Water Activities

The Jet Boat Runs Are Something Else

The water activity that really stands out down here is the jet boating into serious wilderness. The Humpridge Jet and Wairaurahiri Jet both run across Lake Hauroko and down the Wairaurahiri River to Waitutu Lodge. It takes over an hour to get out there and that's kind of the point. You're heading into one of the most remote corners of the South Island, not just doing laps on a tame river.

Fishing Is the Other Big One

The freshwater fishing around Southland is genuinely world-class, particularly for trout on the Mataura River. There are several local guides worth looking into, including Fly Fish Mataura and Mataura Valley Trout Safaris. These are rivers that serious anglers travel a long way for, so if fishing is your thing, this region deserves more than a passing look.

Out of Bluff you can also get on the water for something a bit different. There's a shark cage experience that departs from the port, which by all accounts is the real deal. Raw, remote, and very Southland.