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One of the two main New Zealand islands
Photo: Ulrich.hoecker, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The South Island (Māori: Te Waipounamu) of New Zealand is characterised by grand, open landscapes and a great sense of freedom in the sparsely populated areas away from the Christchurch and Dunedin conurbations of the east coast. Divided by the backbone of mountain ranges aptly called the Southern Alps, the South Island is renowned for spectacular snow-topped peaks, fiords, large beech forests, golden sand beaches and fertile, broad plains. There are no active volcanoes – but hot pools abound. The South Island is more than just stunning scenery though. Go hiking (or tramping, as the locals say) through unspoiled valleys, lay down fresh tracks at the many ski fields, get your adrenaline going at a bungee jump or kayak to golden sand beaches. Your visit to the South Island can be as tame or as adventurous as you want.
Sun, golden sands, culture, wine and alternative lifestyles, and a rugged farming backbone reaching down to Murchison.
The Marlborough Sounds and whale watching at Kaikoura.
Glaciers and wild wet wilderness together with some of the finest road-accessible coastal views, from Karamea to Punakaiki, south of Westport.
The majesty of the Southern Alps sweeping down to the Canterbury plains and Christchurch, the largest city on the island.
Pristine lakes framed by snow-capped mountains
The university town of Dunedin, large spherical Moeraki boulders and the architecturally stunning coastal town of Oamaru with blue penguins
Picturesque mountain lakes and snow-capped mountains plunging into fiords and home to two of NZ's most spectacular fiords: Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The Dun Mountain Trail is especially popular for mountain biking. It's based on the line of New Zealand's very first railway - used to transport a variety of minerals from the eastern slopes of the beech forest shrouded 1129 m peak down to the waiting ships in Nelson's haven.
By boat
Bluebridge and the Interislander ferry companies sail across Cook Strait from Wellington to Picton through the Marlborough Sounds.
By coach (bus)
Coaches (long-distance buses) are a cheap way to get around the main centres. There are a range of types of services, from a luxury coach service to minivan shuttles.
By road
The South Island has a vast and varying road network.
By train
The South Island has two outstanding train services.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Regional · TIU
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sunshine city with gold medal winning wineries and craft breweries
gateway to the Marlborough Sounds
sauvignon blanc central
whales and beautiful scenery
lively city with great restaurants, beaches and walks; a cycling and paragliding haven
lakeside town with skiing and scenery
stunning setting between lake and mountains, and adventures for every taste
little blue penguins and a Victorian streetscape of limestone buildings
proud of their Scots heritage, beer, rugby and student shenanigans
stunning beaches
New Zealand's highest mountains
a haven of Canterbury mountains.
sea lions, largest east coast native forest meets the sea
several great hikes and Milford Sound
the largest land snails in the world and some of the deepest and most extensive cave systems in the southern hemisphere
scenic drowned river valleys, a boaties' paradise
vintage boat regattas on Lake Rotoroa, easy to moderate tramping
glaciers, ice, luscious bush and the wild sea
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