South Island is one of the two main islands of New Zealand, boasting vast and beautiful natural scenery. It is home to many of New Zealand's major natural tourist attractions, characterized by magnificent landscapes that combine glaciers, mountains, lakes, fiords, and coastlines. The South Island's natural environment is well preserved, and it is loved as a place where various outdoor activities such as trekking, skiing, kayaking, and skydiving can be enjoyed. The main cities include Christchurch, Queenstown, and Dunedin, each of which embodies the unique charm and history of the South Island.

1. Majestic Natural Scenery and Trekking Destinations

   The South Island is rich in highlands, mountainous terrain, glaciers, and lakes, boasting many world-renowned trekking courses. Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park, as well as Mount Cook, are representative natural attractions of the South Island, each presenting unique and beautiful landscapes.

2. The Southern Alps and Glaciers

   The Southern Alps run through the central part of the South Island, offering magnificent mountains and glaciers such as Mount Cook, Franz Josef Glacier, and Fox Glacier. The glacier regions of the South Island are relatively low in altitude, allowing easy access to the glaciers, and hiking and helicopter tours are popular.

3. Fiords and Marine Terrain

   In the southwest of the South Island lies Fiordland National Park, where majestic fiord landscapes carved by glaciers have formed. Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are representative, and visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the fiords through boat tours and kayaking.

4. Center of Wine and Agriculture

   The Central Otago region of the South Island is a leading wine-producing area in New Zealand, especially famous for Pinot Noir. Various fruits and grape cultivation are also carried out in other regions such as Nelson and Marlborough, where agriculture and the wine industry play an important role.

1. Christchurch

   The largest city in the South Island, known as the 'Garden City,' with many British-style gardens and parks. Christchurch has been actively rebuilding since the major earthquake in 2011, adding new charm through art and innovative architecture. You can enjoy the beauty of the city by riding a gondola along the Avon River.

2. Queenstown

   Known as the 'Adventure Capital,' Queenstown is the center of adventure sports in New Zealand, famous for activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, and jet boating. Surrounded by Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps, it offers stunning scenery, and skiing and snowboarding are popular in winter.

3. Dunedin

   Rich in history and culture, Dunedin is a university city home to the University of Otago, New Zealand's oldest university, with well-preserved Victorian architecture. Especially on the Otago Peninsula, you can encounter various wildlife such as penguins and sea lions, and the albatross sanctuary is famous.

4. Nelson

   A coastal city located in the northern South Island, loved by artists and tourists for its beautiful beaches and mild climate. Nelson has a thriving arts and crafts scene and serves as a gateway for trekking and marine activities due to its proximity to Abel Tasman National Park.

5. Invercargill

   The southernmost city in New Zealand, boasting a unique climate and landscape due to its proximity to Antarctica. Invercargill is the economic and cultural center of the Southland region and is also famous for seafood such as Bluff oysters, which can be enjoyed in Bluff.

1. Milford Sound

   Representing the South Island's fjord landscape, it features majestic mountains, sea, and waterfalls creating a magnificent scenery. You can explore the fjord through boat tours or kayaking, and it is one of the world's top natural attractions visited by many tourists annually. Especially, Mitre Peak, standing at 1,692 meters above sea level, is one of the iconic views of Milford Sound.

2. Mount Cook

   The highest peak in New Zealand, also called Aoraki in Maori. Mount Cook National Park offers spectacular alpine and glacier landscapes and is popular for trekking, hiking, and mountain climbing. Helicopter tours allow you to admire the mountains and glaciers up close.

3. Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers

   Two representative glaciers located on the West Coast, characterized by a unique terrain surrounded by tropical rainforest. You can experience the glaciers up close through helicopter tours or glacier hiking, and enjoy the beautiful scenery where glaciers and forests blend together.

4. Abel Tasman National Park

   A national park located in the northern part of the South Island, where golden beaches, clear seas, and dense forests come together. The Abel Tasman trekking course along the beach is world-famous, and you can enjoy various outdoor activities such as kayaking, camping, and hiking.

5. Doubtful Sound

   A fjord larger and deeper than Milford Sound, boasting a serene landscape in its natural state. You can explore the fjord by boat tours or kayaking and observe marine animals and birds. Due to its breathtaking scenery, Doubtful Sound is also called the 'Sound of Silence.'

6. Mount Aspiring National Park

   A national park located in the Southern Alps, featuring various hiking trails, glaciers, and valleys. It includes world-renowned trekking routes like the Routeburn Track and is a popular natural attraction for trekking, mountain climbing, and wildlife observation.

7. Lake Wanaka

   A tranquil lake located near Queenstown, attracting many tourists with the beautiful harmony of surrounding mountains and the lake. In summer, you can enjoy kayaking, boating, and fishing, while in winter, skiing and snowboarding are available at nearby ski resorts. The famous Wanaka Tree (That Wanaka Tree) is also located here.

8. Kaikoura

   A coastal town on the east coast of the South Island, famous for whale watching and marine life experiences. In Kaikoura, you can see various species of whales, seals, and dolphins, and it is also known for its seafood cuisine. The beautiful coastline and mountains create an ideal place for nature lovers.