Picton is where the Ferry arrives from Wellington. It is the base for lots of beach and water options in the numerous Islands making up the Picton Sounds. Nearby Nelson is one of the sunniest regions in New Zealand and is a kicking off point for the world famous Abel Tasman track. Down the east coast, Kaikoura is the home of Whale Watch in New Zealand. Nearby is Hanmer Springs - a popular thermal spa town. Christchurch - the Garden City - is the South Island's largest city and the gateway to numerous ski fields and the famous Southern lakes.

Methven is a ski town near the base of Mt Hutt and other ski fields. The sparsely populated and rugged West Coast is famous for unspoilt natural bush and beaches and includes the towns of Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika. Further south on the West Coast are the amazing Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers - a must for all visitors. The Central South Island offers a number of spectacular lakes as well as New Zealands tallest mountain - Mt. Cook. East coast and southern towns such as Oamaru, Dunedin and Invercargill are all popular stopover towns. Te Anau and the beautiful Milford Sound are not to be missed.

The Queenstown and Wanaka region of the South Island is widely regarded as the adventure capital of the world and offers an incredible range of adrenalin-pumping outdoor adventures in both the summer and winter seasons.

The South Island is a wonderful combination of natural beauty and fun-filled adventure and offers a multitude of memories for all types of visitors.