Willy Hunt, Destinational Marketing Manager speaks on behalf of
Venture Southland and tells us why they all love Southland and why you will too.
Wide Open Skies, Wide Open Spaces, Vistas and Sunsets to Die For - There's a feeling of freedom and wide open spaces – like you're on the edge of the world – that you just don't find in other parts of
New Zealand. We love the sense of total freedom and, of course, you can't beat those incredible sunsets and the views that stretch forever.
A Staggering Variety of Landscapes - There's a Lonely Planet quote floating around that goes something like ‘
Southland is the New Zealand we all imagine’. Where else in the country can you find magnificent fiords, pristine rainforest, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, rivers, rugged high country, wild beaches, estuaries filled with birdlife, remote islands and the greenest farmland in New Zealand? It's all here in Southland…so come on down and see for yourself!
Stewart Island – What a Gem! - The last untamed, undamaged piece of New Zealand, and a glimpse of the way we used to operate as a small community totally in tune with our environment. There's also a classic Kiwi pub (the only one in town) and you don't have to ask anyone where they'll be going that night – locals, visitors and fisherman, they’ll all be hanging out at the South Seas Hotel!
Southlanders - The people here are very open. They have an easy, unpretentious charm, and an undying optimism that ‘we’ll get there’. TV presenter and talkback radio host Marcus Lush has said that people in the South seem to have the freedom to follow their dreams – just look at record breaking racer Burt Munro, and you'll see that indomitable Southland spirit in action. Southlanders also have a wonderful connection with the land, and really value their unique environment.
Fabulous Food - Prepare your tastebuds to be spoiled! We gave the world succulent Bluff Oysters, and there are heaps more gourmet treats to be enjoyed down south, including mutton birds, fresh seafood, juicy lamb and beef, and wild foods including venison, pork and duck. You can even catch your own trout!
We'd love to hear about why you love Southland. Tell us all about it now!
Image courtesy of Venture Southland
Back to The Locals Top 5 - Southland Picks
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Our readers tell us...
The Hump Ridge track is amazing and really professionally run. It should rate as one of Southlands top attractions - Judy Norrish
Home is where the heart is. I have lived in the Nth Island for the last 16 yrs, but Southland will always be home. The people are not pretentious just very down to earth. The type of people who would give you the shirt off their backs. There is mountains and lakes and green wide open spaces. There is untapped opportunity. Southland is New Zealands best kept secret - Shirlee McLean
I am an Aussie and proudly so, but I cannot get enough of NZ, particularly Southland. My husband and I are returning to what we regard as "Our favourite place on Earth" for our 6th visit in August and are already counting the days. We love everything about NZ, the fabulous countryside and the warm hospitality we receive every visit. We would move there in a minute, in fact one day, we just might! - Randelle McClure
