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The South Island of New Zealand is an all year destination for tourists and travellers with all kinds of budgets. The main attraction is the island's natural scenic wonders such as the magnificent Southern Alp mountain range, the golden beaches of the Abel Tasman national park and the Fjords of the Fjordland national park.
Most travellers will arrive in the South Island either by ferry from Wellington in the North island or by flying to Christchurch International Airport.
Christchurch is the main centre of the South Island with a population of 300,000. From here buses and trains radiate out to all regions. The city offers budget accomodations to backpackers for about NZ$15 a night, as well as much more luxurious accomodations in top hotels for visitors with a bigger budget. Christchurch is the gateway to the Banks Peninsula, a very scenic region studded with picturesque bays and villages with a French flair.
The South Island contains most of New Zealand's national parks, which are special areas protected from development. All parks have an excellent network of tracks and huts that visitors can use to explore the natural wonders. Some of the most heavily used tracks, such as the Milford Track in Fjordland, the Heaphy Track in the Kahurangi National Park and the Coastal Track in the Abel Tasman National Park charge user fees for the huts and campsites. The Abel Tasman Track especially can get very busy in summer, which is not suprising considering the beauty of the golden palm fringed beaches and turquoise waters.
The main capital of South Island tourism is dynamic Queenstown nestled in the lower Southern alps. Queenstown is truly an all year destination. Ringed by ski fields it is a mecca for skiers and snow boarders alike, who flock to the slopes every year from all over the world. The ski season runs from June until October. In summer it reverts to an adventure tourism capital where one can experience bungy jumping, jetboat thrills, white water rafting, paragliding, and a host of other thrilling activities.
The east coast town of Kaikoura has become well known as the place to go if one wants to experience whales and dolphins at close quarters. There are many operators offering a variety of excursions. Some even offer the chance to swim and play with the dolphins. Akaroa on the Banks peninsula is another town offering dolphin and whale watching excursions.
The South Island offers vast areas of pristine, untouched alpine and forest scenery well connected by a well maintained network of tracks and huts. There are walks for all ages and fitness levels ranging from a half-day to two weeks. Information on all walks can be obtained from the Department of Conservation office in Christchurch.
The summer season is from December til March, when it is possible to camp out in the numerous campsites that dot the island. This is definitely the busiest time for visitors. Prices for accomodation can be more expensive during this period.
The South Island has a lot to offer the visitor but it is the spectacular natural wonders that will linger on in visitors' memories.
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