Safari in Otago & Southland
Journey through the majestic Fiordland wilderness, Central Otago's historic goldfields, and the wildlife-rich Catlins coast, offering unparalleled southern adventures.
Otago & Southland Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Otago & Southland
Otago & Southland Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Otago & Southland
Ahuriri Conservation Park
Ahuriri Conservation Park is a protected area in New Zealand.
Catlins Conservation Park
Catlins Conservation Park is a protected area in New Zealand.
Conservation Area - Orokonui
Near Dunedin, Orokonui is a mainland island sanctuary enclosed by a predator-proof fence, protecting a significant area of coastal forest. It's home to a diverse range of native wildlife, including the kiwi, tuatara, kākā, and forest gecko, providing a vital refuge and educational experience.
Eyre Mountains / Taka Ra Haka Conservation Park
Eyre Mountains / Taka Ra Haka Conservation Park is a protected area in New Zealand.
Fiordland National Park
New Zealand's largest national park, Fiordland is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its dramatic fiords, ancient rainforests, and towering waterfalls. Visitors can spot bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin, especially in Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, making it a prime destination for scenic cruises and nature walks.
Hāwea Conservation Park
Hāwea Conservation Park is a protected area in New Zealand.
Mount Aspiring National Park
A rugged wilderness of mountains, glaciers, river valleys, and alpine lakes, Mount Aspiring is a hiker's dream. It's a haven for native birds like the kea, fantail, and bellbird, and its pristine environment offers a chance to experience New Zealand's dramatic Southern Alps and their unique ecosystems.
Oteake Conservation Park
Oteake Conservation Park is a protected area in New Zealand.
Rakiura National Park
Rakiura National Park is a protected area in New Zealand.
Ruataniwha Conservation Park
Ruataniwha Conservation Park is a protected area in New Zealand.
Te Papanui Conservation Park
Te Papanui Conservation Park is a protected area in New Zealand.
Compare Parks in Otago & Southland
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Otago & Southland
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiordland National Park | - | 72 | - | Quiet | Moderate | TEU (37km) |
| Conservation Area - Orokonui | - | 95 | - | Quiet | Moderate | NZTI (21km) |
| Mount Aspiring National Park | - | 56 | - | Quiet | Moderate | NZMW (31km) |
| Ahuriri Conservation Park | - | 56 | - | Quiet | Moderate | NZ-0010 (32km) |
| Catlins Conservation Park | - | 86 | - | Quiet | Moderate | NZBA (42km) |
| Eyre Mountains / Taka Ra Haka Conservation Park | - | 60 | - | Quiet | Moderate | NZ-0106 (48km) |
| Hāwea Conservation Park | - | 51 | - | Quiet | Moderate | NZMW (18km) |
| Oteake Conservation Park | - | 50 | - | Quiet | Moderate | NZ-0021 (30km) |
| Rakiura National Park | - | 106 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SZS (25km) |
| Ruataniwha Conservation Park | - | 59 | - | Quiet | Moderate | GTN (22km) |
| Te Papanui Conservation Park | - | 61 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | DUD (40km) |
39 species recorded in Otago & Southland9 threatened
We love the raw, untamed beauty of Otago and Southland. Standing on the edge of Milford Sound, the sheer granite walls plunging into dark, still water, is an experience that stays with you. Then there's the contrast of Central Otago's arid, golden hills, a testament to its gold rush past, and the wild, windswept Catlins coast where sea lions bask on rugged shores. The air here feels cleaner, the silence deeper, and the landscapes more profound than almost anywhere else we've explored.
Terrain & Altitude
Rugged mountain ranges, deep fiords, rolling hills, and a dramatic coastline characterize this diverse southern landscape.
Sea level to over 3,000m above sea level
Vegetation
Lush temperate rainforests, alpine tussock grasslands, and coastal scrub dominate, with pockets of ancient beech forest.
Water Sources
Abundant glacial rivers, vast freshwater lakes, and the deep, saltwater fiords fed by heavy rainfall are the defining water features.
Unique Features
The sheer scale of Fiordland's glacially carved valleys and the unique coastal ecosystems of the Catlins are unparalleled.
While Queenstown Airport is the most convenient gateway, don't overlook Dunedin if your focus is the wildlife-rich Catlins coast. We find that renting a car is almost essential for exploring the diverse landscapes of Otago and Southland at your own pace; the freedom to stop for spontaneous photo opportunities is unparalleled.
Nearest Airports
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
100km / 1.5hr drive to Central Otago, 300km / 4hr drive to Fiordland
Daily connections from Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, and other international hubs.
Dunedin Airport (DUD)
100km / 1.5hr drive to the Catlins coast, 350km / 4.5hr drive to Central Otago
Daily connections from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Christchurch
A scenic drive south, primarily on well maintained state highways. We recommend breaking the journey in the Mackenzie Basin for stunning lake views.
From Dunedin
Easy driving on good roads. If heading to Central Otago, consider the scenic route via the Taieri Plains.
Temperature
11.5°C
53°F
Rainfall
143.9 mm
Wet season
Humidity
78.8%
Sunshine
10.9 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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Health & Travel Info
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