A large detailed map of Southland

About the Southland Region

Southland unfolds as a grand tapestry of dramatic geography, a land where the Southern Alps, a formidable spine of snow-capped giants, descend with breathtaking abruptness towards the restless southern seas. This is a realm of stark contrasts: the deep, silent grandeur of Fiordland, where sheer cliffs plunge into indigo waters, giving way to the rolling, verdant pastures of dairy country, a mosaic of emerald and gold stretching to the horizon. Mighty rivers, swollen with alpine meltwater, carve their paths across the land, feeding vast, clear lakes that mirror the immense skies. Along the coast, rugged headlands meet the ocean’s embrace, battered by prevailing winds that shape the very character of the landscape, from the windswept beaches of the west to the sheltered harbours of the east. The climate, too, is a study in resilience, with a bracing freshness that can shift from brilliant sunshine to a soft, persistent rain within the space of an hour, nurturing a land that feels both ancient and vibrantly alive.

The history of Southland is etched in the ruggedness of its terrain and the tenacity of its people, a narrative shaped by the bounty and challenges of its natural resources. Early sealing and whaling stations marked the initial human footprint, followed by the transformative waves of the gold rushes that drew a restless populace to its inland tributaries. The land’s inherent fertility then steered its destiny towards agriculture, with sheep and beef farming becoming the enduring pillars of its economy, their flocks dotting the hillsides like scattered clouds. More recently, the rich, dark soils have proven exceptionally suited for dairy, establishing Southland as a national powerhouse in milk production, its creamy output a testament to the land’s generosity. Forestry, fishing from its abundant waters, and a burgeoning viticulture, particularly in the warmer pockets, further diversify its economic heart, while the sheer, awe-inspiring beauty of its natural wonders increasingly draws travellers seeking solace and adventure.

The major settlements of Southland form a constellation of communities, each with its own distinct character, yet interconnected by the shared spirit of this southern land. Invercargill, the region’s largest city, serves as its bustling southern gateway, a practical and industrious hub with a strong maritime heritage and a growing reputation for its artisan food producers. Further north, Queenstown, though often seen as a separate entity, is inextricably linked to Southland’s allure, renowned globally as an adventure capital, its dramatic lakeside setting against the Remarkables mountain range a constant draw. Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park, embodies a quieter, more contemplative spirit, its proximity to the majestic fiords a constant reminder of the wild beauty that defines the region. Gore, known as the "Trout Fishing Capital of the World," exudes a friendly, laid-back charm, deeply connected to the rivers that flow through its environs, while Bluff, a vital port town, stands as a sentinel at the southern tip, its identity forged by the sea and its hardy fishing industry.

Southland’s cultural character is one of quiet resilience and profound connection to the land, a spirit imbued by its vast, open spaces and the ever-present influence of the natural world. Its well-known landmarks are not always man-made; rather, they are the towering peaks of the Southern Alps, the pristine waters of Lake Wakatipu and Lake Te Anau, and the raw, untamed beauty of Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stewart Island / Rakiura, a jewel off the southern coast, offers a glimpse into a more remote and wild existence, its dense forests and abundant birdlife a sanctuary for nature lovers. The region’s famous natural features, from the dramatic coastline of the Catlins to the vastness of the South Pacific Ocean, contribute to an overall feel of expansive freedom and an enduring sense of awe, a place where the sheer scale of nature humbles and inspires in equal measure.

Southland Maps — Weather, News & Location Information

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Southland alongside links to maps for 192 cities, towns and localities across the region. Switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. The regional capital is Invercargill, with a regional population of approximately 104,300 (Stats NZ 2023 estimate).

Each locality map page includes an embedded street and satellite map plus live weather where available — current observations with hourly and 7-day outlooks powered by Open-Meteo. Local and world news, editorial location descriptions, and precise GPS coordinates are included where available.

Location data is sourced from the GeoNames Gazetteer and verified by coordinates, not name matching alone.