Rainforests, farmland, cold weather and warm people
The South Island, with only 25% of New Zealand’s population, is much calmer than the North Island and you must drive considerable distances to reach Christchurch, Dunedin or Queenstown. The West coast is still very wild and you will drive many hours through dense rainforests and have the chance to see the power of the Tasman Sea as it pounds many beaches along the coast. On the East coast, you’ll be able to visit Dunedin, Christchurch and Kaikoura and do some whale watching. Don’t forget Arrow Town – a gold mine settlement – where you’ll learn how Chinese settled there during the Gold Rush in 1880’s.