02/08/10

Our trip to the South Island began with a 7 hour flight from Singapore to Christchurch. The South Island of New Zealand is a destination for travellers who appreciate the natural world. Although the cities of Christchurch, Dunedin, Invergargill, Queenstown and Nelson offer their own charms, the primary attraction is the great variety of geography, botany and scenic splendour. Most travellers are backpackers or RVers who are touring as we are. The number of international travellers during the summer months equals or exceeds the number of New Zealanders.

There are the soaring Mountain peaks of Southern Alps, the rainforest of the East coast, the Canterbury Plain, numerous streams and lakes, braided  rivers, fiords, estuaries and glaciers. Amongst these lie small villages, vineyards, orchards, and sheep, cattle and venison ranches. 

The black line on the map to the left shows our driving route, roughly a counter-clockwise circle around the island. The straight lines on the map are mainly fiction. In reality the roads are often full of curves, one lane bridges, drop-offs, and overhanging cliffs. Many of the roads are laid out on the early trails established by Maoris in their search for jade.  Although the driving is often a challenge, the vistas that await around each bend are worth the effort

Click on the Map to see
more of our trip on
the South Island