West Coast Glaciers New Zealand

On the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island between Greymouth in the north and Milford Sound in the south are the exceedingly slowly moving massive rivers of ice that are the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. When New Zealanders talk about the drama of landscape, they will likely mention the West Coast. Sandwiched between the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps, everything about the West Coast is dramatic. Advancing glaciers, dense rainforests, fiords, fish-filled rivers, boulder strewn beaches and a history that includes the hunt for precious Greenstone (jade), gold, coal and timber await West Coast explorers.
Nowhere in the world’s temperate zones are glaciers as accessible as South Westland’s most famous pair, Franz Josef and Fox. Both descend to levels of about 1000 feet (300 metres) above sea level and are unusual in that they are continuing to advance at a rapid rate.

Locality:
The glaciers are situated on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island between Greymouth in the north and Milford Sound in the south.
The Franz Josef Glacier, 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) long, lies to the north of its partner and is steeper. Maori legend applying to the creation of the glacier is beautifully encapsulated in its Maori name – Ka Koimata o Hinehukatere, the tears of the Avalanche Girl. Hinehukatere loved climbing in the mountains and persuaded her lover, Tawe to go with her. Near the top, however, Tawe slipped and fell to his death. The heartbroken girl cried, her tears at such an altitude freezing to form the glacier.
Popular trips are available onto the glacier, either by walking with a guide or with a helicopter flightseeing trip.

A startling view, not to be missed near the glaciers, is that of Mount Cook and its neighbours from Lake Matheson. If the weather conditions are right, you will see the mountains perfectly reflected in the lake which is surrounded by beautiful native forest.
Greymouth is the West Coast’s main commercial centre and largest town. Once the site of a major Maori pa (fort), the town came into prominence during the great gold rush of 1865. The name Greymouth honours Sir George Grey, twice Governor and also Premier of New Zealand.
A 30 minute drive north of Greymouth is Paparoa National Park and the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Spectacular coastal scenery, limestone rock formations and groves of nikau palms are a feature of this area.
Greymouth is also the arrival/departure point for the famous Tranz Alpine Express rail journey which travels through lush rainforest, the snow capped Southern Alps, spectacular gorges and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Situated beside the Tasman Sea with a view to Mount Cook and the Southern Alps, Hokitika is the gateway to the South Westland World Heritage National Park. The Arahura River, which enters the sea 5 miles (8 kilometers) north of Hokitika, is a traditional source of pounamu (greenstone) for the Maori people and still yields a large proportion of the Coast’s continuing supply.
Several shops in Greymouth and Hokitika sell expertly crafted greenstone jewellery and sculptures. The region is also popular with other craftspeople, including gold jewellers, wood turners and potters.
South of Hokitika are two beautiful water-holes. Lake Kaniere is a placid lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and a favourite place for boating, water skiing, picnics and swimming. Lake Mahinapua, surrounded by bushland, is ideal for sailing and has good camp facilities.

A scenic flight with The Helicopter Line is the best way to experience the amazing West Coast scenery – from the wild beaches of the Tasman Sea and the lush native rainforests, to the harsh but beautiful forms of the mighty glaciers marked with ice caves, pinnacles and seracs. Above these glaciers rise the soaring peaks of the Southern Alps with Aoraki/Mt Cook towering above the rest.

From their two bases at Franz Josef and Fox Glacier villages, The Helicopter Line offers a range of exciting flights that are an ideal way to explore this largely inaccessible alpine region. For the adventurous, The Helicopter Line offers the unique opportunity to get right up close to the glaciers on a famous Heli-Hike. Flights also depart from Glentanner Park, near Aoraki/Mount Cook Village on the eastern side of the main divide.
Allow Franz Josef Glacier Guides to guide you through spectacular icefall terrain of the Westland National Park. Protected by their specially designed Ice Talonz glacier footwear, you will go further and see more and experience terrain normally only seen by experienced mountaineers.
Enjoy fun and adventure in Greymouth with Dragons Cave Rafting. Float in a galaxy world of glow-worms, slide across underground waterfalls, cuddle through the Love Tunnel and discover enchanting limestone formations. Also enjoy Hot Rock whitewater rafting adventures.
Situated 10 kilometres south of Greymouth, Shantytown is a living town built in the style of the exciting gold rush days of the 1860′s. Take a ride on a 100 year old steam train, enjoy a horse and buggy ride, pan for gold, have your photo taken in old style costumes and drink at the local saloon.

