As the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates collide, they push up mountains – including the Southern Alps, one of the world’s fastest-growing ranges. These dramatic South Island peaks are home to the cheeky kea parrot and native alpine flowers. They attract sightseers, skiers and climbers – including Everest conqueror Edmund Hillary, who learnt his mountaineering skills on their slopes.
Listen to a Roadside Story about the Southern Alps. Roadside Stories is a series of audio guides to places around New Zealand.
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