There are a few North Islanders who seem think there is nothing to do on the South Island. Obviously, they haven’t been there.

Everything about the South Island is luscious and delicious and all things exhilarating. To say there is nothing to do is a bit sacrilegious, really. The rest of the world considers the snow sports of the South Island to be elite and very, very prestigious. Those who are sick of Aspen and Vale can be found in Queenstown during the winter time.

So, you know the home of bungy- jumping is here, the AJ Hackett jump is located just a little north of Queenstown. Dive at your own risk!

But it doesn’t stop at Queenstown, Milford Sound and the town of Te Anau are well worth the long, green drives, despite threats of avalanches and storms along the way. Well, you wanted real adventure!

If you’re over the obligatory tourist attractions, Doubtful Sound (left) is just as amazing as Milford, but with less people, more dolphins and serious environmental enthusiasts. Just out of Te Anau, on the way to Milford Sound, check out the Glow Worm caves. The caves are limestone grottos that have formed over time, inhabiting tiny glow worms that are sensitive to light and sound.

Your tour boat will float you through the caves and into the grotto to see this natural phenomenon. It’s well worth a visit if you aren’t limited by time constraints, and if you really want to experience natural New Zealand wonders first hand.

There’s plenty more, wildlife tours, wineries and vineyards, settler museums, and conservation sites for local marine- life, like Penguin Place in Dunedin and the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch.

Lake Tekapo (left), just outside of Christchurch, will seriously knock the wind out of you. Even on a bad day, the Lake is magnificent.

If you just need somewhere to relax and breathe in the open air, the South Island couldn’t be a better choice. The Island is so incredibly green and natural, just like how the movies portray it. Healthy valleys are juxtaposed with snow capped mountains and icy blue lakes.

If you can’t find something on the South Island to do, either you’re not looking hard enough, or you don’t understand true beauty when you see it. If the photos above don’t convince you even a little bit, the only conclusion is that you must be mad as a hatter.