Mount Cook New Zealand

Awarded ‘World Heritage’ status in recognition of its qualities and rare beauty, the Mount Cook National Park covers an area of nearly 7,000 hectares of majestic alpine scenery with more than one third being in permanent snow and glacial ice. The park contains 22 of the 27 peaks over 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) in New Zealand.
A special feature of this area is the mountain buttercup or Mount Cook Lily with its multitude of white blossoms that grace the land through spring and summer. The Park is also home to the mountain parrot, the kea, and also the yellow-breasted tomtit, tiny rifleman and the native pigeon.

Mount Cook township provides a quiet base for this recreational extravaganza. Dwarfed by a ‘front garden’ of high mountains and glaciers, the tiny village clusters at the end of the road around the Hermitage Hotel.

Mount Cook provides a wonderland for walkers, skiers and mountaineers. A popular way to experience the grandeur of this mountain area is with a helicopter or a fixed wing flightseeing trip.
Near Mount Cook and in the heart of the McKenzie Country, you’ll find Lake Tekapo. This lake has an astounding turquoise blue hue reflecting the surrounding mountains, the beautiful blue/green colour of the lake is caused by ‘rock flour’ which is finely ground particles of rock held in suspension in the melted water from the glaciers that run into the lake.

Overlooking the lake is the Church of the Good Shepherd which was built with locally gathered stone. From the altar window there is a beautiful view over the lake to the magnificent center of Aoraki/Mount Cook.

A little further along the front of the lake is the famous statue of the working collie dog whose help was invaluable to early settlers and indeed modern shepherds and farmers in the region.
The area is popular for a host of sports including skiing and ice skating in the winter, rowing, fishing, walking, mountain biking and boating in the summer.
If you cannot join the elite few who make it to the top of Aoraki/Mount Cook on foot, the next best way is by helicopter. The Helicopter Line offers a range of helicopter flights that traverse the Southern Alps and provide you with close-up views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Ben Ohau ranges, and the Fox, Franz Josef, and Tasman Glaciers. All flights include a snow landing either on a snow field or on a glacier. The Helicopter Line is based at Glentanner Station, a fully working high country sheep station located just 15 minutes from Aoraki/Mount Cook Village.
In 1955 the first ski plane landed on Tasman Glacier. Since then, Mount Cook Ski Planes have introduced visitors from all over the world to the dramatic landscape of the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Mount Cook Ski Planes offer a number of scenic flights that include the chance to experience the special thrill of landing on a glacier. The absolute peace and tranquility of being on a glacier high in the Southern Alps is an unforgettable experience. Here you feel close enough to touch the mountains as you absorb the silence of this pristine alpine environment.

Another way of viewing the Tasman Glacier is with Glacier Explorers, as they cruise on the lake at the end of the Tasman Glacier. Each tour includes commentary on the history and mechanics of the Glacier. Based at the Mount Cook Village.

Milford Sound New Zealand

One of New Zealand’s most famous attractions, Milford Sound with its views of the distinctive Mitre Peak, is the most visited fiord in the country and is certainly no disappointment.
More accessible than the equally spectacular Doubtful Sound, a day or overnight cruise on the usually calm inlet waters of Milford, feature on most South Island itineraries.
Accessible via an unbelievable scenic overland route, a cruise or scenic flight over Milford Sound offer close-up views of the countless waterfalls that stream down the slopes of the precipitous ice-carved mountains, which are draped in moss and bordered by fern-filled forests.

Seals and penguins can be spotted on rocks below the sheer cliffs and bottlenose dolphins will sometimes bow-ride the passenger boats. Although the area receives higher than average rainfall, this only adds to the dramatic atmosphere of the place.

The other way to explore Milford is on foot. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the best in the world and is suitably, very popular. A booking system is now in place to ensure that the track does not become overcrowded, but the effect of this means that advance booking is imperative. However, the Hollyford and Routeburn Tracks make more than adequate alternatives.

Locality:

Milford Sound is located in the South Island of New Zealand. It is located in an area that is know as the Fiorlands this can be found on the south eastern coastline.
The flight from Queenstown through the Southern Alps to majestic Milford Sound is one of the most magnificent flights in the world. A full on-board commentary provided by Milford Sound Flightseeing gives interesting insights into the Fiordland National Park area, which has World Heritage status.
All flights connect with Milford Sound Red Boat Cruises so you can discover the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most famous waterways. The return flight takes you past the stunning Sutherland Falls and over the McKinnon Pass.

