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A Beginner’s Guide to the Southern Alps (for the Non-Outdoorsy Types)

Looking towards the snow covered mountains of the New Zealand southern alps on a sunny day.
Story South Canterbury

The Southern Alps are celebrated around the world for their beauty. With incredible walks, tramps, skiing and outdoor adventures abound, it can feel like an adventurer’s paradise. However, if you prefer to enjoy the views in comfort, the Southern Alps still have plenty to offer. 

5 Sweet Treats to Try in Invercargill

Cabinet of cakes at Black Shag Espresso.
Story Southland

From doughnuts to slices, we’ve rounded up five of the best places to satisfy your sweet tooth in Invercargill.

Meet the Women Who Brought Pole Dancing to Invercargill

Morina & Saniya portrait.
Story Southland
Morina & Saniya may be two of Invercargill’s busiest (and most inspiring) women. As co-owners of the only women’s pole dancing studio in Invercargill, they host classes four nights a week while juggling full-time jobs, families, and pole dance competitions.

The Black Shag Owners Take Us Behind-The-Scenes Into Their Backyard Garden

Sylvie and Dion of the Black Shag.
Story Southland
If you ask anywhere in Invercargill for where to get a great cup of coffee and breakfast, they’ll point you toward The Black Shag. Owner operators, Sylvie Boutelje-Chasteau and Dion Milanesi, have such a passion for sustainable food and top notch coffee that they’ve taken matters into their own hands.

The First Timer’s Guide To Dining In Invercargill
Story Southland

We’ve rounded up the seven best places to eat in Invercargill, no matter the occasion.

Treat Yourself to Southern Hospitality with Our Guide to Invercargill's Best Stores
Story Southland
One of the best (and most fun!) ways to get to know a city is to explore the local shops, and Invercargill is no exception.

12 Hours Invercargill

Food on a table at the Grill in Invercargill.
Story Southland

The best things to see, eat and do in Invercargill

Green fingers

Robyn Guyton from Riverton's Environment Centre.
Story Southland
In the context of Robyn Guyton’s work, “local vigor” refers to how well prepared a seed is to thrive in its planting environment. Put simply, a seed produced in Southland will grow best in Southland as it has specifically adapted to the region’s soils and temperatures. Robyn has plenty ‘local vigor’ of her own which she uses to leverage and care for the lush landscapes and friendly people of Southland everyday.

Order up Your Brunch Fave at 4 of the Finest Cafés in Southland

A flatlay of brunch meals on a table at The Batch in Invercargill.
Story Southland

Brunch is that in between time where it’s crucial to fill the hunger gap and tempting to quell your appetite with whatever seems most convenient.

Score the Catch of the Day at Southland's Best Seafood Eateries

A hand reaching for a seafood platter at Oyster Cove in Southland.
Story Southland

Southland and seafood are synonymous with one another. Blue cod can be found on nearly every menu here. However, not every fish fry was created equal.

Gore

A large building on the main street of Gore.
Neighbourhood Southland
Head to the South Island's Gore for a chance to experience the best of Kiwi hospitality and interesting culture. A fully restored art deco theatre, an internationally acclaimed art gallery, and a moonshine museum give this town a personality and energy all its own. Annual events like the New Zealand Country Music Awards, New Zealand Ballet, and the NZ International Film Festival all add to Gore’s vibrancy. Gore also happens to be the Brown Trout Capital of the World. These famous fish can sometimes be seen in the Mataura River which runs through town and offers plenty of riverside strolls and grassy knolls to explore.

Riverton

Street art on a wall at the Southland town of Riverton.
Neighbourhood Southland
At 38km west of Invercargill, you’ll find Riverton, a quaint seaside town with active art, culinary, and conservation communities. Home to internationally acclaimed attractions like the Forest Garden and Heritage Orchard Project, Riverton champions both the landscape and people that make Southland so unique. There are more than a few secret spots to be found for a beach picnic and plenty of top-notch restaurants and cafes to explore, too.