South Island
Welcome to South Island, a Temperate island in the Tasman Sea, part of the majestic Pacific Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes South Island unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of South Island
Size: 150683 km²
Coastline: 7983 km
Ocean: Pacific Ocean
Sea: Tasman Sea
Continent: Oceania
South Island is a Colossal Island spanning 150683 km² with a coastline of 7983 km.
Archipel: Polynesia – A region of more than 1,000 islands in the central and southern Pacific Ocean, known for their diverse Polynesian cultures, stunning landscapes, and marine biodiversity.
Tectonic Plate: Pacific – The world’s largest tectonic plate, covering much of the Pacific Ocean, known for the Pacific Ring of Fire with extensive seismic and volcanic activity.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: -43.98458749 / Longitude: 170.4821
Climate and weather of South Island
Climate Zone: Temperate
Climate Details: Temperate Oceanic Climate
Temperature: Warm Summer
Climate Characteristics: Known for its moderate year-round temperatures with ample rainfall and no dry season. Warm summers are characteristic.
Topography and nature of South Island
Timezone: UTC+12:00
Timezone places: Pacific/Auckland
Max. Elevation: 3755 m Mt. Cook
Mean Elevation: 628 m
Vegetation: Herbaceous Cover
Tree Coverage: 39%
The mean elevation is 628 m. Dominating the island’s landscape, the majestic “Mt. Cook” rises as the highest peak, soaring to impressive heights. The island is characterized by Mountains: High, steeply elevated landforms. Characterized by both a high maximum elevation (over 500 meters) and a high mean elevation, creating rugged, mountainous terrains on islands.
Dominating Vegetation: Herbaceous Cover
Comprising mainly of grasses, herbs, and ferns, these areas are common in prairies, meadows, and savannas, and can vary widely in species composition. South Island has a tree cover of 39 %.
Vegetation: 14 vegetation zones – Exceptionally Diverse Island
Islands with more than ten vegetation zones are among the most ecologically rich and varied in the world. These islands are akin to miniature continents, boasting an incredible array of ecosystems. The sheer range of habitats, from high peaks to deep valleys, rainforests to deserts, creates a mosaic of life that is unparalleled. They are crucial for conservation and ecological studies.
Infrastructure and Travelling to South Island
Does the island have a public airport? yes.
South Island has a public and scheduled airport. The following airports are located on this island: Christchurch International Airport, Dunedin International Airport, Hokitika Airfield, Nelson Airport, Invercargill Airport, Oamaru Airport, Picton Aerodrome, Queenstown International Airport, Timaru Airport, Woodbourne Airport, Wanaka Airport, Westport Airport.
Does the island have a major port? yes.
South Island is home to a major port. The following ports are situated on the island: COLLINGWOOD, NELSON, PICTON, PORT LYTTELTON, AKAROA, TIMARU, BLUFF HARBOR, GREYMOUTH, WESTPORT, TARAKOHE.
The mean population of South Island is 8 per km². South Island is Gently Populated. The island belongs to New Zealand.
The name of the island resonates across different cultures and languages. Here is how it is known around the world: Arabic: الجزيرة الجنوبية; German: Südinsel; Spanish: Isla Sur; French: Île du Sud; Portuguese: Ilha Sul; Russian: Южный остров; Chinese: 南島
Continuing your journey, Long is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
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New Zealand is classified as Developed region: G7: Group of Seven – Major advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The level of income is High income: OECD.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from South Island
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from South Island. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
Social Media Posts about South Island
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.