The Majestic South Island

The scenery of the South Island of New Zealand can only be described in superlatives, such as majestic, stunning, and sensational.  The mighty Southern Alps runs along the spine of the South island and provide a barrier for the prevailing westerly winds.  As the damp air rises it cools, and drops most of its moisture as rain, which gives rise to the West Coast rain forests.  The West Coast of the South Island is the wettest area of New Zealand, while the area to the east of the mountains, just over 100 km away, is the driest.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia showing South Island

So what was our favourite area down south?  To be quite honest, it’s impossible to chose.  With vistas of mountains, rugged peaks, glaciers, rain forests, fiords, rivers, lakes, hot mineral springs, wild coastlines, streams and estuaries, and rolling farmland, each day brought us more wonderful views to marvel over. 

Lake Hawea

If you haven’t yet visited the South Island of New Zealand, put it on your “Bucket List”, you won’t be disappointed.  We are already making plans for another South Island trip.

Mt Cook