A showcase of ecological diversity, New Zealand is home to some of the world's rarest and most unique flora and fauna. Comprised of two main islands, New Zealand boasts biomes ranging from lush subtropical forests and remote ice fields to vast beaches and endless grasslands. The country's immense South Island has fewer people than the North Island, but is home to some of the most unique geology on the planet. Bisected along its length by the Southern Alps, the South Island is a confluence of lakes, mountains, plains and forests that has enthralled and delighted nature lovers for centuries.
Here are a few of the most interesting destinations in the South Island:
Along the western shores of Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown, the settlement of Glenorchy offers amazing panoramic views of the peaceful lake. Glenorchy also is a quick drive or bike ride away from wild valleys, vast beech forests and imposing mountains. Glenorchy is the starting point of many popular tramping tracks in the South Island and is also in close proximity to both Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park. Glenorchy will also be of interest to movie fans, as it is the site where scenes from movies like Vertical Limit and X-Men Origins: Wolverine and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian was shot.
Another popular South Island spot is Milford Sound at the Fiordland National Park. Here you will find the Mitre Peak, one of the most photographed mountains in New Zealand. This distinctive mountain rises more than a mile into the sky from a narrow fjord and is a sight to behold. Simply driving to Milford Sound is an adventure on its own, with roads winding their way down the Southern Alps offering passengers amazing views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Other attractions at Milford Sound include boat cruises, kayak rides and Milford Deep, an underwater observatory.
If you would rather go somewhere more remote than Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound located further down south is another great destination. Wilder and more rugged than Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound is accessible by boat from the sea or by road from Lake Manapouri.
Located in the wild western coast of the South Island, Franz Josef Glacier is one of the few glaciers on the planet that connects to a temperate rainforest. Another unique fact about the Franz Josef Glacier is that it is still growing and advancing while most other glaciers are shirking. A helicopter tour of the Franz Josef Glaciers is a once in a lifetime experience and well worth the cost. Guided walks and tours of the glacier are also available from the nearby town of Franz Josef.
A quaint coastal township in the South Island's Canterbury Region, Kaikoura is a popular destination for whale watching. Majestic sperm whales and playful dolphins can be seen off the coast, while pods of southern fur seals freely wander Kaikoura's rocky beaches. Kaikoura is also popular with bird-watchers who come to witness the vast numbers of albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters congregate nearby.
Kaikoura
Franz Josef Glacier
Lake Manapouri
the Fiordland National Park
Fiordland National Park
Aspiring National Park
Lake Wakatipu
vast beaches
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/the-best-places-to-visit-in-new-zealands-south-island-4898822.html#ixzz1XBXKcfsQUnder Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives
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