The South Island forms one of the two major islands of New Zealand, the other being the North Island. The Maori name for the South Island is Te Wai Pounamu which means "The Greenstone Water" (greenstone being jade), or Te Waka a Maui which means "Maui's Canoe".
In the 19th century, some maps named the South Island as Middle Island (or New Ulster), and the name South Island (or New Leinster) was attributed to today's Stewart Island/Rakiura.
It has an area of 151,215 square km (58,093 square miles), making it the world's 12th-largest island. Along its west coast runs the mountain chain of the Southern Alps; Aoraki/Mount Cook is the highest point, 3,754 m (12,283.3') above sea level.
The South Island is often called the Mainland (somewhat humorously) because it is larger than the North Island, and because it existed first according to the corresponding Maori legend. The North island, however, is more populous, being home to three million out of a total of four million Kiwis.
The South Island forms one of the two major islands of New Zealand, the other being the North Island. The Maori name for the South Island is Te Wai Pounamu which means "The Greenstone Water" (greenstone being jade), or Te Waka a Maui which means "Maui's Canoe".
In the 19th century, some maps named the South Island as Middle Island (or New Ulster), and the name South Island (or New Leinster) was attributed to today's Stewart Island/Rakiura.
It has an area of 151,215 square km (58,093 square miles), making it the world's 12th-largest island. Along its west coast runs the mountain chain of the Southern Alps; Aoraki/Mount Cook is the highest point, 3,754 m (12,283.3') above sea level.
The South Island is often called the Mainland (somewhat humorously) because it is larger than the North Island, and because it existed first according to the corresponding Maori legend. The North island, however, is more populous, being home to three million out of a total of four million Kiwis.
Historical provinces of the South Island
Nelson, Otago, Canterbury, Marlborough, Westland, Southland
Cities and towns in the South Island
Alexandra, Ashburton, Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, Greymouth, Hokitika, Kaikoura, Mosgiel, Methven, Murchison, Nelson, Oamaru, Omarama, Picton, Queenstown, Te Anau, Timaru, Waikouaiti, Waimate, Wanaka, Westport |
