The South Island

        The stunning Marlborough Sounds is a breathtaking array of isolated coves and a maze of waterways.  This region's excellent camping grounds and sunny beaches make it one of New Zealand's top vacation spots.  To the east of Marlborough is the secluded city of Nelson.  The local population utilize the surrounding waters by using boats as a major source of communication and commuting.  On the northwest tip of the South Island is Farewell Spit, a 15-mile (25-km) sand spit that curves around Golden Bay.  Travelers should be sure to see Golden Bay's beautiful Archway Islands (featured upper right).  Treks and tours are available to see both the golden sands of the Bay and the thousands of unique birds along the spit.  Further south at Kaikora see the magnificent sperm whales and feast on the famous rock lobsters (crayfish).

        The West Coast is a wild stretch of untouched land nestled between the Tasman Sea and the majestic Southern Alps.  Few inhabit this area of pristine nature.  There are six national parks and a World Heritage Site located here, preserving this region's picturesque beauty.  The Buller, the northern coast named after a river which flows through the area, offers extreme white water rafting on the Karamea River's grade 5 rapids.  Also enjoy the Buller's cave rafting, horse treks, gold panning, and mountain biking.  Other interesting sights on the West Coast include the Cape Foulwind fur seal colony, glaciers, and the unique Pancake Rocks and blow holes of Punakaiki.

        Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island.  The Gothic stone buildings, majestic cathedrals and churches, and the willow-lined Avon River which winds through the center of the city add to the English charm of this lovely city.  Travelers can view the entire city by helicopter, hot air balloon, or by ascending the surrounding Port Hills by gondola.  Historical trams were recently reintroduced to Christchurch making it easier for tourists to see the various sights and sounds.  The small cafes and fine restaurants that line the streets, the stunning parks and gardens, and vibrant night life make it hard for the traveler not to fall in love with Christchurch.   

        South of Christchurch is the city of Dunedin.  Here you can enjoy some of the world's best salmon fishing in the Otago Harbor and surrounding rivers.  Larnach Castle, located on the Otago Peninsula, is New Zealand's only castle.  Find out more about this castle and New Zealand's heritage in one of Dunedin's fascinating museums.  Also located on the Otago Peninsula are colonies of fur seals, the endangered yellow-eyed penguin, and many species of sea birds such as the mighty albatross.

           Queenstown is one of New Zealand's most popular resorts, boasting a long list of activities for all seasons.  Surrounded by The Remarkables Range, this picturesque setting is truly captivating.  In winter, tourists can enjoy skiing or snowboarding either by traditional ski lifts, heliskiing or glacier skiing.  It is little wonder that the snowcapped mountains stretching the length of the South Island are named the Southern Alps; they are comparable to the majestic mountains of Switzerland.  During the summer months, partake in some of Queenstown's more adventurous activities such as bungy jumping, hang-gliding, jetboating the Shotover River, river surfing, and tandem parachuting.  For a milder pace enjoy  activities such as a relaxing horse back trek, flightseeing, touring the Kiwi and Birdlife Park, or cruise across Lake Wakatipu in a steamship. 

       Fiordland is a region of untouched natural beauty.  Lush bush drapes across the deep valleys which have been eroded by glaciers over thousands of years.  Comprising three million acres, it is one of the world's largest national parks.  The extreme remoteness of Fiordland provides both a safe haven for some of New Zealand's rarest native birds and a perfect destination for hiking enthusiasts.  Waterfalls flow over sheer granite cliffs for hundreds of feet before plunging into the southwest coastal waters below.  A famous landmark of Fiordland National Park is Mitre Peak, proudly jutting into the sky from the shores of Milford Sound.

To truly grasp the rich culture and diverse beauty, each region has to be experienced.  Isn't it about time that you had a vacation?   When you are ready to make a reservation, check our current specials our ordering page, or contact us for a quote and let  Australia New Zealand Pacific Specialists, Inc.  customize your South Pacific trip of a life time. We look forward to hearing from you.

If you would like free brochures and general information,
please contact the New Zealand Tourist Bureau. 1-800-388-5494