What mountain range extends down the spine of New Zealand's South Island?

The Southern Alps is the mountain range that extends down the spine of New Zealand's South Island. This dramatic and majestic range is a defining feature of the landscape, encompassing some of the highest peaks in the country, including Aoraki/Mount Cook, which is New Zealand's tallest mountain.

The Southern Alps are known for their stunning beauty, diverse ecosystems, and recreational opportunities. They create a significant geographical divide in the South Island, impacting climate and weather patterns across the region. This range attracts a wide array of outdoor enthusiasts for various activities, such as skiing, hiking, and mountaineering, making it a key destination for tourism.

In contrast, the other ranges mentioned, like the Kaikoura Ranges, the Ruahine Range, and the Tararua Range, are located in different regions within New Zealand and do not extend down the spine of the South Island. Each of those ranges has its own unique features and significance, but they do not share the same prominence as the Southern Alps in terms of their influence on the geography and tourism of the South Island.