The infamous AJ Hackett Bungy jump overlooks the town of Queenstown below.
South Island
In New Zealand, Marlborough is synonymous with wine. Tis region is responsible for 75 per cent of the country’s wine production, most notably Sauvignon Blanc. After tour- ing wineries, soak in the beauty of the extensive coastline edged with woodland trails or explore the Queen Charlotte Sound and secluded waterways by boat. Te Department of Conservation tends to 95 per cent of the wild West Coast coastline, mountains, glaciers and rain forests that are part of the five national parks and five marine reserves located here. Te population in West Coast may be sparse but the Great Coast Road, voted by Lonely Planet as one of top 10 Coastal Drives in the World, is a drive worth making. Adrenaline thrills such as heli-hiking on glaciers, skydiving and white water rafting can also be found here. Canterbury Plains is home to Christchurch, a city rich
The scenic Great Coast Road on South Island.
with art, culture and storytellers. Fun-filled adventures abound in this region which is surrounded by the Southern Alps, a chain bigger than its European namesake and shad- owed by the giant Aoraki Mount Cook (3,754 metres). New Zealand’s greatest alpine park Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is situated here and contains the highest mountains in New Zealand with 19 peaks topping 3,000 metres. Te Southern Alps are filled with things to see and do. View the tortured rocks and dramatic valleys of Flock Hill, walk the water-filled tunnel at Cave Stream, or cycle the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail, New Zealand’s longest continuous multi-day cycling trail that descends over 609 metres and travels 300 kilometres to the coastal town of Oamaru. Glaciers cover 40 per cent of the park, including the coun-
try’s longest glacier, Tasman Glacier at 29 kilometres. Lake Pukaki’s blue waters shimmer under endless skies while visitors have their pick of outdoor activities – climbing, star gazing, winter snow sports, hiking, fishing, canoeing and cy- cling.
One of the best ways to enjoy the panoramic views is by Franz Josef Glacier along the West Coast. 30 • Spring 2016
chartering a scenic flight around the island, taking a cross- country four-wheel drive tour or going glacier exploring by boat. If you want to be blown away by more than just the beauty of the land, visit Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the world's largest international park in the sky. Tis dark sky reserve has almost light-pollution-free skies for exceptional viewing.
The Hub
Photo by Gareth Eyres.
Photo by David Wall.
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