Marlborough, Nelson, Mt. Cook, the glaciers, Fiordland, Otago, Stewart Island, Rakiura National Park - here is the ultimate guide to the magical South Island. The South Island is dominated by the 500-km (300-mile) spine of the Southern Alps. The western side of the Alps is punctuated with rainforest, glaciers and fast-flowing rivers; the eastern side of the Alps is home to the vast, flat Canterbury Plains and the rolling Otago farmland. All of the detailed information you need is here about the hotels, restaurants, shopping, sightseeing. But we also lead you to new discoveries, turning corners you haven't turned before, helping you to interact with the world in new ways. Written by a native New Zealander, this guide covers every region and town, with in-depth information on the Maori culture, the remarkable places to stay and eat, vineyard tours, cooking schools, thermal springs, albatross and whale encounters, scenic drives, and more. Canoe the rivers, ride in a hot air balloon, hike the trails, explore the forests, take a glacier tour. There s even a section on how to talk Kiwi English! Photos, maps.