Southland is sometimes perceived as a place of the past, where things happen at a slower pace, where the people are conservative, and where the speed of life is yet to reach. This is where my memories of summer holidays - exploring the shoreline and hills around Riverton, a quaint and safe holiday retreat full of cribs (sorry, baches) - begin.
Where the warnings of sun-burn, of family barbeques with sausages and beer, and bonfires on the beach were a Southland rite of passage. While the sun can still burn, barbeques might now commence with an antipasto platter and craft beers, and fire restrictions are enforced, it is still, at its essence, a dreamlike existence. Sure, they all now seem fascinated by the digital device in their pocket, but there remains a smugness about their easy living lifestyle. "Don't tell anyone, we might get too many of them - North Islanders that is - moving down", they tell me.
In its subtle way, Southland is exactly the classic New Zealand that many of us dream of. A place where you have both time and money to spend on the things you want. This is reflected by the region boasting the largest classic vehicle collection, home ownership and dog ownership per capita nationwide.
It is said people vote with their tastebuds - and this is an obvious sentiment of those in the South. The list of local delicacies and their availability is phenomenal. The Stewart Island salmon, like every other southern seafood, has a delectable flavour enhanced by the deep, clear waters of the southern coast. Consumption of Bluff oysters and cheese rolls is suitably high - where cheese rolls have lashings of butter in support of the local dairy farmers, and the oysters aren't served on ice like they are up north.
Speaking of that elephant - the weather - does Invercargill, the urban centre of Southland, have penguins walking the streets? No, these are more commonly found on the rugged coastlines of The Catlins and Stewart Island. Ok, it's not a subtropical region but Southland does have many spectacular rainforests for a reason. As the locals will tell you, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices. And just like a toddler playing in puddles, if you're loving what you're doing at the time, the weather is an afterthought.
The great outdoors is just 'the backyard' in Southland. Whether it's the coastlines for surfing, horse treks and beachcombing, or making the most of the lakes, rivers and great walks, the region is an ecological wonderland and the wildlife that comes with it is abundant.
Wheels have always been important down South. It all started with Burt Munro setting a land speed record (that still stands today) on his trusty old Indian Scout Motorbike; which now forms the centrepiece of a unique display at E Hayes and Sons Motorworks.
Southlanders are renowned for using their ingenuity to find solutions when the more commercial answers aren't available. Case in point, Bill Richardson's legacy of setting up HWR - one of New Zealand's largest privately owned companies and transport operators - and now a hero of transport heritage with Transport World and the brand new Classic Motorcycle Mecca. Together they include over 600 rare vehicles in the collections.
I reckon the locals are onto something down there... by choosing to live in a place surrounded by all of the essentials that one needs to create the ideal classic kiwi holiday.
Create your own Classic Southland story and go in the draw to WIN at classicsouthland.co.nz