Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit South Island

It is perhaps the most famous natural site on the South Island, the one that everyone talks about and whose photos are passed around in hostels and on vacations. On the scale of New Zealand, Tongariro is perhaps the only comparable site. It must be said that there is enough. It is a beauty case with infinite charm. If you can, don't come during the high season, as there will be many cars and the cruises will be crowded. In winter, there are far fewer people, the snow adds to the magic, but beware, access may well be closed because of the weather. The best period is the off-season. The road from Te Anau is an attraction in itself. It takes about 120 kilometers and a good two hours, or even more with the different stops. There are many things to see along the way, lookouts, valleys, lakes, mountains, and more. Going up to the north, the Mirror Lakes can already be an interesting photo stop, with their mirror-like surface reflecting the summits. The view from the tip of Lake Gunn is even more stunning and romantic because of its grandeur. With a little time, venture into the Hollyford Valley towards Gunns Camp to see the small waterfalls of Lake Marian, after a short walk, and the very impressive Humboldt Falls, 275 meters high (20-30 minutes round trip). You will then have to pass through the Homer Tunnel, completed in 1953 and at an altitude of 945 meters. At the exit, the panorama is dazzling and one goes down little by little to the sea level to reach the Sound. Before reaching your destination, The Chasm may be worth a stop for its waterfalls and rock formations (20 minutes round trip). However, this trail is being restored at the time of writing due to inclement weather. Once on the banks, the beauty of the place becomes clear. There is a parking lot and a building where the boats leave. It is here that you will have to embark for the cruises. With a little luck, dolphins and sea lions will cross your path. The waterfalls are also very beautiful and the mountains plunging into the water with their twisted shapes command respect like Mitre Peak looking down on us from the top of its 1,692 meters of altitude. Here, if everything is green, it is for the simple reason that it rains 200 days a year and falls 6,800 mm of rain on average each year. Don't forget to bring your rain gear and good shoes!

The 12 km long Franz Josef Glacier is the main attraction of the village of the same name and is known as the most accessible glacier in the world. The visitors' parking lot is less than 5 km from the village. There are some nice tracks around the village to have nice views on the phenomenon and the region, like the Sentinel Rock Walk (20 minutes round trip), Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere Walk (1h30 round trip) or Roberts Point Track (5 hours round trip). Alex Knob Track is probably the most impressive (8 hours round trip) and leads to the top of Mount Alex Knob, at an altitude of over 1,300 meters. At the entrance of the site, very interesting information panels trace the evolution and the movements of the glacier over the last century. Thus, if we notice that its terminal has strongly receded because of its melting, we also know that it is not frozen and that it advances at an impressive speed! Glaciers are naturally unstable zones and it is not rare that landslides occur. The last one (December 1997) buried the parking lot. The DOC "checks" the behemoth every day and can close a dangerous hiking trail at any time. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with its neighbor Fox, Franz Joseph embodies the major attraction of the West Coast. Many service providers have taken advantage of the great natural quality of the glacier to offer activities.

A 73.5 km hike from Anakiwa to Ship Cove between forests and coasts, it requires a good stamina and the most difficult passage is between Portage Saddle and Kenepuru Saddle, but what a magnificent view! It takes 3 to 5 days to complete and there are many accommodation options in each bay. It is recommended to begin the hike by Ship Cove, by being transported by water cab from Picton to the beginning of the trail. The entire route is also accessible to mountain bikers, with some sections closed in high season.

Nicknamed the Jewel of Mt Aspiring National Park, Glacier Rob Roy is at the feet of the top of the same name. A beautiful walk allows you to get closer and enjoy the splendid scenery of the surrounding mountains.

The boulders are large, perfectly round stones, which are on the beach. There are two explanations for this phenomenon. According to Maori mythology, which calls them Te Kai-hinak of hinaki ("baskets") and kai ("food"), they would have come to fail here, following the sinking of the Arai-ti-uru canoe which had crossed the large ocean of Kiwa (Pacific) and the tormented waters of Raukawa (Cook Strait) in search of Te Wai Pounamu (jade). The rock near Shag Point represents canoe; spheres are baskets that contain kumaras (sweet potatoes). According to the scientific, less lyrical version, these rocks would consist of limestone, silica, aluminium and iron peroxide, with a crystal mass that would attract the elements of the soil and would be such a special form. The action of the sea would therefore not be responsible. Only a few boulders are still present on the beach, because they have long been the subject of gifts and «little Memories of New Zealand». Those who are still there owe it to their size! New rocks are still in training, they can be seen emerging from the surface of the cliffs facing the beach.

This is one of the country's 11 Great Walks. It takes three to five days to cover the entire route from Marahau to Separation Point. In many places, you have to wait for low tide before crossing. The DOC has set up some twenty campsites and four refuges along the way. The views along the way are fantastic. However, you can adapt your hike to a day or two by taking advantage of the water and road shuttles or renting a kayak.

Cut off from the world and eminently wild, Doubtful Sound is without a doubt one of the wonders of which Aotearoa has the secret. An unforgettable moment awaits those who come here. It must be said that accessing it is a real adventure. The visit requires a full day and is expensive, but the experience is unforgettable. Far from the busloads of people, tranquility and wild beauty are the key words here. Being 10 times larger than Milford, Patea has a richer fauna and will satisfy all nature lovers.