The best way to experience the beauty and grandeur of Milford Sound is to enjoy a spectacular Milford Sound Red Boat cruise. Enjoy a full commentary and maybe view dolphins, seals and penguins, which are often seen in their natural habitat.

Many visitors travel into Milford Sound and take a launch cruise on the Sound beneath the grandeur of Mitre Peak. Dolphins, penguins, seals and seabirds are frequently seen.

The Underwater Observatory at Milford features spectacular varieties of coral, fishes and other sea life. Day excursions by coach with daily departures from Queenstown and Te Anau are available to Milford Sound. If time is short, you can fly from Queenstown, combining a spectacular flight with a cruise on Milford Sound. Hollyford and Greenstone. The township of Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the starting point for many of these treks.

Kaikoura New Zealand Travel Guide

At first glance Kaikoura seems to be an ordinary town with an extraordinary setting against a majestic backdrop of snow capped mountains. This small, east coast town is known above all for its whale watching opportunities. It is without doubt the best place in the New Zealand to see the magnificent sperm whale and combined with good opportunities to swim with dusky dolphins as well as see seals and pelagic birds, has become a ‘must visit’ destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Situated about 2 hours north of Christchurch, Kaikoura possesses a dramatic coastline as the mountains meet the sea and some stunning surrounding scenery suitable for walking. With some excellent crayfish on offer and a good proximity to New Zealand’s top wineries, Kaikoura is becoming far more than the whale watching mecca that made it famous.

Albatross Cruises: Ocean Wings run cruises for bird watchers who want to see ocean-going birds such as mollymawks, petrels and the mighty albatross. You can often see dolphins, seals and whales on these cruises. Dolphins: One of Kaikoura’s big attractions is the opportunity to swim with dolphins. Dolphin Encounter runs three-hour trips out to swim with the dusky dolphins. You also have the chance to see hectors dolphins, fur seals, orca and pilot whales. It costs $115 to swim with the dolphins or you can come along and watch for $55. There are restrictions on the number of people allowed to swim with the dolphins and it is often necessary to book well in advance if you are visiting in summer.

Hiking: The Kaikoura Coast Track bills itself as one of New Zealand’s finest private walks. The three-day walk climbs from sea level to 600 metres, but it is a relatively easy walk. Like the Queen Charlotte Track, hikers have the luxury of having their bags transported between overnight stops so you can walk with just a daypack. The track is limited to just 10 walkers and eight mountain bikers each day. The track is open between October and April and it costs $130 to walk ($70 for cyclists), which includes accommodation and pack transport. Sea Kayak Kaikoura: Sea Kayak Kaikoura offers both guided kayak tours and kayak rental.

Swimming with Seals: Between mid-November and mid-April Dive Kaikoura and Seal Swim Kaikoura run trips that allow you to swim with New Zealand Fur Seals. The Seal Swim Kaikoura trip is a shore-based activity where you snorkel out to the seals from Jimmy Armers Beach, while Dive Kaikoura’s trip involves taking a boat out to the seals. Kaikoura District Museum: This small regional museum has a wide selection of exhibits including dinosaur bones, Maori artefacts and thousands of photos.
Whale Watching: Whale watching is big business in Kaikoura and you have the option of either taking a whale watching cruise or spotting them from a plane or helicopter.Sperm and humpback whales can be seen in June & July, but Orcas are more prevalent during summer.

Whale Watching Cruises: The whale watching cruises give you around 2½ hours on the water and you also have the opportunity of seeing dolphins, seals and albatross. Cruises cost around $110 and they offer an 80% refund if you don’t spot a whale. Whale Watching Flights: Scenic flights allow you to see whales and other marine life from the air. Wings over Whales operate flights in fixed-wing aircraft departing from Kaikoura Airport, 8km south of the town centre.

Dunedin New Zealand Travel Guide

Dunedin was founded in 1848 by Scottish migrants and the city still contains many Scottish relics. A statue to the Scottish bard Robbie Burns has pride of place in the Octagon, the eight sided heart of the central city. Shops stocking Scottish goods can be found and the Haggis Ceremony has regular performances.

The orderly development of the town was rapidly accelerated in the early 1860′s with the discovery of gold in the Otago hinterland which sparked an influx of fortune seekers from around the world. Dunedin quickly became the largest and most prosperous center in the country.

