Southland

Raw Coast, Short Walks, Big Payoff

Walking in Southland is less about long multi-day tramps and more about short, punchy tracks that drop you into some seriously wild coastline. The Catlins is where most of the good stuff is. McLean Falls and Purakanui Falls are my picks from the waterfall trio in the area - both are around 20-30 minutes through beautiful native bush, and even better after a bit of rain. Keep Maitai Falls off your list unless conditions are exceptional.

Edge of the Earth Stuff

The coastal walks here have a raw, windswept quality you don't get many other places. Nugget Point Lighthouse is a stunner - steep rocky outcrops, open Pacific, fur seals and sea lions if you're lucky. Slope Point, the actual southern tip of the South Island, is exposed and a bit bleak in the best way. Waipapa Point Lighthouse is worth a stop too, especially if sea lions are hanging about on the beach below. And if you're up for it, the walk between Cannibal Bay and Surat Bay puts you among some of the biggest, most prehistoric-looking sea lions in the country.

Come with sturdy footwear and a decent jacket. This coast doesn't mess around with the wind.