south island

The South Island is the largest of the two main islands of New Zealand, and is the southern-most of the two islands. It has an area of 151,215 square kilometres (58,093 square miles), making it the 12th largest island in the world.

The west coast is under the Southern Alps mountain ranges with Aoraki/Mount Cook being the highest point at 3,754 metres (12,316 feet) above sea level.

The island was named 'Te Waka a Maui' by the Maori - according to legend, the South Island is 'Maui's Canoe' that he used to fish the North Island out of the sea from. It is also known as 'Te Wai Pounamu' meaning 'The Waters of Greenstone'.

The largest city is Christchurch,the 'Garden City' because of its many stunningly beautiful gardens, and its tree-lined streets. Queenstown is also found in the South Island of New Zealand, world famous as a premier four-season retreat.

Main Regions in the South Island

Nelson - year-round sunshine, golden beaches and national parks
Marlborough - regularly records the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand
West Coast - a wild place full of rivers and rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures
Christchurch - largest city in the South Island
Aoraki/Mt Cook - highest point in New Zealand at 3754 metres
Wanaka - Otago's second resort town after Queenstown
Queenstown - premier four season alpine retreat, the 'Adventure Capital of the World'
Otago - has powerful, moody landscapes.
Dunedin - New Zealand's oldest city
Fiordland - one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand
Southland - New Zealand's southernmost region
Stewart Island - an island about 75 kilometres long and up to 45 kilometres wide