 

The heritage from the golden years has endured, resulting in an architectural wealth of grand and private buildings, and a reputation as one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Olveston House, featuring superb examples of 19th century craftsmanship has regular guided tours. Glenfalloch Gardens and historic Larnach Castle complete with battlements and a fairytale ballroom are also both open to the public and are situated on the Otago Peninsula.

The Otago Museum specialises in the natural history of southern New Zealand and Maori heritage. The Otago Early Settlers Museum exhibits memorabilia of the colonial days, and the Otago Public Art Gallery are all open seven days. Otago Peninsula is home to wildlife colonies of international significance. Taiaroa Head is the only place in the world where the magnificent Royal Albatross bird nests so close to civilisation. As well, there are Southern Fur Seals, shags, cormorants and the rare Yellow-Eyed Penguin which can be closely observed. Several nature tour companies offer tours to these fascinating colonies.

 

 Other attractions in Dunedin include the Taieri Gorge Railway Excursion, New Zealand’s oldest Botanic Gardens and tours of the Speights Brewery. Fifty minutes north of Dunedin are the Moeraki Boulders. These unique, intriguing boulders are best seen at low tide by a short stroll down the beach. Weighing up to 4 tons and approximately 4 million years old, they were formed on an ancient seabed through a complicated chemical reaction.

Christchurch New Zealand Travel Guide

Christchurch is the doorway to the Canterbury Plains which spread westwards towards the mountains. The Southern Alps provide a fantastic backdrop to the garden city of Christchurch which is a vibrant city with exciting festivals, innovative theatre, art galleries, great shopping and award winning attractions.
It is the South Island’s largest city and is renowned for its elegant grey stone 19th century buildings, its lush gardens and tree lined avenues. Christchurch was planned as a Church of England settlement and its founders intended that it should reflect English society. The town’s flat site allowed for a grid of organised streets bounded by wide tree lined avenues and the distinctive stamp of English architecture has survived in its beautiful buildings, statues, parks and squares.

This is New Zealand’s ‘Garden City’. One hectare in every three is devoted to public parks and reserves which grace the city. Among the most elegant flora are those in the 180 hectare Hagley Park, pride of the local Cantabrians. The 130 year old paradise is the perfect place for a walk or can be enjoyed from a row boat or perhaps a gentle punt down the meandering Avon River which runs through the city center.
Christchurch is also a strong cultural centre. Within easy walking distance from the city centre, or accessible by tram, you’ll find the Arts centre, the Canterbury Museum and the Robert McDougall Art Gallery on the edge of Hagley Park. Other popular Christchurch attractions include the International Antarctic centre, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Christchurch Wildlife Cruises, Christchurch Casino and the Christchurch Gondola. Not far from Christchurch, situated on Banks Peninsula is the village of Akaroa. Here you can stroll past quaint old buildings on streets with French names which serve as a reminder of the attempt at colonialisation by France in 1840.

Popular activites are harbour cruises, water activities including swimmming with the dolphins and visits to craft shops and the nearby winery, cheese factory and herb farm. North of Christchurch is Hanmer Springs, an alpine spa at the base of the pristine Amuri mountain range. The picturesque township contains nearby walks, skiing, bungy jumping, jetboating and the relaxing thermal pools complex. Kaikoura, a small village north of Christchurch, is one of the few places where you can view whales and over 200 species of marine life in their natural habitat. The sights are truly unique – hundreds of fur seals sunbathing on a rocky shore, spectacular leaping dolphins and the most awesome of mammals, the sperm whale. Organised whale watching trips and swimming with the dolphins are available. Activities and Attractions For a totally different mode of travel why not try a snow tractor? The International Antarctic center, offers the visitor a doorway into the world’s last great wilderness area. There is an adventure course plus a “Snow & Ice” Experience which gives visitors the feel of being “on the ice”. Situated just eight minutes walk from Christchurch International Airport.

On the way into the city and only 5 minutes drive from the airport, Willowbank Wildlife Park has the only viewing area not behind glass for the national icon bird, the Kiwi. Join a guided tour through the bush-like setting and encounter a variety of rare birds including Kea, Kereru (wood pigeon), Whio (blue duck) and Weka. At almost 500 metres above sea level, the Christchurch Gondola offers unprecedented views of the Canterbury Plains, Christchurch, the Southern Alps, Lyttelton, and the distant Kalkoura Peninsula. Cafe, restaurant, function venue, shopping and a “Time Tunnel” await visitors at the hilltop destination. Start your ride from the gondola base. Just 15 minutes from the central city you can see Hector’s dolphin, the world’s rarest and smallest dolphin. The best view of these delightful anifnals is to be had aboard the Christchurch Wildlife Cruises catamaran “Black Cat” as it cruises Lyttelton Harbour.

