TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP                       MAP OF DISTRICTS               CITIES & TOWNS MAP                 OTAGO DISTRICT

                                                                                    CENTRAL OTAGO MAP                        PHOTOS

The South Island is a short ferry ride away but is remarkably different from the North Island. The South Islands main geographical feature is the mighty Southern Alps that run down the full length of the island. This mountain range is bigger than the European Alps put together and there are 200 mountains that are over 2500 meters. It is this mountain range that gives the South Island its great diversity. The north of the South Island is the sunniest part of New Zealand, the west is one of the wettest areas in the world, the south is very cold and very barren with some areas receiving less than 400 mm per year. (200 mm or less is classified as desert), the east is identical to England with its rolling green hills and the center of the Island is mountainous and perpetually snow capped.

Immediately to the south of the West Coast and Canterbury is the Otago Region. Central Otago is a mountainous area and receives very little rainfall so it contains many rugged and barren landscapes. This part of New Zealand is the only area in the country that experiences a continental climate like Australia or the USA. So unlike the rest of New Zealand which  experiences a maritime climate, Otago's climate consists of very hot summers and freezing  winters. Towards the east coast, Otago becomes increasingly greener and back to a maritime climate, which means the temperature is not so extreme as it is affected by the ocean. On the
coast is the beautiful city of Dunedin.

Queenstown is the most popular tourist town in Otago and 2nd most popular in New Zealand. This town is the main location for skiing and action adventure activities such as Bungee Jumping and Jetboating. Both are New Zealand inventions.

Not only is New Zealand famous for its beautiful scenery but it has been said many times that New Zealanders are the friendliest people you could meet anywhere. The majority of New Zealands population are of European (English, Irish & Scottish) descent. Approximately 10% of New Zealands population is of Polynesian descent with the majority of Polynesians being the native people the Maori.
TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP (click on image for larger view)

 
 

(click on images for larger view)

DISTRICTS OF                          CITIES & TOWNS                       OTAGO DISTRICT                CENTRAL OTAGO
    NEW ZEALAND                             OF NEW ZEALAND                                                                                      

PHOTOS OF NEW ZEALAND's SOUTH ISLAND
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RURAL NEW ZEALAND PHOTOS (scroll down)
 

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