South Island

South Island Latest News

A strong 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck off New Zealand’s South Island recently.

About South Island

• It is the larger and southernmost of the two principal islands of New Zealand, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.
• It is separated from North Island to the north by Cook Strait and from Stewart Island to the south by Foveaux Strait.
• Mountainous terrain occupies almost three-quarters of South Island, with a central mountain chain, the Southern Alps, trending southwest to northeast and culminating at Mount Cook (3,754 metres).
• The Southern Alps separate the narrow coastal strip of the Westland Plain (west) from the broad Canterbury Plains (east). 
• Fiordland National Park in the southwest is a distinctive area with its numerous coastal fjords (inlets) and high lakes. 
• The park is part of the Te Wāhipounamu (South West New Zealand) area of protected wilderness along the west side of the island that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990.
• Lakes: Includes Lake Tekapo, Lake Wakatipu, and Lake Pukaki.
• It has several large urban areas—including Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill.

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South Island FAQs

Q1. Where is South Island located?

Ans. It is the larger and southernmost of the two principal islands of New Zealand, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.

Q2. What are the main cities in South Island?

Ans. Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill

Q3. Which strait separates South Island from North Island?

Ans. Cook Strait

Source: NIE