Trifter

The major tourism destinations of the South Island are:

Marlborough

Marlborough is located in the northeast region of the South Island. The climate here is dry and it is famous for it’s picturesque Marlborough Sounds. It is also known for the Sauvignon blanc wine. The peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges, the long straight valley of the Wairau River, and the long straight valley of the Wairau River are the most famous and most beautiful destinations here.

Kaikoura

It is a town situated on the east coast of the South Island. Seaward Kaikoura Range, whale watching tour in Kaikoura, beach at Kaikoura, fur seal colony on Kaikoura’s peninsula, and the Seaward Kaikouras are the most famous tourist spots here.

Hanmer Springs

It is a small village in the Canterbury region of the South Island is famous for it’s ski fields. It is a popular travel destinations. The scenic show off of alpine surroundings and the variety of adventurous activities make it very popular with the tourists.

Dunedin

It is one of the largest cities of the South Island. It is famous for historical and cultural reasons. The city is also famous for it’s location as stands on the hills and valleys surrounding the head of Otago Harbour. These harbour and hills are the remainings of a volcano which is extinct now.

Fiordland

Fiordland, situated on the south west corner of the South Island is famous for the largest national park in New Zealand. The park extends to an area of around 12000 sq.km. making it the largest part of Fiordland.

Nelson and Tasman District, West Coast, Christchurch and Canterbury, Southland Region and Stewart Island, and Queenstown, Wanaka and Central Otago are the other major traveling destinations.

Resorts and Ski Areas

Skiing is one of the major attractions of the South Island. The different regions where one can go for skiing are Nelson Lakes, Canterbury, and Otago.

National Parks of the South Island

The national parks of the South Island are other major attractions and the major national parks are

• Westland National Park
• Nelson Lakes National Park
• Paparoa National Park
• Rakiura National Park
• Kahurangi National Park
• Mount Aspiring National Park
• Fiordland National Park
• Abel Tasman National Park
• Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Museums and Art Galleries

Museums

• Southland museum and art gallery
• World of Wearable Art
• Canterbury Museum
• Otago Settlers Museum
• Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum
• Ferrymead Heritage Park
• Nelson Provincial Museum
• Otago Museum

Art Galleries

• Dunedin Public Art Gallery
• Center of Contemporary Art
• Christchurch Arts Center