South Island New Zealand

The South Island is the larger of the two islands with the larger population as well. It’s the 12th largest island in the world with 58,000 square miles. The largest city in the South Island is Christchurch, know as “Garden City” because there stunning gardens and tree lined streets all over the city. Very good fish an chip shops downtown. Queenstown is also in the south of the South Island is a very popular tourist city to visit. From parts of the Lord of the Rings being filmed there, to all the numerous attractions and shopping that take place here.

Tourist would arrive in the South Island New Zealand either by flying into Christchurch International Airport from Auckland or you would have arrived in Picton from the InterIslander. Flying in is fine and fast but you would miss the very scenic 3 hour water crossing from the North Island. Tons of picture postcard shots can be taken from the deck. Or you could just sleep or watch a movie on board. South Island has 3 major towns that attract the most tourists. Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin are some of the major towns in the South Island. If your driving you can either head West down through Punikaiki, through Greymouth to a major tourist town called Hokitika. Or you just head down Route 1 towards Christchurch. Route 1 runs down the east coast of the South Island and you will plenty to see and get pictures.

The South Island of New Zealand is separated by its length by the Southern Alps. The highest peak is Mount Cook at 3754 meters. There are 18 other peaks all over 3000 meters. And there are several helicopter tours that will take you to the snowy slopes of Mt Cook for either skiing or just walking across the snow caps of Mt Cook. This is a definite must do, awesome views from up there. Fox and Franz Glacier makes up more of the rough West Coast terrain. With all the majestic rough back drops of the South Island has attracted e few film productions like The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Chronicles of Narnia.

Here are just some of the things that can be done for you that like to take it easy and just soak in all the beauty. As you probably know the best way to see picture postcard landscapes is by air. There are plenty of tours you can take by helicopter like Tasman Helicopters or Alpine Choppers. Coach tours that get you everywhere you want to see on the South Island and ferry boat rides that can cruise you through some of the most stunning bays and coves you will ever see. To pick it up a pace you can try mountain biking. Miles and miles of rough terrain and bike trails, a mountain bikers heaven. Independent Cycle Tours NZ is just one of the groups that you can rent regular bikes so you can cruise all over. Skydiving, Rafting, Kayaking and Abseiling are just to name a few of the activities for the folks that want to get their blood going.

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