Stretching from the bottom of the east coast of the South Island and encompassing the stunning Fiordland at the bottom end of the west coast of the South Island, Southland is a sight to behold.

Natural, rugged, unspoilt, green, coastal, wild, pastoral, dramatic and breathtaking are all words that can describe the region of Southland. From forests to farmlands, lakes to roaring seas, mountains to glaciers, Southland covers all terrains.

Southland offers fishing, hunting, tramping, boating, camping, walking, climbing, skiing, snow boarding experiences in abundance. And if throwing yourself off a bridge into a gorge is your thing then visit Queenstown - it was the world's first bungy site and now offers four AJ Hackett bungy sites.

The population of Southland is approximately 91,002 (2001 Census). It's both the most southerly and most westerly area of New Zealand so it lies within the Southern Hemisphere temperature zone. The Western ranges has an annual rain fall of over 8000mm whereas the Eastern lowlands and hills have an average rain fall of 800 - 1200mm. Although it has the longest daylight hours in New Zealand.

Towns in the Southland region include Queenstown, Invercargill, Gore, Riverton, Te Anau, Bluff and Stewart Island (which is New Zealand's third island).

Southland industries include fishing, tourism, beef, deer and dairy farming, horticulture, manufacturing, forestry as well as a variety of cottage industries.