Otago New Zealand

South Island New Zealand

The Southern Alps run much of the length of the South Island forming a climatic barrier between the west and east coasts. Christchurch is the South Island's largest city. It is the gateway to the South Island, which has some of New Zealand's most stunning scenery. The Canterbury region includes a large central portion of the east coast of the South Island, centered around the city of Christchurch. The Christchurch hinterland of highly productive farmlands extends from the silvery beaches of the east coast to the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps on the western horizon. Christchurch city is located midway down the east coast of the South Island, just north of Banks Peninsula. As the South Island's largest city (population 337,000) and main international gateway it is a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping, award-winning attractions and a host of activities. 

Its Gothic revival cathedral, gray-stone nineteenth century buildings, tree-lined avenues and extensive leafy parks have preserved the grace and charm of an earlier era. The Otago Coast stretches from the Waitaki River to the mighty Clutha River, on the South Island's eastern coast. About halfway between is Dunedin, built around Otago Harbor, which indents Otago Peninsula. Dunedin, with a population of 112,000, is the South Island's second-largest city and the commercial center for the Otago region. Its name is the old Gaelic one for Edinburgh - appropriate since Scottish Presbyterians established the city. It is a gracious city whose numerous grand 19th century and Edwardian buildings are unrivalled anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Popular Cities in New Zealand

Auckland

Dunedin

Taupo

Christchurch 

Queenstown

Wellington

Palmerston North

Kaikoura, New Zealand

Situated on the East Coast of New Zealand's South Island is the seaside town of Kaikoura overlooks majestic mountains which are snow capped for many months of the year. In the waters off the coast an abundantly rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds exists. Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world where whales can be seen all year round. In addition, dolphin swimming, seal swimming, fishing, diving, shark diving, and a large number of both land and water based activities is available. 

Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

Tongariro National Park is a World Heritage Park and one of the oldest National Parks in the world. The park contains 3 active volcanos that are situated in a desert like landscape. The area gets regular snowfalls in the winter and home to most of the ski fields in the North Island. Mt Ruapehu is the largest volcano and last erupted in 1995 and 1996. A conical volcano called Mt Ngauruhoe is located next to Ruapehu and is the location for the Tongariro Crossing. This walk is a tough one day trek that comes highly recommended, and shows off the best that this park has on offer. National Geographic has classed this walk as one of the top 10 one day walks in the world. 

Westland National Park, New Zealand

This national park is part of the South Westland World Heritage area and is famous for its two glaciers, Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. They are unique as they are the closest glaciers to the coastline of any in the world outside of the polar regions. This means they are not only accessible, but the climate is much warmer compared to other glacial sites in the world. The park is also covered in a lush ancient rain forest and is backed by steep cliffs and mountains. It seems like a contradiction when viewing the glaciers from a rain forest, and it is this phenomenon that makes this area geologically unique. The rugged coastline is a short drive away and there are some great views of the glaciers and mountains reflecting in some of the lakes in the area. Westland National Park also has many activities on offer including treks on the glaciers, or you could try a helicopter ride up to the top of the Southern Alps, a mountain range bigger in area than the European Alps. If you want nature and spectacular scenery, and you don't mind the likely possibility of rain, then Westland National Park is a must see.