Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
But in the south it is the Southern Alps themselves that dominate, dictating settlement
patterns, throwing down engineering challenges and offering outstanding recreational op-
portunities. The island's mountainous backbone also helps shape the weather, as it stands
in the path of the prevailing westerly winds which roll in, moisture-laden, from the Tas-
man Sea. As a result bush-clad lower slopes of the western Southern Alps are among the
wettest places on earth, with an annual precipitation of some 15,000mm. Having lost its
moisture, the wind then blows dry across the eastern plains towards the Pacific coast.
The North Island has a more even rainfall and is spared the temperature extremes of the
South - which can plunge when a wind blows in from Antarctica. The important thing to
remember, especially if you are tramping at high altitude, is that NZ has a maritime cli-
mate. This means weather can change with lightning speed, catching out the unprepared.
The icon in reviews marks places that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Travellers seek-
ing other sustainable tourism operators should look for operators accredited with Qualmark Green
(
www.qualmark.co.nz
) or listed at Organic Explorer (
www.organicexplorer.co.nz
).
