South Island Travel Guide
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Renowned for its natural beauty, the South Island (151,000sq km) is blessed with tranquil lakes, rugged mountains, wild rivers and lush forest. A massive mountain chain - the Southern Alps - runs down its spine, taking in the country's highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook (3754 m). Fiordland is a key drawcard for visitors with its glacier-carved landscape of drowned river valleys and towering peaks.
The South Island boasts ten national parks -
Abel Tasman,
Nelson Lakes, Kahurangi,
Paparoa,
Arthur's Pass, Westland, Mount Cook, Fiordland, Rakiura and Mount Aspiring. These majestic wilderness areas incorporate World Heritage Sites, fiords and glaciers, lakes, ski areas, rugged coastline, native forest, and world-class hiking tracks. The South Island's largest city is Christchurch, known for its gracious parks and English character. Dunedin, with its Scottish heritage, is the second largest centre, and the country's best-preserved Victorian city. The student population of Otago University adds to the lively atmosphere of the city.
- Nelson/Marlborough
Historic Nelson is famous for its sunshine and wines, while Marlborough's jewel is the spectacular Marlborough Sounds, with their branching river valleys. Marlborough is known for its superb sauvignon blanc.
- West Coast
This rugged strip of land down the South Island's west coast boasts a wild coastline, lush native forest, mountains, lakes, rivers and the world's most low-lying glaciers, the Fox and Franz Josef.
- Aoraki/Mount Cook
The nation's highest mountain (3754m) is part of Mount Cook National Park, a magnificent alpine wilderness containing New Zealand's largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier (28.5km).
- The Best of Golf
The best golf resort courses around New Zealand. A must for golf enthusiasts.
- Fiordland and Milford Sound
This spectacular area of drowned river valleys is best known for the 22km-long Milford Sound, with its tranquil waters and sheer peaks.
- Te Anau & Milford Track
On the shores of beautiful Lake Te Anau, this resort town is one of the world's walking capitals, famous for the popular Milford Track.
- Stewart Island
New Zealand's third island lies across the Foveaux Strait at the bottom of the South Island. A haven for native flora and fauna, it is one of the best places to see kiwis live in the wild.
- Dunedin & Otago Peninsula
Founded by Scottish settlers, Dunedin has some impressive Victorian buildings. The nearby Otago Peninsula is rich in bird and marine life, including the world's only mainland albatross colony.
- The Catlins
This pristine wilderness area is a well-kept secret, with its unique flora and fauna, rainforest, waterfalls and beaches. Wildlife includes Hector's dolphins, native fur seals and native yellow-eyed penguins.
- Queenstown
New Zealand's beautiful adventure capital draws visitors year-round with its adrenalin-pumping outdoor activities, including bungy jumping, jetboating on the Shotover River, whitewater rafting and skiing.
- Christchurch
New Zealand's second-largest city has a distinctly English character, with wide, tree-lined street, gracious buildings and lovely parks and gardens. Punting on the Avon River is a favourite past-time in summer, while in winter nearby Mount Hutt draws the skiers.
- Banks Peninsula
The country's only French settlement, historic Akaroa is set at the tip of this scenic peninsula with its rolling hills, wineries and wildlife. The world's rarest dolphin, the Hector's, can be found in Akaroa Harbour.
- Hanmer Springs
This alpine spa town is home to one of the country's most picturesque outdoor thermal springs.
- Kaikoura
Once a sleepy fishing village, Kaikoura has become a whalewatching mecca, and a major centre for swimming with the dolphins.