Southland (in Maori: Murihiku) is the southernmost of New Zealand. The original part of the former province of Otago, the former province of Southland existed from 1861 to 1870, whereupon it was returned to the province of Otago due to economic problems. It then becomes the region we know today in 1876. The region comprises the southernmost part of the South Island and Stewart Island. It covers 28 681 km ² and has 91 002 inhabitants, making it one of the least densely populated countries. The largest city is Invercargill.

Southland is the region situated in the south of New Zealand. South-west of the region there are the vast Fiordland National Park. The main economic activities in the region are agriculture and tourism (the latter particularly inside the Fiordland National Park). The Southland Regional Council (Regional Council), the Southland District Council and the Invercargill City Council are all located in Invercargill. Southland District (its also a province) includes the towns of Winton, Lumsden and Stewart Island.