Discover Fairlight: A Scenic Stop in Southland
Fairlight is a small settlement located at the end of the Mataura River valley, on the Southern Scenic Route in Southland, South Island. Fairlight is known for its historic rail station, which serves as the endpoint for the tourist steam train journey from Kingston at the southern end of Lake Wakatipu. This charming spot is also a rest stop on the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail.
Stunning Landscapes and Mountain Views
The landscape surrounding Fairlight is truly remarkable. To the east, you'll find a prominent, rocky mountain face, reaching a height of 967 metres. This steep terrain, covered in golden tussock, marks the beginning of the Eyre Mountains. These mountains extend to the south and west sides of Lake Wakatipu, reaching as far as Mt Nicholas, and are a major highlight for those cycling the trail.
To the east lies the Tapuae-o-Uenuku / Hector Mountains, while to the north, Trotters Plain stretches out. This wide, mostly flat post-glacial valley leads up to Kingston and the southern end of Lake Wakatipu.
Ideal for Photography
The road through this area is mostly straight, offering numerous safe spots to pull over and capture the scenery. The combination of mountains and plains provides a picturesque backdrop for photographers.
How to Get to Fairlight
Fairlight is on State Highway 6, a section of the Southern Scenic Route, 10.5 km south of Kingston and about 10 km north of Garston.
Heading south on the highway, you can discover two remote roads that get you closer to the mountains: the south end of the Nevis Road and the road to the Mavora Lakes.
