SOUTHLAND...it's time to try some other tracks

The Ascot Park Hotel Southland Festival of Running events finish at the historic Stead Street wharf which is part of the Te Araroa trail, but there are plenty of other attractions in Southland worth stopping at. Once you've finished the run, why not linger a while and try some of our other tracks. Or if you must get straight home after the race, plan now to return and make tracks to some of the most startling, diverse and spectacular country in the whole of New Zealand.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Some ways to get sidetracked in Southland ...​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track
This is one of New Zealand's newest walking tracks – three days of mountain views, dense bush, beaches, lakes, caves and historic viaducts, not to mention comfortable, well-appointed huts. Check it out at Click here

Bluff and Bluff Hill
​​​​​​​Take one of the tracks and walk up Bluff Hill or drive up – either way the view is stunning. Get your photo at the Bluff signpost – the beginning of State Highway One and give yourself time to look around the oldest European town in NZ, first settled in 1824. Check it out at Click here

Stewart Island
Tracks, trails and walks to explore that lets you view wildlife up close - Dolphins, kiwis, sea lions, seals, bird life - all in their natural environment. Check it out at Click here

Te Anau
The walking capital of the world – Routeburn, Milford, Hollyford, Greenstone and Kepler tracks are all nearby. Click here

And There's Plenty More in Southland ...

·         Long stretches of sandy beaches and secluded coastal coves

·         Fishing - arguably the best brown trout fishing rivers

·         Delicious seafood - fresh blue cod, Stewart Island Salmon, mussels and Bluff Oysters

·         Unique heritage attractions - such as a museum celebrating illicit whisky brewing and the Dr

·         John Money art collection at the Eastern Southland Art Gallery

·         Off the beaten track atmosphere, yet in close proximity to Queenstown and ski fields,

·         Fiordland's Milford & Doubtful Sounds, Dunedin and Coastal Otago

·         Southern Scenic Route - stunning scenery, wildlife, walks, beaches, waterfalls and native bush

·         Southland's vast networks of open roads - ideal for self-drive holidays

·         Superb calendar of events - sporting, cultural, arts & heritage

·         Not forgetting the warmth & hospitality of Southlanders!