Fiordland is a glacier-carved landscape of drowned river valleys and towering peaks. The “South Island��? boast’s nine national parks – Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes, Kahurangi, Paparoa, Arthur’s Pass, Westland, Mount Cook, Fiordland and Mt Aspiring.

These majestic wilderness areas incorporate fiords, glaciers, lakes, ski areas, rugged coastline, native forest, and world-class tramping tracks.

The South Island’s largest city is Christchurch, known for its parks and English character. 

Dunedin, with its Scottish heritage, (Och the noo mon!) is the second largest centre, and the country’s best-preserved Victorian city.

South Island attractions include:
Nelson/Marlborough
Nelson is famous for its sunshine and wines and retirement villages, while Marlborough’s jewel is the spectacular Marlborough Sounds. Marlborough is known for its superb sauvignon blanc. Plenty of seasonal work available in this area.

West Coast
This rugged strip of land down the Island’s west coast sports a freaky coastline, native forest, some tiny mountains, lakes, rivers and the world’s most low-lying glaciers, the Fox and Franz Josef.

Aoraki/Mt Cook
The Country’s highest mountain is part of Mt Cook National Park, an alpine wilderness containing New Zealand’s largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier.

Fiordland & Milford Sound
This area of river valleys is best known for the 22km-long Milford Sound, with its tranquil waters and sheer peaks. Similar to the boat ride in the Lord of the rings movie eh?

Te Anau & Milford Track
On the shores of Lake Te Anau, this skanky little town is one of the world’s walking capitals, famous for the Milford Track.

Stewart Island
New Zealand’s third largest island lies at the ass end of the South Island. A haven for native flora and fauna, it is one of the best places to see kiwis live in the wild. (kiwis are NOT fruit)

Dunedin & Otago Peninsula
Founded by Scottish settlers (Och the noo mon!) Dunedin has some ugly Victorian buildings. The nearby Otago Peninsula is rich in bird and marine life, including the world’s only mainland albatross colony.

The Catlins
This wilderness area is a well-kept secret, (but not anymore hey!) with its unique flora and fauna, rainforest, waterfalls and beaches. Wildlife includes Hector’s dolphins, fur seals and yellow-eyed penguins. (not because of the local juice either)

Queenstown
The tourist rip off center of the South Pacific. With its adrenalin-pumping outdoor activities, including bungy jumping, jet-boating on the Shotover River, whitewater rafting and skiing, you can be sure to part with a pretty penny.

Christchurch
New Zealand’s second-largest city has a distinctly English character, and loads of smog in winter, with tree-lined streets, ancient buildings and parks and gardens.

Banks Peninsula
NZ’s only French settlement, (no Rainbow Warrior here!) Akaroa, is set at the tip of this peninsula with its naffy hills, wineries and wildlife. The world’s rarest dolphin, the Hector’s, can be found in Akaroa Harbour. (No Japanese fishermen allowed)

Hamner Springs
This alpine spa town has of the country’s most picturesque outdoor thermal springs.

Kaikoura
A sleepy fishing village, Kaikoura has become a whale-watching mecca, and a major centre for swimming with the dolphins. (Again, no Japanese fishermen allowed)