The trip passes sites of early Maori and European settlements, visits shipwrecks and looks at evidence of the volcano that formed the harbour. A free shuttle from Cathedral Square connects with the daily cruises. The historic French Village of Akaroa is an 80 minute drive from Christchurch. Join Akaroa Harbour Cruises on board the “Canterbury Cat” cruising Akaroa Harbour, home to the Hector’s Dolphin, the White Flippered Little Blue Penguin and other sea birds. Highlights of the daily cruises include visits to a salmon farm, Cathedral Cave and the sites of Akaroa’s early Maori, French and British settlement. Swimming with dolphins available from November to April. Nowhere else in New Zealand can you get this close to one of the world’s most magnificent mammals – the Giant Sperm Whale. Whale Watch Kaikoura will take you on its specially designed boat to meet this awesome creature in its natural environment with Dusky dolphins, Fur seals, sea birds and, in season, other species of migratory whales that frequent the Kaikoura coastline. Tours operate all year from the Whaleway Station Road.

Hanmer Springs Thermal Resort is the natural place to unwind. Enjoy the many mineral pools that range in temperature from 95° – 110°F (36° – 42°C). Children have their own area and there is a family activity pool featuring water toys and waterslides. Methven in Central Canterbury is New Zealand’s finest ballooning location. Situated south west from Christchurch en route to Queenstown, Aoraki Balloon Safaris will take you on a magical sky experience with pristine views of Mt Cook, the Southern Alps and a 300km panorama of the Canterbury Plains. The flight concludes with a champagne-style breakfast.

Abel Tasman New Zealand Travel Guide

Named after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who first visited the region in 1642, this national park is New Zealand’s smallest – but it’s perfectly formed for relaxation and adventure. Visitors love the way the Abel Tasman National Park mixes physical exertion with beach life. Bursts of hiking or kayaking are punctuated by sun bathing, swimming and sedate snorkelling around the characteristic granite outcrops.

Those who crave home comforts can stay in luxurious lodges, but sleeping under the stars is regarded as the ultimate way to experience the spirit of the Abel Tasman. The strip of coast that falls within the boundaries of the park is highly distinctive. Granite and marble formations fringe the headlands, which are cloaked in regenerating native forest. Inviting sandy beaches fill the spaces between trees and tide line. Crystal clear streams tumble down mossy valleys to join the ocean. At Te Pukatea Bay, a perfect crescent of golden sand, a walking track leads up Pitt Head to an ancient Maori pa (fort) site.

Terracing and food pits are still visible, and it’s easy to see why the location was chosen as a defensive site – the views are huge. Native wildlife is an essential part of the scenery. Tui and bellbird song fills the forest; shags (cormorants), gannets and little blue penguins dive for their dinner; fur seals lounge on the rocks around the edge of Tonga Island.

The coastal track and other walks Classed as one of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’, the Abel Tasman’s Coastal Track takes between 3 and 5 days to complete. It climbs around headlands and through native forest to a series of beautiful beaches. The track is walkable at any time of the year, but crowded in summer. For a different view of the park, there are inland tracks that lead up to the dramatic karst landscape of Takaka Hill. Sea kayaking A number of kayaking companies run guided tours from Marahau and Kaiteriteri.

If you’d rather be independent, you can rent kayaks and stay at campsites, huts or lodges within the park – just as you would if you were hiking. Day trips For those with only a day to see the park, water taxi companies can provide a personalised mix of sightseeing by boat and track walking. Enquire at Marahau or Kaiteriteri.

Auckland Travel Guide

Auckland is the largest metropolitan area in New Zealand, with a population of over one million. It is situated in the northern half of the North Island, on a narrow isthmus of land that joins the Northland peninsula to the rest of the North Island. Often referred to as the ‘City of Sails’ the city is the main gateway to New Zealand. Built on the remnants of 48 extinct volcanoes, it is home to more than one million people and is the the main commercial and financial centre of the country.
With a larger boat-to-person ratio than anywhere else on earth, it is a paradise for sailing enthusiasts and every weekend the waters of the Hauraki Gulf come alive with a flotilla of colourful sails. The best way to experience the city is from the water, sailing around the attractive harbour or on a ferry cruise to one of the many stunning islands dotted about the Gulf.
The suburbs wind their way around picturesque bays and harbours and between volcanic hills that provide panoramic views over the city and mountains, encompassing numerous green urban parklands that are dotted with sheep.

