SOUTHLAND
The Southland region is located at the southern most reaches of New Zealand including Stewart Island. Southland is known for its abundant green native forests, glacial lakes, wild surf-pounded beaches, and open air vistas. The largest city in the region is Invercargill, the commercial hub for Southland and one of the centres for agribusiness on the South Island. The population of the Southland region is 91,000, representing 2.3 % of the total population. The climate is considered severe by New Zealand standards as the region receives abundant rainfall and frosts, with cold winters and warm, temperate summers. Temperatures range from 9-19 degrees Celsius during the summer and 4-14 degrees Celsius during the winter months.
A region showing great industry and economic growth potential, industries represented in Southland include science and research, energy, manufacturing, agribusiness, dairy farming, fishing, forestry and tourism. Southland, one of New Zealand's foremost tourist destinations, has been popularised by the coastal Catlins region known for its wildlife excursions, beaches and historic sites. Other attractions include the city of Bluff known for its oysters, the Ulva Island Open Sanctuary, the Southland Museum of Art, the Tuatapere Hump Ridge track and Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island. Trout fishing, tramping, camping and surfing can all be enjoyed in this pristine part of the country.
www.sit.ac.nz/www.southland.org.nz/
www.invercargill.org.nz/
www.stewartislandexperience.co.nz/
