HELPFUL INFORMATION
HELPFUL INFORMATION
South Island
waka a Māui’ “is ’Te one of the Māori names for the South Island. It translates as’the canoe of Māui.’
There are six major areas in the South Island, each with an array of sights and activities. Here’s a quick reference of each area to help you get it sussed.
Paringa
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What to do . Where to stay . How to get there. .
Southland/Fiordland
p000
This spectacular area of drowned river valleys is best known for the 22km-long Milford Sound, with its tranquil waters and sheer peaks. The Milford Track is the best way to see it all, starting in Te Anau.
Cascade Creek
1.25
Queenstown .45
.55
2.30
.45
Invercargill Bluff
TRAVEL TIME GUIDE
Ranfurly 1.05
1.00
2.00
1.05
Ashburton
Akaroa
South Pacific Ocean
Waimate Junction Oamaru
.40
.40
Dunedin
.50
.40
Balclutha .15
Gore .55
Christchurch
Palmerston
1.55
Junction
.55
.35
Cromwell
.45
.25
1.25 .45
Timaru
.30
Woodend
.45 .20
.20
Milton
Owaka
Stewart Island
The time, in hours and minutes, represent the driving time for a diver who travels at approximately 100km/h on open stretches of road.
Nelson
.40
.55 Raes
.45
Fairlie .45
Kurow
Lumsden 1.05
.55
Omarama
1.20
1.30
.15
.40
.40
.40
.35
1.10 .40
Aoraki Mt Cook
.30
Alexandra
Te Anau Manapouri
Rakaia Gorge
.35
1.30
.20 .55
Sheffield
Twizel
.45
Picton .25
1.10
Waipara
1.15
Tekapo Geraldine .40
.30
.50
Region ough
DISTANCE CHART: Distances are shown in kilometres Alexandra 759 454 193 539 222 203 630 829 87 298 639 Blenheim 314 670 325 642 886 130 114 785 471 261 Christchurch 364 254 535 581 184 420 480 165 334 Dunedin 562 145 218 540 775 280 199 662 Greymouth 317 740 401 296 560 363 100 Haast 423 706 607 243 410 417 Invercargill 757 992 180 416 840 Kaikoura 224 656 341 390 Nelson 849 577 226 Queenstown 325 660 Timaru 463 Westport
Marlbor
st
Main Image: Queenstown © Destination Queenstown
West Coast p000 This rugged strip of land down the South Island’s west coast boasts a wild coastline, lush native forest, mountains, lakes, rivers and the world’s most low-lying glaciers – the Fox and Franz Josef. The five national parks offer ample opportunities to experience all the natural beauty in various ways, whether by kayaking, walking, or caving.
Otago p000 Home to Queenstown, Wanaka, Dunedin, and some wicked Pinot Noirs, Otago also lays claim to the Speights Brewery and the mysterious Moeraki boulders. Fishing is popular here, as there are heaps of lakes, rivers and coastline.
1.20
1.30
Kawatiri
.25 Blenheim Westport .40 .45 Inangahua Junction Lake Rotoiti 1.00 .25 1.25 1.30 Punakaiki Reefton Hanmer Springs .40 1.00 .40 Greymouth 1.05 .10 Springs .20 Kaikoura Hanmer Kumara Junction Junction .15 1.05 .45 1.30 Hokitika Arthur's Pass
.35
Wanaka
Milford Sound
Canterbury p000 TThe Southern Alps are at their best in Canterbury, drive through Arthur’s Pass to get the full effect. Mt Cook and the Mt Cook National Park feature tramping, while Timaru offers quality salmon and trout fishing. The healing thermal waters of Hanmer Springs are perfect for some good long soaks.
Main Image: © Tourism New Zelanad | Images: Nelson © Antoine Fowler, Marlborough © Destination Marlborough, West Coast © Tourism West Coast, Canterbury © christchurchnz.com, Otago © Tourism Central Otago, Southland/Fiordland © George Hrbac
Marlborough p00 There’s plenty to dip into while in Marlborough. Well known for its superb sauvignon blanc, spectacular Marlborough Sounds, and splendid greenshelled mussels; there’s also the superb coastline of mountains and ocean to drive and teeming amounts of marine wildlife to observe.
Murchison .25
.40
2.50
Nelson
1.10
1.15
Franz Josef
Haast
.55
1.05
Karamea
2.00
.55
Ferry to North Island/ Wellington
Takaka 1.25
Tasman Sea
Fox Glacier
.20
Motueka
”
Renowned for its natural beauty, the South Island is jam packed with ten national parks chock full of tranquil lakes, rugged mountains, glaciers, wild rivers and lush forests. Running down its spine are the Southern Alps, where you’ll find the country’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook (3754 m). Fiordland is a key draw-card for visitors with its glacier-carved landscape of drowned river valleys and towering peaks. Nelson p000 Three national parks – The Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes, and Kahurangi – are all in this region. Glacial lakes, beech forest, and stunning coastal areas welcome you here. There are heaps of varied festivals throughout the year, from beer to wine, jazz to arts, and scallop to seafood..
Collingwood
oa West C
ury
Canterb
Otago and/ Southlan d Fiordl
Area: 153,680km2 Population: 1,063,200
FACT FILE Climate: Temperate with snow in mountain areas. National Parks: Abel Tasman, Ka hurangi & Nelson Lakes (Nelson region); Arthur’s Pass & Aoraki/Mount Cook (Canterbury); Westland/Tai Poutini & Paparoa (West Coast); Mount Aspiring & Fiordland (Southland); Rakiura (Stewart Island). Main Ski Areas: Mount Hutt (Methven); Treble Cone, Cadrona & Coronet Peak What to do . Where to stay . How to get there. .
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