South Island to get its own Lonely Planet guide

Mt Aspiring National Park in Central Otago, one of the South Island's spectacular spots. Photo / Supplied

The world's leading travel book publisher is producing a travel guide dedicated to the South Island.

The Lonely Planet guide is due to be published in April and because it covers only one island, will be less bulky than an edition which covers the whole of New Zealand.

Christchurch Canterbury Tourism CEO Christine Prince says the book is aimed at travellers who go only to the South Island.

She says the South Island is no longer seen as a tag-on destination to the North Island but a destination in its own right and that Lonely Planet obviously believes there is a huge demand for such a publication.

"To some extent publication of this book represents a coming of age for the South Island and a global acknowledgement that what we offer sets us apart from other destinations."

Ms Prince says a dedicated book will be able to include more destinations and attractions.

She believes the guide is testimony to the richness and diversity of the Mainland.

- NEWSTALK ZB