South Island of New Zealand’s Top Five Attractions

The South Island of New Zealand brings in a good number of tourists year after year. It is said that there are many sights to see, places to go to, things to do and people to meet in this rich New Zealand region. Many of these key places have great international recognition. Feeling excited yet? Get to know the top 5 tourist attractions on the South Island of New Zealand:

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is located at the Southwest part of the South Island of New Zealand. It is one of the largest national parks all over the country and it is also a widely known World Heritage site.

Although road access here is only allowed through the Milford Road, there are already many light aircraft services offered commercially, as well as small boat marinas. Well, there's a reason for the restricted access. See, the vegetation and wildlife in this area is still very rich. You'll see different species of deer, seals, dolphins, birds, kiwis and hare. Shrouded with a thick foliage of trees and road links to Lake Manapouri, this one's a beauty to behold. Don't miss Foirland National Park whenever you're in South Island of New Zealand. Aside from sight-seeing you can also do a little mountain climbing and camping.

Abel Tasman National Park

If there's one thing the Abel Tasman National Park is famous for, it's their clean and beautiful beaches. The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a world-famous wonder and its tropical climate is well-loved by many tourists. Truly a great place to visit at any time during any season.

During the year 2010, the Abel Tasman National Park won the Visitor Attraction and Experience Award for small to medium businesses given by the 2010 Tourism Industry Awards . Here you can have guided and independent walks and explore the flora and fauna in the area, cruise trips through speed boats and water taxis, kayaking, and barbecue. Think beach by the South Island of New Zealand? Think Abel Tasman National Park. Great things truly come in small packages.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a renowned resort town that has more than 150 upscale restaurants and cafes to choose from, after enjoying the fun outdoor activities that Queenstown has to offer. Here you can go adventure touring, jet boating, skiing, bungee jumping, tramping, skateboarding, whitewater rafting, fly fishing, heli-skiing and do other snow sports. When you book a vacation here you plan for at least a week! You will find your days packed full of fun activities and enjoy the nightlife just as much.

Just as the day is lively, the Queenstown also holds a pulsating nightlife. Aside from great cuisine through their strips of local restaurants, there are also many wineries in the area. Queenstown sits near the center of the wine producing region of the South Island of New Zealand. Already a honeymoon destination favorite, Queenstown hosts the annual International Jazz Festival and this 2011, it's set to host the 2011 Rugby world Cup.

Marlborough Sounds

In between Cloudy bay and Tasman bay, here lies Marlborough Sounds, a fat 4,000-square kilometer must-see place. Sandwiched between two bays, this treasure at the South Island of New Zealand may only be accessible by boat via a charming little boat port named Waikawa. It is also a well loved hub for vacation-goers and leisure sailors.

At the Marlborough Sounds, you can sail, snorkel and go scuba diving. Be sure you plan your trips well and you go with the supervision of a local tourist guide.

Mount Cook National Park

Mount Cook National Park is the greatest alpine park in the South Island of New Zealand. It's located in the middle of the Southern alps and has high mountains and gigantic glaciers. The locals even kid that the enormity of their surroundings always make them feel like dwarfs.

This National Park is a late bloomer, as it was only officially established as a national park during the year of 1953, despite the early protection of its landscape and vegetation dating back to 1887.

Truly, the South Island of New Zealand is a great place to spend your longed-for vacation. Head to one, or all five, of these well kept treasures and you'll surely have a blast. Whether it's an off-work thing, a second honeymoon or a family outing, your itinerary will be full by the time you've got your feet perched on the South Island of New Zealand.