South Island

New Zealands South Island

New Zealands south island is the larger of the two main islands but is actually less populated than the northern island with a population of around 1.2 million people.

The largest city on the south island is Christchurch, with a population of almost 400,000.

The South Island is broken up into 6 areas that each have so much to do and see.

Canterbury covers the central eastern area of the south island. Its main city is Christchurch, which is unfortunately more well known for its recent earthquakes. The city is still rebuilding and is really up and coming.
Marlborough is to the north east and is famous for its wine region. The town of Picton is also the main port to get across on the ferry to the North Island.
Nelson – Tasman is well known for the the Abel Tasman national park and all of the activities you can do around the area. It has some of the south islands most iconic beaches.
Otago is the adrenaline junkies paradise. The main focal point being Queenstown but there are so many place around the area to go and see. Dunedin is the most populated City in Otago, but during the peak winter and summer months you’d think it was Queenstown with everyone flocking there for the snow or the summer holidays.
Southland is New Zealands southern most region and includes Stewart Island. Southland is a lot cooler than most of New Zealand due to its distance away from the equator. It is great for exploring mountains, fjords and glaciers in Fiordland and its most iconic for Milford Sound.
The West Cost of New Zealands south island is very scenic. With wild coastland, glaciers, high mountains and native bushland. It is very rough and rugged. It’s well known for its Gold rush towns which are now mainly aimed at tourism. Population is very sparse on thee West Coast, so you’ll not have to worry about crowds.