Top Reasons to Go to Otago, Invercargill, and Stewart Island

Local Fare: Partake in a fresh fillet of blue cod, salty muttonbird prepared the Māori way, succulent Bluff oysters, or a warm cheese roll.

Bird-Watching: See yellow-eyed penguin or an albatross on the peninsula or a kiwi on Stewart Island. Predator-free Ulva Island is the jewel in the crown of Rakiura National Park.

Kiwi Sports: Rugby puts New Zealand on the world stage, and for many Kiwis it’s a passion. Provincial and international teams ruck and maul at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Pubs and Clubs: Thanks to the presence of 25,000 university students, Dunedin is full of cafés, funky bars, late-night pubs, and rocking music venues.

The Southern Sea: The lower coast of the South Island is breathtakingly wild. Head south along the Catlins section of the Southern Scenic Route for ocean views, diving seabirds, and sandy beaches.