Mossburn: Mountain Scenery and Local History

Mossburn is set in a scenic location, with the Fiordland Mountains as a backdrop. The town also has a specific historical connection: New Zealand’s first deer farm was established here in 1972. If you’re looking for a hotel in Mossburn, you can consider whether the mountain scenery, local history or golf is most important when planning your trip.

Mossburn: Local History and Activities

New Zealand’s first deer farm was established in Mossburn in 1972. Deer farming history is therefore a clear local point of interest alongside the scenery. If you’re interested in the history of deer farming, you can take this aspect into account when choosing your destination.

Mossburn Golf Club has a nine-hole course in Mossburn. The course is flat, with the Takitimu and Eyre Mountains ranges as a backdrop. The details about the course’s size and terrain describe the course, while the mountains provide the setting. If golf is part of your travel plans, check current playing options before visiting.

Bracken Hall in Mossburn is a place to take a break, as well as a café and gift shop. As operator details can change, check whether it’s open before visiting.

In the wider Southland District destination

In the wider Southland District destination, the Hump Ridge Track is a three-day loop over subalpine heights and along a rugged coastline in southern Fiordland. The track opened as New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk on 25 October 2024. It also includes a short interpretive walk around the historic Port Craig sawmill site.

In the wider Southland District destination, the Rakiura Track offers different scenery: it runs along an open coast, through the island’s forested interior and beside the sheltered shores of Paterson Inlet. Oban, the only settlement on Stewart Island/Rakiura, is reachable from Invercargill by a 20-minute flight or from Bluff by a one-hour ferry crossing over Foveaux Strait. Check the ferry timetable in advance, as schedules can change.

Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara is also part of the wider Southland District destination. The island is an open sanctuary with well-maintained tracks for people of all ages and fitness levels. Following a successful eradication programme, it was declared rat-free. Its relatively unspoiled state makes it important for the protection of threatened species.

In the wider Southland District destination, Punanga Manu o Te Anau/Te Anau Bird Sanctuary is on the shores of Lake Te Anau. It is a 20-minute walk or a two-minute drive from the Te Rua-o-te-Moko/Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre. The sanctuary offers self-guided visits and on-site activities for children. The takahē pairs support the Takahē Recovery Programme by raising chicks, which are released into predator-controlled wild areas at about one year old.

Discover more destinations: Athol, Garston, Tuatapere, The Key, Tokanui, Lumsden, Te Anau, Te Anau Downs

To the wider travel guide: Southland District.