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Explore the diverse and stunning scenery of New Zealand's South Island, from mountains and glaciers to beaches and fiords. Find out the best places to visit, things to do, and deals for your trip.
The South Island, also named Te Waipounamu in Māori, [1] is the larger of the two major islands of New Zealand in surface area, the other being the smaller but more populous North Island. It is bordered to the north by Cook Strait, to the west by the Tasman Sea, and to the south and east by the Pacific Ocean.
- 150,437 km² (58,084 sq mi)
- 1,201,300 (June 2022)
- 840 km (522 mi)
- Oceania
- Cruise the Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often touted as one of the most beautiful places to visit in New Zealand. Located in Fiordland National Park, this fiord is home to dramatic scenery, with steep mountains and waterfalls.
- Visit Doubtful Sound/Patea. Doubtful Sound is a nearby neighbor of the Milford Sound. At 40 km long, it is the second largest fiord in New Zealand (the Milford Sound is just 17.5 kilometers long).
- Get Your Adrenaline Fix in Queenstown (Tāhuna) This lovely town sits on Lake Wakatipu and is known as the Adventure Capital of the World. Queenstown | Best Things to Do on the South Island.
- Go Bungy Jumping. One of the best things to do in New Zealand is bungy jumping. Bungy jumping got its start in Queenstown, at the Kawarau Bridge in 1988.
Mar 28, 2024 · Explore the top places and activities on the South Island of New Zealand with these four itineraries. Choose from point-to-point, loop, or slower routes, and visit Queenstown, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, and more.
Apr 14, 2024 · South Island was sighted by the Dutch navigator Abel Janszoon Tasman in 1642. Although the island has several large urban areas—including Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill, all coastal—its population has grown less rapidly than that of North Island. Area 58,776 square miles (152,229 square km).
Explore the South Island of New Zealand, also known as "Te Wai Pounamu", with its stunning landscapes of glaciers, fiords, coastlines and mountains. Find out where to go, what to see and how to plan your trip on New Zealand's largest travel guide.
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