A cool beverage, sun beaming down on your head and picturesque views of the Fiordland mountains and Lake Te Anau, the Moose has it all when you’re planning a relaxing getaway paired with some great food. Named after the legendary Moose that were released into the Fiordland mountains, the Moose Bar and Restaurant features all-day dining and an admirable television screen to keep the men satisfied, the Moose is a great place to socialise with groups both young and old.

Heading away to Queenstown or Te Anau this weekend? Stop in at Lumsden on your way up and indulge in some of their freshly made delicacies whilst taking in the surreal mountainous landscape from their garden bar. While you’re visiting, why not pay a visit to their art gallery on site - you’ll fall in love with their classic rustic style!

If you’re young, fun and have a taste for food then the Ranch is your destination for a long lunch. They have a great indoor-outdoor flow which will draw you in off the streets for a bite to each while you watch the town carry about their lives. A great location which also hosts a variety of bands on their upper level! Great fun and even better food, what more could you ask for?

Take a drive away from the city life to Tuatapare – one of the remote locations in Southland. The historic Waiau Hotel offers great accommodation and country cooking at its best with some fantastic hospitality to match! There are spectacular views to be experienced while you unwind and soak in the rural setting.

Feel like escaping town for the long weekend but can’t bear the thought of a long drive? The Province Restaurant is fifteen minutes drive north of Invercargill, close enough that you can take a trip in daylight hours, yet far enough away that you can enjoy the peace and serenity of quality dining and the delight of the gardens - landscaped for weddings and private functions. A fantastic option for dining this weekend! Find them at Lochiel on your way to Winton.

Pitch a tent or park the campers nestled into some flax bushes on the hill overlooking Curio Bay. Stunning views of the Pacific Ocean to be captured at sunrise and sunset, while during the day there is plenty to do such as explore rock pools, test the surf, and swim with the locals (Hectors Dolphins that is!). Curio Bay is a great option if you want to escape reality for a while - with no cell phone reception you’re guaranteed not to get any interruptions from work!

Often utilised as a great location to meet with friends and take a walk, or as a popular choice for school camps, Dolamore Park Scenic Reserve offers free facilities just a short drive out of Gore. You might fancy yourself the avid gardener, or perhaps a nature enthusiast, or perhaps a bit of an adrenaline seeker! For all specialties, Dolamore Park is a fantastic facility waiting to be explored!

Quite possibly the best situated campgrounds in Southland - Beach Road Holiday Park are close to Oreti Beach, horse treks, fishing and whitebaiting areas, Sandy Point motor-x track as well as Invercargill Speedway and a popular local resturant! For the busy camper, Beach Road Holiday Park is the one and only choice when deciding where to plan your next camping trip!

Feeling a little sinful? Ravenous for satisfaction without care or reason? Devil Burger has exactly what you’re seeking. Ridiculously massive burgers offering you every size and variety of meat available to mankind! Hungry for a deal instead? Every Thursday there is a $10 ribs and chips combo that will leave feeling somewhat gluttonous but overly pleased with yourself for the saving!

Breakfast, brunch or lunch, the Olive Tree Cafe has a rapidly evolving menu that is pleasing to the palate as well as the wallet! The latest Chef has worked in prestigious restaurants and loves to show the consistent flow of locals and tourists what good food really is! They have daily specials which barely hit a $15.00 price tag, definitely a must-visit in Te Anau!

Feeling peckish on the go? Kim’s Sushi offer award-winning sushi made fresh as your order with a sensible price tag to match! They cater for all tastes and expectations, frequently surprising guests with the substantial meal they receive for a mere $10.00! Feel like saving a bit extra? If you have an entertainment book for the Southland-Otago region you’ll go ahead and save another 25% off your meal. Introduce yourself to Kim today and let the team create a dish that will tantalise your tastebuds!

Often overlooked because of its location; Moons Restaurant is one of the best kept secrets in South Invercargill. Located on the main street, Moons a great option if you’re heading home after work and fancy the delicious crunch of a fresh vegetable stir-fry or a satisfying special fried rice. Most meals are under $15.00 and will serve 2-4 people depending on how much you wish to share!

Homestyle cooking and a great atmosphere to match, Cobb & Co is the best choice when feeding the extended family! With the exception of their specialty Off-the-grill options, the menu boasts huge meals that feature within the $20-$25 range which are great to share should you not be able to finish your own!

