Getting Oriented

Getting Oriented

The Southern Alps start in the northern end of the South Island around Kaikoura and stretch through the provinces of Canterbury, inland Otago, Westland, and Southland. These are serious mountains, with jagged 9,000-plus feet peaks. The Mt. Cook area is the center of Kiwi mountaineering. These majestic formations take center stage, and beautiful landscape unfurls at their feet—green rivers braided with white stone banks, acres of lupines, and lakes hued with indescribable blues. From Lake Tekapo, you finally come to "rest" at the adventure-friendly cities of Queenstown and Wanaka, historic Arrowtown, and the truly restful ambience of the Otago vineyards. To the west, magnificent Milford Sound dominates Fiordland.

The Southern Alps. In Mount Cook National Park, activities naturally revolve around the mountain—climbing, hiking, skiing, and scenic flights. But as you travel down into the foothills and valleys, the choices for adventure multiply. Stargaze at Lake Tekapo, or go gliding at Omarama, "the place of light." Enjoy the miles of hills and farmland as you travel through Lindis Pass, soon the uninhabited country will give way to Wanaka and the bustle of Queenstown.

Fiordland. Te Anau is often referred to as a "jumping off" point to explore Milford Sound. But the town, on the country's second-largest lake, is worth a stay to see the glowworms in Te Anau Caves. Milford has two strikes against it: lots of sandflies and busloads of tourists. However, it's a truly wondrous place, and the enormous beauty makes mere humans and insects—even busloads of them—seem insignificant.