Why Te Waipounamu?
The island is also known as Te Waka a Māui which means "Māui's Canoe"
Various Māori iwi sometimes use different names, with some preferring to call the South Island Te Waka o Aoraki, referring to another Māori legend called the story of Aoraki, as after the world was created, Aoraki and his three brothers came down in a waka to visit their mother, Papatūānuku the earth mother, only to crash after failing to perform a karakia on their way back home to their father, Ranginui (also known as Raki) the sky father, in turn causing the waka to transform into an island and the four brothers into the mountain ranges on top of it.
Te Waipounamu, or the South Island of New Zealand, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, including the Southern Alps, fjords, and pristine lakes. It is home to Aoraki / Mount Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand, and the Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island offers diverse outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching. The South Island is also known for its vibrant cities like Christchurch and Queenstown, which serve as gateways to the island's natural wonders. The region's rich Maori culture and history add to its allure as a travel destination.
PLACES
Amazing sights to see!
Aoraki / Mount Cook
The Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park should be on every traveller’s bucket list. This World Heritage-listed alpine region boasts New Zealand's highest mountains and largest glaciers, with glaciers covering an impressive 40% of the park. Visitors can explore a variety of walking and cycling tracks, ranging from short strolls to challenging alpine hikes and Australisa’s best mountaineering. The park also forms part of New Zealand's only International Dark Sky Reserve, providing excellent views of the night sky, and features a variety of fantastic accommodation options, ranging from luxury to wallet-friendly options. It is a popular destination for mountaineers and tourists, known for its stunning alpine landscapes, glaciers, and turquoise lakes.
Location
The Southern Alps of New Zealand's South Island, situated in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Activities
Popular activities include the relatively short Hooker Valley Track, as well as mountaineering, glacier skiing, and stargazing.
Franz Josef Glacier, or Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere
A dynamic and accessible glacier located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Due to its rapid retreat, it is no longer possible to walk up to the terminal face, but visitors can experience the glacier through guided heli-hikes, scenic helicopter flights, or a valley floor walk.
Glacier Heli Hike
A scenic helicopter flight takes you to a remote part of the glacier where you can join a guided hike on the ice. This allows you to explore ice caves, pinnacles, and crevasses up close. Franz Josef Glacier Guides and Glacier Helicopters are leading providers for this tour.
Glacier Valley Eco Tour
For a guided walk on the valley floor, this eco-tour meanders through ancient rainforests and along a glacial-fed river. It offers a profound insight into the local ecosystem without requiring you to set foot on the ice itself.
Abel Tasman National Park
a coastal reserve in New Zealand's South Island, known for its golden sand beaches, sheltered coves, and the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Visitors can explore the park by land, water, or air through activities like hiking, kayaking, and scenic cruises.
Accommodation
The park offers a range of lodging options, but many must be booked in advance.Awaroa Lodge offers comfortable rooms and suites in a secluded location, while the luxurious Split Apple Retreat is on the edge of the park with ocean views and a spa.
Activities
The Abel Tasman walking trails start right from the Park Cafe in Marahau – and they’re absolutely stunning! The tracks follow the coastline with golden beaches, turquoise water, and lush forest all around. You can do short walks or go further to Anchorage and beyond. Everything is well-marked and beautifully maintained. Along the way there are plenty of great spots to swim, relax, or just enjoy the views. One of the most beautiful walks in New Zealand.