If you’re planning for the weekend away and stuck for inspiration that accommodates the entire family then give the team at Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park a call. They are an award winning franchise New Zealand wide, guaranteed to provide low cost accommodation whatever you needs or group size! They have fantastic outdoor equipment for children and plentiful space for the adults. Located in the heart of Te Anau with an abundance of activities, they’re sure to help you arrange your perfect weekend away!

Are you in search of great company, breathtaking views and a wide expanse of coastal land for children to play and explore. The Beachfront B&B is well-known for their helpful attitude and love of all things food! Whether you’re planning a family trip away or a romantic weekend for two, Riverton is the ideal escape for those who seek rest and relaxation.

The weekend is fast approaching and the children are getting restless, and you can’t help wonder if there is an exciting but inexpensive option available for accommodation? The Curio Bay holiday park costs only between $15 to $25 depending on your group size. You are able to choose your own camping location, nestled into the maze of flaxes that scatter about the hillside. Who knows, you might even come across sea lions or yellow eyed penguins on your morning walk down the beach, or perhaps a swim with the porpoises is better suited? Either way, Curio Bay is a fantastic location to explore and roam for any group of travellers.

Undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Southland for swimming, surfing, and beach-side weddings; Colac Bay is a great escape for the weekend. Their local restaurant boasts exceptional food while tucked in behind is a well-sheltered camping ground. Whether you plan to stay for awhile or simply a flying visit, Colac Bay is the perfect get-away where you can finally finish that latest novel and unwind, while leaving you with a lasting impression of simplistic beauty at its finest.

If you identify with tramping rugged landscapes, mountain biking through steep tree blocks, and patiently fishing for some of the largest trout imaginable, then Mavora Lakes are for you! Now that the weather is warming and your feet are insistently tapping away counting down to the weekend, you might want to consider a weekend getaway to Mavora Lakes Park. They offer both indoor and outdoor accommodation types, as well as a reliable power source so you don’t have to miss a warm shower! With an absurd number of opportunities waiting outside your doorstep, why wouldn’t you take a drive to Mavora this weekend?

Not only the sight of Southland’s best mini golf course – Fiordland Bike Hire & Mini Golf also have scooters, bikes, quadricycles for hire to keep those young ones entertained on those long sunny days! The golf course is situated right in the heart of Te Anau and is a well adapted course that is fun (and challenging!) for the entire family!

Step on in and say a big hello to the centenarian Henry the Tuatara and over 50 of his offspring! The Southland Museum and Art Gallery have a range of activities for children these school holidays including visual art education programmes for the children to unleash their inner Vincent van Gogh.

The days are getting longer, the sun warmer, and the children in dire need of releasing some steam and energy! Splash Palace is the ultimate solution. With a fully automated wave pool, kiddies pool and hydro-slide, there is plenty to keep the kids entertained! During school holidays they team at Splash Palace often create inflatable activities that they set up permanently in the laps pool to challenge children and add to the fun!

Holidays are creeping up but you’re still doomed with work commitments and very little time off? Consider the Chipmunks Holiday Programme. The crew at Chipmunks offer a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for children on their holiday programmes as well as plentiful time to play in their indoor activities centre! If you’re thinking short term – Chipmunks host incredible birthday parties and a variety of fun day activities including bumper cars!

Do you have active children that have energy to burn? Do you want your children to make the most of their school holidays by up-skilling? The Gore Multi Sports Complex have a range of holiday programmes including swimming and netball programmes to teach essential skills, these are suited to all ages and abilities. If you want to spice up the action a bit more, the Multi Sports Complex also create a fun and busy course with a range of challenges and activities for children to participate in – including a crowd favourite, laser tag!

The Thomas Green always have incredible desserts - especially their dark chocolate and mint mousse.

The Cabbage Tree in Otatara is known for its incredible selection of cheese cakes! They are all very decadent and will satisfy every sweet tooth.

The Saucy Chef always does an amazing creme brûlée - their current flavour is lime and lemongrass which is surprisingly fresh and tasty and not overly sweet.

The Batch Cafe makes great desserts. They have a delicious selection of sweet slices, brownies and cakes that they serve up beautifully for the diners or as an on-the-go treat! Perfect teamed with a great coffee.