The folded mountains of the Southern Alps form the spine of South Island. Mount Cook, the highest mountain of New Zealand at 3744m, forms the center. From here, glaciers go in all directions, nearly down to the sea. It forms a natural dividing range along the entire length of the South Island. The term "Southern Alps" generally refers to the entire range, although separate names are given to many of the smaller ranges that form part of it
On the western side the Southern Alps rise from sea level over a strip of about 50km, causing an extremely high rainfall (up to 8000mm a year). Impenetrable evergreen rain forests grow up to a height of 200m.
Towards the east the differences in altitude are not as great. There the mountain water gathers in big lakes, of which Lake Te Anau is the largest. Rainfall drops to 400m a year, which is ideal for the viticulture of Central Otago. Because of its orientation perpendicular to the prevailing westerly winds, the range creates excellent wave soaring conditions for glider pilots. The town of Omarama, in the lee of the mountains, has gained an international reputation for its gliding conditions. |
|
 |
 |
| Reflections of the Southern Alps |
|
