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Things to do in New Zealand – South Island
Southern New Zealand is the larger of the two main islands, but is only home to about 25 percent of the population. He is best known for its magnificent mountains carved by glaciers, fjords, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, beautiful beaches, wildlife, whale watching and adventure tourism.
Christchurch, the largest city of the island, also known as The Garden City is located on the east coast South Island. The city is lush with trees and parks and around the Avon River runs through the center of it. Christchurch is a great destination for travelers seeking sports adventure.
Some of Christchurch must-sees are:
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve offers visitors the opportunity to see, touch and even feed some of the countries native wildlife, including kiwi birds, kangaroos, Keas, lemurs and freshwater eels. The reserve also features nightly Maori Cultural Performances and a restaurant open for lunch and dinner. The reserve is open from 10 am-10 pm during throughout the year, day tours and evening daily functioning.
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens are located in Hagley Park, the Avon River flowing through it. The gardens are abundant in flora and fauna native to New Zealand as well as plants from around the world. Open 365 days a year free admission.
- Orana Park is the largest wildlife reserve in New Zealand. Located on 80 hectares of land as a park, animals are in their natural habitat, with few barriers or fences, allowing visitors to see up close and even feed some of the softer species. Closed Christmas, daily 17:00 – 10 am Open daily.
- Arts Center weekend market is a world class set in the historic City of Arts, with nearly 100 craft stalls selling local art-hand, jewelry, clothing and fresh produce. The market also features an international cuisine fair and live music. Open every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year.
- Take the Christchurch Gondola 1500 feet to the best cable-car station 360 degree views of Christchurch, Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Port. At the top, visitors can tour the small gift shop, explore downtown history, or relax in the restaurant and cafeteria.
Dunedin is the second largest city in the South Island, and also oldest city in New Zealand. This town is perhaps best known as one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the southern hemisphere, and as for its incredible wildlife. Dunedin is home to the Northern Royal Albatross, yellow-eyed penguins and several species of seals and sea lions.
Some of Dunedin's most popular attractions include:
- Penguin Place, home of the yellow eyes of Penguin Conservation Reserve, is about 30 minutes from downtown Dunedin. excursions in small groups, throughout the day, take visitors through the colony to a first plane of vision of birds. Reservations are required.
- Elm Wildlife Tours offers visitors the opportunity see sea lions, fur seals, yellow-eyed penguins and albatross in their natural environments, including restricted Elm own wildlife conservation sanctuary. tours private and small groups are offered throughout the year. A good level of fitness is required for travel.
- Dunedin Public Art Gallery is one of the best New Zealand art galleries, which keeps the public art collection main city. The gallery exhibits large collection of native New Zealand art as well as temporary exhibitions throughout the world. Open all year except major holidays.
- Castillo Larnach, the lonely castle of New Zealand, was built in 1871 by William Larnach by his wife, Eliza, and took 15 years to complete. The castle is open for travel, accommodation and dinner daily, except Christmas day.
Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Alps South, Queenstown is an excellent adventure destination in any season. Besides skiing, snowboard, snowmobile, jet ski, rafting, kayaking and water skiing, some of the other popular activities in Queenstown include horse riding, golf, mountain biking, hang gliding, parachuting and tour the local wineries.
Milford Sound is a very famous fjord located in the glacier-carved Fjorland National Park is the most popular tourist destination in New Zealand. Milford Sound is a spectacular sight sunny day, or in the rain, when the waterfalls are in full splendor. Dolphins seals and penguins are often seen in the sound. Tours are available on day cruises, kayak plane or a helicopter.
Another popular way to see the Milford Sound Milford Track, which is the route most famous footsteps in New Zealand, and one of the most famous in the world. A Throughout this 32-mile hike that runs from the head of Lake Te Anau, through the rain forest and fjords National Forest, in Milford Sound, visitors can enjoy the beautiful glacier carved valleys. The road is the most active from October to April.
Stewart Island is located across to the south coast of the South Island. This rugged island is 40 miles long, about 24 miles wide, and do not even have roads. As the capital of birds of New Zealand, Stewart Island is an excellent birding destination. Boat cruises, fishing, canoeing and hiking are popular activities.
Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers cut through glacial valleys that flow into temperate rainforest. Each of these glaciers drama is about 7 kilometers long. Located in a relatively mild climate, with no other glaciers in the world are as easily accessible as Fox and Franz Josef. You can see these glaciers through tours walking, kayaking, helicopter rides and skydiving, even!
In more than 12,000 feet, Mount Cook (Aoraki) is the highest mountain in New Zealand, and is located in the Southern Alps, which cover the entire length of the South Island. The destination is a clear favorite among mountain climbers. The mountain you can enjoy one of the many hiking trails, and 4WD safaris, horseback riding, scenic flights and boat trips to the glacial lakes.
Contact a professional travel agent today to book your dream vacation to New Zealand! Call us at 1-800-788-0829 or visit target = "_new"> http://www.travelteam.com.
About the Author
Trisha has been working with The Travel Team for over 10 years. She has traveled extensively across the world and has been booking travel to Australia for 8 years.
Oregon Christian College students sent to study abroad Spring Travel George Fox University is dedicated to international travel Study helps school rank among the top 50 nationally in study abroad participation in 2010-11
