Visiting New Zealand - 5 Places to See in South Island

New Zealand is among my favorites of the countries I have visited. I say this because rarely is such natural diversity to be experienced in such a relatively small area. There are subtropical forests, icefields, deserted beaches and rolling grasslands to be found across its 2 main islands. The South described here is more sparsely populated than the North and much more of the terrain is mountainous. The destinations listed are picked to appeal to the lover of nature and the outdoors as, while the towns and cities of New Zealand have their own charms, it was the unspoilt natural landscapes that drew me there. Here's a few places to see in South Island then.

Kaikoura is my first destination and its very name is synonymous with whales. Due to the ocean currents just off the coast, whales and other creatures such as dolphins and seals are able to feed all year and so can usually be seen. Whale Watch run regular boat trips to view them and on our trip we observed a sperm whale as well as seals and wandering albatross. Even without the wildlife Kaikoura was one of my favorites. The small township is one of the most charming we visited and the rugged coastine is as spectacular as any with mountains rising a massive 2600 metres from the sea and beautiful beaches stretched along the unspoilt peninsular.

Franz Josef Glacier is unusual among glaciers. That is not only because it is currently advancing but because it is one of the few glaciers you will find that reaches down into temperate rainforest. Glaciers usually exist well above the timber line such as in the Alps or Rockies, and usually they exist at low altitudes only close to the polar regions. Franz Josef and its neighbour Fox Glacier are situated in the wild region of Westland on the western side of the Southern Alps. If weather and funds allow take an unforgettable helicopter ride over the glaciers - the one that does the glacier landing is worth paying the extra for. The town of Franz Josef is itself a pleasant place to stay - we stayed at the campsite called Rainforest Retreat a short walk from the village centre.

Milford Sound is the most popular destination in Fiordland National Park in the South West of the country but despite the large number of visitors you risk encountering, it is an awe inspiring place. Mitre Peak towers almost vertically up over 1600 metres from the narrow fiord which is only about 400 metres wide in places. The road to it is impressive enough, leading to the sound through the Southern Alps and the Homer Tunnel from Te Anau. The cruises on the sound are spectacular but if I were proficiant in a kayak than that is the way I would have chosen to explore Milford Sound. If you get the chance to while you're there, visit the underwater observatory called Milford Deep. Many of the Milford Sound cruises stop off there - it's no ordinary aquarium as you'll see whatever swims up the fiord from the open sea.

Doubtful Sound further to the South in contrast, harbours a serene wild beauty that lacks the harsh ruggedness of Milford. You can only get there by boat from Manapouri which links to a bus over the Wilmot Pass. The slopes of Doubtful Sound are more wooded and it covers a much greater area than does Milford. We went with a small operator called Doubtful Sound Cruises in a small boat which made this - in my own opinion - the better trip. To drift with the engine switched off in the vast silence of nature's arena while dolphins swim nearby takes a lot of beating!

Glenorchy - just like its namesake in the Scottish Highlands - is a truly beautiful spot. If you're staying at Queenstown, a short drive or medium bike ride westwards along the shore of Lake Wakatipu will take you there. Alternatively you can travel up the lake by steamship from Queenstown to Glenorchy which is far more enjoyable. The road becomes an unsealed gravel track beyond the village as you enter a wild valley dominated by the forbidding bulk of Mt Earnslaw. Paths lead off into the peaceful beech forests - totally different to the rainforest on the west coast - and close to here is the start point of the tough high level Routeburn Track which leads over the mountains to the Hollyford Valley on the way to Milford Sound.

Well, there are a few ideas for South Island but when you get there you'll no doubt find another fifty I've not mentioned which are just as good - enjoy your trip.