SOUTH ISLAND
~ Awe & adventure in equal measure ~ Superb national parks ~ Glacier adventures ~ ~ Majestic fiords ~ Fabulous hiking & biking ~ Wine tasting ~ Wildlife watching ~
As the gateway to the South Island , Christchurch is a must on any itinerary . The city wows with innovative architecture , immense street art , bustling restaurants , laneways and green parks .
New Zealand ’ s adrenalin city , Queenstown , sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges . With a smorgasbord of outdoor activities such as bungee jumping , sky diving , jet boating , canyon swinging and river rafting , it ’ s the place for the ultimate adventurer .
The dramatically beautiful Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage Site and includes Milford , Dusky and Doubtful Sounds . Whether you take a scenic boat cruise or step out on foot , you ’ ll be enthralled by the fusion of spectacular natural features in this glacier-carved landscape .
In the spectacular alps of the South Island visitors are drawn to Wanaka . The stunning mountain and lakeside setting and proximity to Mt Aspiring National park , a UNESCO World Heritage Area , makes it a fabulous outdoor activity base .
On the remote west coast are Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers , two of the world ’ s most accessible to visit . There are easy walks to the foot of the glaciers or heli-hikes for the more adventurous .
Alpine in the purest sense , Aoraki Mount Cook National Park has skyscraping peaks , glaciers and permanent snow fields , all under a starstudded sky . Gaze in wonder also at the Punakaiki rocks and blowholes , where columns of water shoot skyward from rocks resembling giant pancake stacks .
On the north coast , the pretty town of Nelson is a great base and famed for its arts and crafts . Nearby is the small , but perfectly formed , Abel Tasman National Park . Whether you take a boat along the bay or walk the coastal track every turn produces another glorious view .
Marlborough , at the top of South Island , is all about world-famous Sauvignon Blanc and fresh seafood . It ’ s also about the Marlborough Sounds a collection of ancient sunken river valleys with long sheltered inlets , clear waters and sandy bays . Blenheim is an ideal base for this region .
On the north east coast , quaint Kaikoura is your go to place for marine mammal encounters as whales , fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters .
Arthur ’ s Pass is the highest and most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps . Take in the views from aboard the TranzAlpine train , go hiking , mountain climbing or even skiing in winter .
In the south east is Dunedin , a well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian city with a fascinating cultural history . Close by is the wildlife haven of the Otago Peninsula where you may spot Little Blue Penguins , Yellow-Eyed Penguins , fur seals and sea lions .
In Invercargill , visit the Southland Museum and Art Gallery or admire the array of Victorian , Edwardian and Art Deco heritage buildings .
Subantarctic Stewart Island lies 18 miles south of South Island . Over 85 % of the island is national park with fabulous hiking and birdwatching .
126 NEW ZEALAND visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 900