The South Island of (Māori: Te Waipounamu) is characterised by grand, open landscapes and a great sense of freedom in the sparsely populated areas away from the Christchurch and Dunedin conurbations of the east coast. Divided by the backbone of mountain ranges aptly called the, the South Island is renowned for spectacular snow topped peaks, fiords, large beech forests, golden sand beaches and fertile, broad plains. There are no active volcanoes – but hot pools abound. But the South Island is more than just stunning scenery. Hike (or tramp, as the locals say) through unspoiled valleys, lay down fresh tracks at the many ski fields, get your adrenaline going at a bungee jump or kayak to golden sand beaches.

The South Island of New Zealand is the larger of the two main islands and is sometimes referred to as the 'Mainland' (especially by South Islanders) despite having just 1.1 million of.

Your visit to the South Island can be as tame or as adventurous as you want. Regions [ ] The regions, in approximate north to south order, are. (including Tasman and Bays, and, and National Parks) Sun, golden sands, culture, wine and alternative lifestyles, although it has a rugged farming backbone reaching down to. (including ) The and whale watching at Kaikoura Glaciers and wild wet wilderness together with some of the finest road-accessible coastal views from the coast south of The majesty of the Southern Alps sweeping down to the Canterbury plains.

Includes, the largest city on the island. ( and ) Pristine lakes framed by snow-capped mountains (includes Central Otago and the university town of ) Large spherical Moeraki boulders and the architecturally stunning coastal town of with little blue penguins Picturesque mountain lakes, snow-capped mountains plunging into fiords and Cities [ ]. Engine room simulator program. Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki The South Island of New Zealand is the larger of the two main islands and is sometimes referred to as the 'Mainland' (especially by South Islanders) despite having just 1.1 million of New Zealand's 4.9 million population. Geographically the South Island is dominated by the which divide the island and affect both climate and flora.

Most of the South Island's national parks are strung out along this main divide.,, and are the main settlements, although the main attractions are rarely in the cities. All four cities are very different. Christchurch is the largest and had a certain English feel to it until earthquakes and shopping malls took their toll. Nowadays it is definitely a New World city.

Dunedin was settled by Scottish Presbyterians and is very proud of those roots. It also feels older than other cities in NZ because it was built by gold rush money in the late 19th century but has since been surpassed by bigger and brasher cities to the north.

Invercargill has been steadily losing population for many years but the warmth of that southern welcome will astound you. Nelson is still very young by European standards (although it was the second founded city in New Zealand) but still has its own symphony orchestra and a fine collection of Victorian stately homes. It has a very South Pacific feel with palm trees and a huge and beautiful white sand beach. Free download 500 sl repair manual programs for first time free. However, beautiful beaches are a dime a dozen in the South Island and some of the best do not average even one visitor per day. Hiking in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park The South Island generally has a more invigorating climate than the; all the major weather records in New Zealand have been set in the South Island.

The sea and the Southern Alps are the main contributors to the island's climate. The moist westerly air flow from the Tasman Sea rises as it hits the mountains.

This causes orthographic rain which is dumped on the West Coast of the island; most areas receive over 2000 mm of rain per year here. This rain does have its benefits though, supporting the lush, temperate rain forests of Fiordland. With very little moisture left in the air after crossing the Southern Alps, eastern areas of the South Island are generally dry, with the Pacific Ocean the only main influence on the moisture. Coastal Christchurch receive only 620 mm of rain per year, while, over 100 km away from the ocean in central Otago, receives just 360 mm of rain per year. Temperatures generally become cooler the further south you go – but you can still experience the classic New Zealand 'four seasons in one day' in any part of the island.