New Zealand, Aotearoa
A Land of Contrasts

We're not going to try and replicate all the information from the many great websites available on the things to do and places to see in this country, but have included some general information and links to those websites you might find of value in planning your touring holidays around the South Island.

Renowned for its natural beauty, the South Island (151,000 sq 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/Mt Cook (3,754 m).

With ten of New Zealand's fourteen national parks in the South Island, there is plenty of room for outdoor activities - whatever your preference. Look at the DOC website for more information on the national parks ... Dept of Conservation, NZ

Attractions include:

• 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 wine.
• Kaikoura
  Once a sleepy fishing village, Kaikoura has become a whale-watching mecca, and a major centre for swimming with the dolphins.
• Hanmer Springs
  This alpine spa town is home to one of the country's most picturesque outdoor thermal springs.
• 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 Mt 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.
• Timaru
  Central to the South Island scenery, Timaru city is built round a sandy bay and busy port. With excellent sports facilities locally, Timaru is growing fast and well worth a visit. Dolphins may also be seen here at certain times of the year.  A boating and/or fishing trip to inland lakes can be arranged for you from here.
• 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.
• 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.
• Fiordland & 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.
• Queenstown/Wanaka
  New Zealand's beautiful adventure capital draws visitors year-round with its adrenalin-pumping outdoor activities, including bungy jumping, jet-boating on the Shotover River, whitewater rafting and skiing. Vans are available for use at the popular Warbirds over Wanaka air show during Easter.
• Aoraki/Mt Cook
  The nation's highest mountain (3,754m) is part of Mt Cook National Park, a magnificent alpine wilderness containing New Zealand's largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier (28.5km). 
• 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.