Discover Garston

Garston is considered New Zealand’s settlement farthest from the sea. The Mataura River runs right past the town, and the 186 km Around the Mountains Cycle Trail passes through Garston. If you’re looking for a hotel in Garston, these landmarks can help you choose what to focus on: the river, the cycle trail or local history.

Landmarks by the river and in the village

The Peter Rabbit™ thinking seat connects the town’s Peter Rabbit™ village with Garston Cemetery. The Mataura River is also considered a destination for trout fishing in Garston. If you’re planning to include this in your trip, check the current fishing rules and access conditions beforehand.

History and collections

Naylor House is part of the Northern Southland Heritage Trail. It is the original homestead, built from locally sourced slate in the 1870s. Garston is one of the 15 sites on the 110 km trail, which stretches from Kingston to Josephville Hill. This brings two different scales together: the architectural history of a single homestead and a route spanning multiple sites over a longer distance. At Naylor House, the focus is on one building; the trail places Garston within a broader route.

Alongside the architectural history of Naylor House, Garston Stables features collections of furniture, art and collectibles gathered from around the world. The cultural offering therefore ranges from an original homestead to a variety of collections.

Cycle trail and activities nearby

The Around the Mountains Cycle Trail is 186 km long and passes through Garston. Welcome Rock Trails is 3 km east of the town, on a private high-country farm, and offers opportunities for hiking and cycling. These are different options for choosing activities: a long-distance cycle trail that passes through Garston, and hiking and cycling opportunities in the surrounding area. Check the latest operating information before heading to Welcome Rock.

The Southland District in a broader context

The wider Southland District destination has other trails with their own character. The Hump Ridge Track is a three-day loop over subalpine elevations and along a rugged coastline in southern Fiordland. It opened as New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk on 25 October 2024. The Lake2Lake Trail follows the shores of Lake Te Anau and the eastern side of the Waiau River to Lake Manapouri. The trail descriptions have different focuses: the Hump Ridge Track on duration and scenery, and the Lake2Lake Trail on its route alongside the lake and river.

The broader Southland District destination also includes the Rakiura Track, which runs along an open coast, through the forested island interior and along the sheltered shores of Paterson Inlet. For regional history, the Southland District has around 10 museums devoted to the history of Southland Province and its people. Their collections range from historic machinery to whaling artefacts.

Discover more destinations: Milford Sound, Monowai, Otautau, Nightcaps, Tuatapere, Tokanui, Mossburn, Stewart Island.

See the broader travel guide: Southland District.