Two-thirds of South Island are mountains. The rest of the landscape comes from those mountains. The dense rainforest and tumbling rivers of the West Coast are caused by the air rising over the Southern Alps. The vast Canterbury Plains and braided rivers come from of millions of years of alluvial deposits eroded from the mountains. Fiordland and the Marlborough Sounds are mountains that have ‘sunk’ into the sea. And the stunning opaque turquoise lakes are from suspended glacial sediments.
The result is an island of truly diverse and magnificent landscapes. It’s a landscape – and indeed a country – that lends itself to adventure. Go skiing in the Queenstown-Lake Wanaka or Canterbury-Mackenzie regions in winter or mountain climbing in the summer. Hike the thousands of kilometers of walks. Jet boat a white water river. Take a leap of faith with a bungy. Or take a trip to see some of the world’s rarest wildlife.
There are many tours that will show you the sights and wonders of the South Island but if you want the freedom to wander as you will, having your own transport – a rental car or motor home - is the way to go. And for accommodation you’ll find everything from the luxurious to the clean, cheap and cheerful.
By Trish May
By Adventure World
By Kirra Holidays
By Jucy Lucy
By Paul Bingham