The South Island of New Zealand is renowned for its spectacular scenery. The Southern Alps run the length of the island like a spine, rising to Aoraki/Mount Cook at 3,724m — the highest peak in New Zealand. West of the Alps is the wild, rain-drenched West Coast; east is the Canterbury Plains, Central Otago's wine country and dry schist landscapes, and the deep fiords of Fiordland in the far south.
Christchurch is the main city and the South Island's gateway. Queenstown and Wanaka are the adventure and outdoor hubs. Milford Sound is the most visited natural attraction in the country. The Marlborough wine region and the Abel Tasman coast near Nelson are worth the journey north from Christchurch.
