South Island, New Zealand

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

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

The island was named 'Te Waka a Maui' by the Maori as 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 by the Maori as 'Te Wai Pounamu' meaning 'The Waters of Greenstone'.

The largest city in the South Island is Christchurch, known as 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.

As of the 2006 census, the South Island held a resident population of approximately 967,900.
 

Main Regions in the South Island

• Nelson & Abel Tasman National Park - known for its year-round sunshine, golden beaches and national parks
• Marlborough (Blenheim) - regularly records the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand
• West Coast (Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers) - a wild place known for rivers and rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures
• Christchurch - largest city in the South Island, known as the 'Garden City'
• Aoraki/Mt Cook - highest point in New Zealand at 3754 meters
• Wanaka - Otago's second resort town after Queenstown
• Queenstown - premier four season alpine retreat, known as the 'Adventure Capital of the World'
• Dunedin - New Zealand's oldest city
• Te Anau & Fiordland National Park - one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand
• Stewart Island - an island about 75 kilometres long and up to 45 kilometres wide