Despite its relatively small size, the diversity of landscapes packed into the New Zealand’s South Island is unrivaled. I was fortunate enough to spend roughly a month exploring all areas of the island, and even with my high expectations, not a single day was a disappointment. It is a beautiful country, with friendly people, and no shortage of activities available to take advantage of the natural assets. It is a must-see destination if ever there was one.
This gallery features photos from the Oparara Basin, West Coast, Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, Milford Sound, Lake Wakatipu, the Catlins, Otago Peninsula, and Moeraki boulders on the East Coast.
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- Lake Matheson & Mount Cook
One of the iconic viewpoints of New Zealand's tallest mountain, Mount Cook.
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- Moria Gate Arch
One of the limestone arches that has been carved away by the water in the magnificent Oparara Basin.
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- Catlins Countryside
Rolling green hills ad a rural atmosphere characterize the southern tip of the South Island, known as the Catlins.
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- Hoopers Inlet Otago Peninsula
The Otago Peninsula reflected in the calm waters of Hoopers Inlet.
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- Nugget Point
A dramatic point on the Otago coastline and the edge of the Catlins.
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- Milford Sound
Notorious for its bad weather, winter provides a better time to visit this stunning landscape when clear skies are more common and the crowds are minimal.
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- Milford Deep Black Coral
Typically found only in deep, dark waters, the rare black coral is actually white while alive. Milford Sound is one of the few places where it survives at shallower depths.
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- Oparara Arch
More of a tunnel than an arch, the massive Oparara Arch is one of New Zealand's most unique and interesting natural features.
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- Frosty Moss
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- Franz Josef Glacier
The Franz Josef Glacier Valley from Alex Knob.
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- Baird Range
The Baird Range and the Franz Josef Valley as viewed from the top of Alex Knob.
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- Cape Foulwind & Tauranga Bay
A new day begins at this prominent headland on the west coast.
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- Tube Anenomes
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- Tauranga Sunrise
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- Moria Gate Arch 2
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- Punakaiki Rocks
The pancake rocks are a popular stop on the west coast, featuring unique rock formations and a number of blowholes.
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- Fluidity
A dolphin playing in the waters of Milford Sound.
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- Fiordland National Park
Steep mountains rise out from the waters of Milford Sound.
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- Gertrude Creek
Ice covers part of a creek in the Gertrude Valley, Fiordland National Park.
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- Frost
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- Moeraki
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- Moeraki Boulders
A small collection of spherical boulders draw crowds to Moeraki Beach.
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- Lake Wakatipu
A massive lake in the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps.
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- Fox Glacier
One of the two easily accessed glaciers on New Zealand's wet west coast.
Other photos from this category