 Auckland is home to many fine galleries and museums. The Auckland Museum is noted for its outstanding masterpieces of Maori art and displays of New Zealand’s natural history and birdlife. Downtown, the Auckland City Art Gallery is host to international exhibitions and contains a fine selection of New Zealand and European works. The Hobson Wharf Maritime Museum on the city waterfront depicts New Zealand maritime history.
Shows, theatre productions and concerts are all popular in Auckland. Be sure to check with the Visitors Information Centre for the frequent performances of live theatre, shows or concerts coinciding with your visit.

Auckland city has a fascinating assortment of shops from the designer boutiques of Parnell and Newmarket to the casual atmosphere of the city markets and stalls.
Restaurants are mostly in Ponsonby, Parnell, the waterfront suburbs such as Mission Bay or St Heliers and the inner city and frequently specialise in the local seafood delicacies.
Don’t miss a harbour cruise and perhaps a visit to a nearby island. Waiheke and Great Barrier Islands are popular for their sandy beaches, native bush and idyllic lifestyle.
Waiheke is also a flourishing centre for winemakers and artists. Rangitoto Island, formed from a volcano only 600 years ago, is worth a visit for its magnificent views. Also accessible by ferry is the historic suburb of Devonport. A number of public gardens and reserves surround Auckland city and demonstrate the wide variety of plants of this region.
A convenient way to see the highlights of Auckland is by taking a half or full day sightseeing tour. Only a short trip from the city are the west coast beaches including Muriwai and the nearby Gannet Colony and the beautiful Waitakere Ranges, all of which feature short scenic walks.

Located on the picturesque waterfront along Tamaki Drive, just minutes away from downtown Auckland, Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World is the city’s premier marine attraction, providing an all weather ‘close-up’ interactive experience of the Southern Oceans. A rare mix of aquarium, zoo and museum, visitors are assured of several close encounters with penguins, sharks, giant eels, stingrays and many other species of fish.
Rising 1080 feet (328 meters) above Auckland city, Sky Tower is one of the tallest structures in the world. Views from each of its four public access areas give an unrivalled 360° view of the city, its suburbs and the land, hills and sea that surround Auckland. A “City within a City”, Auckland’s Sky City features two casinos, ten restaurants and bars, free live entertainment, a theatre, a conference center, Sky Tower and a top class hotel. Located in the heart of the city, Sky City is a non-stop center for excitement and entertainment.

South Island Travel Guide

The Southern Alps run much of the length of the South Island forming a climatic barrier between the west and east coasts. Christchurch is the South Island’s largest city. It is the gateway to the South Island, which has some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery.The Canterbury region includes a large central portion of the east coast of the South Island, centered around the city of Christchurch. The Christchurch hinterland of highly productive farmlands extends from the silvery beaches of the east coast to the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps on the western horizon. Christchurch city is located midway down the east coast of the South Island, just north of Banks Peninsula. As the South Island’s largest city (population 337,000) and main international gateway it is a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping, award-winning attractions and a host of activities. Its Gothic revival cathedral, gray-stone nineteenth century buildings, tree-lined avenues and extensive leafy parks have preserved the grace and charm of an earlier era.

The Otago Coast stretches from the Waitaki River to the mighty Clutha River, on the South Island’s eastern coast. About halfway between is Dunedin, built around Otago Harbor, which indents Otago Peninsula.

Dunedin, with a population of 112,000, is the South Island’s second-largest city and the commercial center for the Otago region. Its name is the old Gaelic one for Edinburgh – appropriate since Scottish Presbyterians established the city. It is a gracious city whose numerous grand 19th century and Edwardian buildings are unrivalled anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere.

A natural attraction on the Otago Peninsula is the abundant wildlife, only a 15-20 minute drive from the central business district. Nature and wildlife excursions allow for viewing fur seals, endangered yellow-eyed penguin, cormorants and albatross.

New Zealand is larger than the United Kingdom and about two-thirds the size of Japan. However its population is only 4 million, similar to that of Norway or Ireland. Distances between the main centers can be up to a few hundred miles but there are reliable air, road, ferry and rail networks linking the main centers and the two main islands; the North and South Islands. Coming to an adventure playground like New Zealand you may wish to bring your mountain bike, surfboard, snowboard or skis to enjoy the great outdoors.