New Zealand's South Island is the larger of the two main islands, but is home to only about 25 percent of the population. It is best known for its magnificent the glacier-carved mountains, fjords, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, magnificent beaches, wildlife, whale watching and adventure tourism.

Christchurch, the largest city of the island, also known as the Garden City is located on the east coast of the South Island. The city is lush with trees and parks throughout the Avon River and runs through the center of it. Christchurch is a great destination for travelers seeking adventure sports.

Some of Christchurch is to do are:

• Willowbank Wildlife Reserve provides visitors with the opportunity to see, touch and even feed some of the native wildlife the country, including the kiwi bird, Wallabies, Keas, lemurs and freshwater eels. The reserve also has representations Maori cultural evening and a restaurant which is open for lunch and dinner. The reserve is open throughout the year 10/10, with day and night tours of daily functioning.
• Christchurch The botanical gardens are found in Hagley Park, with the River Avon flowing through it. The gardens are abundant with flora and fauna native to New Zealand as well as plants from around the world. Open 365 days a year, free admission.
• Orana Wildlife Park is the largest wildlife reserve in New Zealand. Located on 80 hectares of park-like grounds, the animals are in their natural habitats with few barriers or fences, allowing visitors to see them up close and even feed some of the softer species. Open 10-5 daily and closes on Christmas Day.
• Arts Center of the weekend market is a world-class market, located in the historic center of Arts, with about 100 vendors at the hands of local art, jewelry, clothing and fresh produce. The market also features international music fair dining and living. Open every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year.
• Take the Christchurch Gondola 1500 feet up the gondola station, 360 insuperable degree views of Christchurch, Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Port. At the top, visitors can also peruse the small gift shop, explore the center of history, or relax in the restaurant and cafeteria.

Dunedin is the second largest city in the South Island and also the oldest city New Zealand. This coastal city is perhaps best known for being one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the southern hemisphere, and for its amazing wildlife. Dunedin is home to the Northern Royal Albatross, Yellow-eyed Penguins, and several species of seals and sea lions.

Some of the most popular attractions in Dunedin include:

• Penguin Place, home of the Yellow-eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve, is located about 30 minutes from Dunedin city center. Small groups operating throughout the day, a tour of the colony for a close-up viewing of birds. Reservations required.
• Elm Wildlife Tours offers visitors a chance to see Sea lions, fur seals, yellow-eyed penguins and albatross in their natural environments, including restricted Elm own wildlife sanctuary conservation. Private and small group tours are offered throughout the year. A good level of fitness is required for travel.
• Dunedin Public Art Gallery is one of the most important art galleries in New Zealand, which has the main public art collection in the city. The gallery presents a large collection art native to New Zealand as well as rotating exhibits throughout the world. Open all year, except during major holidays.
• Larnach Castle, the lonely castle of New Zealand, was built in 1871 by William Larnach by his wife, Eliza, and took 15 years to complete. The castle is open for tours, accommodation and dinner every day except Christmas Day.

Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps, Queenstown is a excellent adventure destination in any season. Besides skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, jet boating, rafting, kayaking and water skiing, some of the other popular activities in Queenstown include horseback riding, golf, mountain biking, paragliding, sky diving and touring the local wineries.

Milford Sound is a fjord famous Glacier National Park located in Fjorland carved, is the most popular tourist destination in New Zealand. Milford Sound is a spectacular sight sunny day, or in the rain, when the waterfalls are in full splendor. Dolphins, seals and penguins can be viewed with the sound. Tours are available on a day cruise, boat, plane or helicopter.

Another popular way to see the Milford Sound is the Milford Track, which is the most famous road in New Zealand trampling, and one of the world's most famous rides. Throughout this 32-mile route runs from the head of Lake Te Anau, through tropical forests and fjords of the National Forest, the Milford Sound, visitors can take in the beautiful valleys carved by glaciers. The road is the busiest from October through April.

Stewart Island is located off the southern coast of the South Island. This rugged island is 40 miles long, about 24 miles wide, and there are not even roads. As the Capitol of New Zealand birds, Stewart Island is an excellent birding destination. Boat cruises, fishing, kayaking and trekking are popular activities.

Fox and Franz Josef glaciers traverse valley glaciers flowing into the temperate rainforest. Each of these dramatic glaciers is about 7 miles long. Located in a relatively mild climate, with no other glaciers in the world are as easily accessible as Fox and Franz Josef. You can see these glaciers through walking tours, kayak tours, helicopter tours, and even skydiving!

In more than 12,000 feet, Mount Cook (Aoraki) is the highest mountain in New Zealand, and is located in the Southern Alps, which cover all length of the South Island. The destination is a clear favorite among mountain climbers. The mountain you can enjoy one of the many hiking trails for 4WD safaris, horseback riding, scenic flights and boat rides to the glacial lakes.

Trisha has been working with the Travel Team for over 10 years. She has traveled extensively across the world and has been booking travel to Australia for 8 years.
Contact a Professional Travel Agent today to book your dream vacation to New Zealand! Call us at 1-800-788-0829 or visit http://www.travelteam.com.

The Travel Team
2 Nickerson Street Suite 102
Seattle WA 98109
206-301-0443
http://www.travelteam.com/

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