The untouched wilderness that is New Zealand's Southland region is also one of its most densely populated...with wildlife. If you want to experience nature at its most raw and protected, venture to this chilly realm at the southern tip of the country, where penguins, sea lions, dolphins and seals frolic in the Southern Ocean.
Yet it's the region's birdlife that takes centre stage here. On the starkly beautiful Stewart Island and neighbouring Ulva Island, rare native birds flourish in the forests largely free from predators. And before you ask, yes there are kiwis here too. In fact, it's one of the few places in the world where you'll see them in the daylight hours.
