Snow-capped peaks that tower over sun-parched plains, mesmerising waterfalls that cascade deep down into fjords and translucent glaciers that melt into serene lakes.

The New Zealand South Island offers an unparalleled variety of scenery - snow-capped peaks that tower over sun-parched plains, mesmerising waterfalls that cascade deep down into fjords and translucent glaciers that melt into serene lakes. New Zealand’s South Island is also the home to vast sheep stations, vineyards and welcoming cities. Larger than the North Island, it is much less populated, leaving great expanses of land to be discovered on your own.

For train enthusiasts the popular railway trip, the TranzAlpine, departs from Christchurch every day along 223.8 kilometre-long tracks, through 16 tunnels and over five viaducts, arriving in Greymouth on the South Island’s western coast. The scenic route takes you across the South Island Canterbury Plains, farmland, and the gorges and rivers.

Some of the world’s most popular and spectacular walks are part of the appeal of the South Island: the Milford Track is the most famous track that stretches for 55 kilometres from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound; the Routeburn Track, almost as popular as the Milford for its beautiful mountain scenery, 40 kilometres in Mount Aspiring and Fiordland national parks; Abel Tasman Coast Track which takes walkers along beaches and bays on the South Island’s northern coast, the Nelson and Marlborough regions.

Self drive tours are a pleasure around the South Island, especially when you can choose a day of blazing sunlight and intermittent scudding clouds, where you can drive through valleys, farmlands and hills, past turquoise lakes and dramatic mountains. The drive can reflect the essence of the South Island – complete enjoyment in awe-inspiring landscapes.