Destination guides: South Island, New Zealand – Part 2

The South Island is one of the two major island of New Zealand and it is the larger one of the two islands. It is also called as The Mainland. Though it is larger than the North Island, only a quarter of the New Zealand population live there.

Travel destinations

The major tourism destinations of the South Island are

Marlborough

Marlborough is located in the northeast region of the South Island. The climate here is dry and it is famous for it’s scenery and also for the Sauvignon blanc wine. The peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges, the long straight valley of the Wairau River, and the long straight valley of the Wairau River are the most famous and most beautiful destinations here.

Kaikoura

It is a town situated on the east coast of the South Island. Seaward Kaikoura Range, whale watching tour in Kaikoura, beach at Kaikoura, fur seal colony on Kaikoura’s peninsula, and the Seaward Kaikouras are the most famous tourist spots here.

Hanmer Springs

It is a small village in the Canterbury region of the South Island is famous for it’s ski fields. It is one of the popular travel destinations. The scenic show off of alpine surroundings and the variety of adventurous activities make it very popular with the tourists.

Dunedin

Being one of the largest cities of the South Island, Dunedin is famous for historical and cultural reasons. The city is also well known for it’s location as it is surrounded by the hills and valleys. These harbour and hills are the remainings of an exploded volcano which is extinct now.

Fiordland

Fiordland, situated on the south west corner of the South Island is famous for the largest national park in New Zealand. The park extends to an area of around 12000 sq.km. making it the largest part of Fiordland.

Nelson and Tasman District, West Coast, Christchurch and Canterbury, Southland Region and Stewart Island, and Queenstown, Wanaka and Central Otago are the other major traveling destinations.

Resorts and ski areas

Skiing is one of the famous attractions of the South Island. The different regions where one can go for skiing are Nelson Lakes, Canterbury, and Otago.

National Parks of the South Island

The national parks of the South Island are other major attractions and the major national parks are

* Westland National Park

* Nelson Lakes National Park

* Paparoa National Park

* Rakiura National Park

* Kahurangi National Park

* Mount Aspiring National Park

* Fiordland National Park

* Abel Tasman National Park

* Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Museums and Art Galleries

Museums

* Southland museum and art gallery

* World of Wearable Art

* Canterbury Museum

* Otago Settlers Museum

* Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum

* Ferrymead Heritage Park

* Nelson Provincial Museum

* Otago Museum

Art Galleries

* Dunedin Public Art Gallery

* Center of Contemporary Art

* Christchurch Arts Center

Source

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S outh_Island