A number of geographic features are worth noting. The most impressive feature on the South Island is the dominating presence of the Southern Alps. From the coastal plains of Canterbury and Southland, the mountains rise up to 3,754 meters at the highest peak. There are fiords, steep valleys and glaciers, all of which make for rugged scenery. New Zealand's rugged landscape continues below the surface of the ocean.
Deep canyons extend offshore.
The cold waters of Antarctica upwell from the depths and mix with warmer Pacific water. The upwelling brings nutrients from the sea floor and the end result is a boost to the food web. Fish and other marine organisms abound in these waters, both in numbers and diversity. These food-rich waters, deep and cold, are a natural attraction for giant squid.