Explore South Island, New Zealand

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The larger of the two main New Zealand islands, South Island (Te Wahipounamu) is a paradise for those who want a vacation filled with outdoor activities. South Island offers everything outdoor enthusiasts want all amidst a gorgeous backdrop. There’s plenty of hiking, biking, sailing, surfing, and bird watching. Kayaking should not be missed here since it’s not uncommon for dolphins and seals to play around your kayak. If you’re really luck you may even get to see a penguin or two. Those who want a more rigorous outdoor experience should check out Franz Josef Glacier in the Southern Alps and do some climbing. There’s also an ice walk available for those who aren’t climbers. The South Island has 15 named maritime fiords which are all located in the southwest of the island in a mountainous area known as Fiordland. Most of New Zealand's glaciers are in the South Island. They are generally found in the Southern Alps near the Main Divide. Te Wāhipounamu (Māori for "the place of greenstone") is a World Heritage site in the south west corner of the South Island. Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1990 it covers 26,000 km² and incorporates the Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Fiordland, the Mount Aspiring and theWestland National Parks.

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