Interesting South Island Facts
The South Island of New Zealand is bigger than the North in surface area but is less populated.
Queen Elizabeth II is officially Queen of New Zealand, represented in the country by a Governor General.
New Zealand was once governed as part of the territory of New South Wales and later a part of Australia.
To become a New Zealand citizen, you must swear an oath of loyalty to Queen Elizabeth.
New Zealand’s South Island hosts the purest natural landscapes you’ll ever experience. From wildlife to wineries, from glacial valleys to star-filled skies, nature's best flourishes against a palette of dramatic scenes.Here, towering alps meet peaceful sounds and rugged coastlines merge with sweeping plains. Let’s not forget the backbone of the island - the most down-to-earth locals you’ll ever meet.
Where to go in South Island
Marlborough & Abel Tasman
Marlborough Sounds is a maze of picturesque waterways with golden beaches and bush fringed coves. To the south lies the Marlborough wine country, clustered around the charming village of Blenheim. Nelson has a waterfront setting with a laid back culture and the Abel Tasman is a park for all seasons with sandy beaches washed by clear blue seas.
Canterbury Region
This diverse region stretches from the stunning Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean; the thermal hot pools of Hanmer Springs to the stunning marine life and famous whale watching off Kaikoura. The “Garden City” of Christchurch, the most English of New Zealand cities with its gardens and the River Avon, sits on fertile plains with the snow-capped Alps as a backdrop and the ocean at its door.
West Coast & Glaciers
400 miles of beautiful coastline pounded by a relentless Tasman Sea is overlooked by the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps and the ancient giant blue-white rivers of ice of the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers winding their way seaward through verdant rainforest. Home to amazing wildlife and the natural phenomena of the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes of Punakaiki, this World Heritage area is like no other.
Queenstown & Fiordland
Located on the shore of Lake Wakatipu with the scenery of the Remarkables Mountain range reflecting in the blue waters of the lake, Queenstown, New Zealand’s “adrenalin capital”, has something for everyone from boat rides to wine tours and lake cruises. The nearby pristine beauty of the Fiordland National Park has rugged mountain peaks and the world-famous Milford and Doubtful sounds.
Southern Lakes & Mt Cook
New Zealand’s Southern Lakes are in a region of incredible beauty. Lake Wanaka enjoys a spectacular location at the foot of the Southern Alps amidst the wilderness of Mount Aspiring National Park. Mount Cook is a truly stunning sight as you drive towards it along the length of Lake Pukaki. Lake Tekapo’s turquoise waters are world-famous and the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd is truly beautiful.
Dunedin & Stewart Island
Unique geology, magnificent architecture, wild beaches and rare wildlife are all characteristic of New Zealand’s southern most parts. Dunedin’s a hidden gem and the architecture owes much to its rich Scottish heritage. On Stewart Island you’ll find the National Park of Rakiura, unexplored beauty and unique bird and wildlife experiences; this is the best place to see kiwi in their natural environment.
