Southland covers Fiordland's rainforest fjords, rolling farmland around Invercargill and the Catlins coast where waterfalls drop straight to the beach. Te Anau township sits on Lake Te Anau beneath the Kepler Range, and most Milford Sound coaches and cruises start here rather than from Queenstown, which saves a pre-dawn drive on the Milford Road.
Doubtful Sound trips cross Lake Manapouri from Pearl Harbour near Manapouri village, then ride a coach over Wilmot Pass to a quieter fiord with fewer boats. Bluff, south of Invercargill, sends ferries to Stewart Island, where guided walks search for kiwi after dark in predator-controlled forest.
What to do in Southland and Fiordland
Milford day cruises sail beneath Mitre Peak and into Stirling Falls when rain swells the temporary waterfalls on the cliff faces. Kayak and overnight boat options exist on Doubtful for quieter water. Sandflies are part of riverside walks, so pack repellent. Link sound days with the wider Southland and remote islands plan, and keep a weather buffer night in Te Anau.
Booking on adventuro
Use the Book here tab to align Milford or Doubtful departure times with your Te Anau or Manapouri accommodation and any lake crossing included in the fare.
