Driving from Whare Creek to Manapouri | Southland | New Zealand | 4K

Categories: Southland Region

Tags: driving, manapouri, new zealand, southland, whare creek

Added: 2 years ago

Driving from Whare Creek to Manapouri, in the Southland region, on the South Coast of New Zealand's South Island.

The lakeside town of Manapouri is located at the very edge of the Fiordland National Park and provides a good base for trips into the glacier-carved wilderness. The town was originally called Roto-au (the rainy lake) by early Maori, and then Moturau (many islands). The lake is the second deepest in New Zealand at 444 metres, with a circumference of 170 kilometres. Manapouri is the departure point for Doubtful Sound trips and excursions to the West Arm Power Station, the largest underground power generation in the southern hemisphere. Kayaking on the lake is weather dependent, but a wonderful way to experience the remote bays and sandy beaches.

As New Zealand's ultimate nature and wildlife destination, Southland's dramatic scenery spans pristine rain forests, fertile farmlands and rugged coastlines. With an abundance of hiking trails, cycling routes, fishing spots, classic motors, the world-famous Bluff oyster and the region's iconic cheese roll the region has something for you!

Southland's coastline is 3,400km long; the longest of any region in New Zealand, and one seventh of New Zealand's total. It extends from Fiordland in the west at Awarua Point, around the south coast to the Catlins in the east at Waiparau Head, and includes the coast of Stewart Island/Rakiura and other nearby islands. Southland's coastal waters lie in the Tasman Sea, Foveaux Strait and the Pacific Ocean.

Traveling along Southland's coastline you'll find a mix of flat sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and native forest, all providing an abundance of recreational opportunities.