Also known by the local Maoris as Te Wai Pounamu or Water of Greenstone, the South Island of New Zealand is 151,215 square kilometres of spectacular scenery. Ranking as the 12th largest island in the world, it's incredible diversity of landscape showcases nature at its best.
The largest city in the South Island is the garden city of Christchurch, affectionately named because of its tree-lined streets and stunning gardens. Queenstown is also found in the South Island of New Zealand, world famous as an adventure and adrenaline destination as wells as a snow/skiing mecca.
The west coast is lined by the Southern Alps mountain ranges, spectacular in scenery with massive glaciers and limestone landscapes, lakes and rivers and lush rainforest. Often called the Sightseeing and Walking Capital of the world, the World Heritage Fiordland National Park covers 1.2 million hectares of the South Island and showcases dramatic wilderness on a grand scale.