South Island

South Island, the larger of New Zealand’s two main islands, boasts stunning landscapes, from majestic mountains to pristine lakes, in the heart of the Pacific Ocean.

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.

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

Latest UPSC Exam 2025 Updates

Last updated on June, 2025

UPSC Notification 2025 was released on 22nd January 2025.

UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025  are available now.

UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.

→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.

UPSC Mains 2025 will be conducted on 22nd August 2025.

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!

UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.

→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi

Vajiram Editor
Vajiram Editor
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,75,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
UPSC Prelims Test Series
UPSC Prelims Test Series
₹6000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mains Test Series
UPSC Mains Test Series
₹16000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹85000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now