and even create large mounds, which you’ll then drive over.
It makes a rollercoaster seem tame.
Cathedral Caves
The Catlins is home to one of the longest sea caves in the world, formed over millions of years. Bring a torch and you can head as deep as you dare. You may even spot a penguin seeking shelter.
The caves are open between October and May, with a $10 access fee to walk across Ma¯ ori land.
Seriously good chocolate
Invercargill is home to the southernmost chocolate company in the world, and it’s true to its name: The Seriously Good Chocolate Company.
Take a tour, a chocolate-making course, or just head inside to buy a few treats. The chocolate cafe even sells seriously good cheese rolls.
The kiwi island
Now’s the time to visit Stewart Island. Foreign tourists usually make up about 50 per cent of visitors, so flights from Invercargill direct to the island are being discounted to as little as $99 each way to attract domestic tourists. If you prefer the ferry, kids go free during the school holidays.
More than 90 per cent of the island is a national park, and it’s home to an estimated 20,000 kiwi.
Your best chance to spot one during the day is to take a water taxi to nearby Ulva Island, a predatorfree sanctuary where kiwi are known to forage during daylight.
The writer’s trip was supported by Great South, and this story was produced as part of an editorial partnership with Tourism New Zealand.
Facing page: Kiwi on Ulva Island can often be spotted during the day in summer.