New Zealand: The South Island

Overview

The regions/unitary districts of the South Island described below are arranged geographically, roughly north to south, rather than alphabetically.

Tasman

Tasman is a region at the northern tip of the South Island. Its northern corner includes the prominent, narrow peninsula, Farewell Spit, and the Kahurangi National Park. The south and east of the region are dominated by undulating countryside. Tasman has three national parks, which comprise almost 60 per cent of the total area. The population is around 45,000, only 1.1 per cent of New Zealand’s total, and most of Tasman’s urban population (around 11,000) lives in the Richmond area. Tasman has the country’s highest percentage of people of European background, nearly 97 per cent. Community spirit is important in the region and Tasman has a higher proportion of people involved in voluntary work than any other region.

The Tasman region’s major industries are agriculture (it’s New Zealand’s main hop growing area), fishing and forestry, and there’s a significant population of artists and craftspeople (more than in any other region of New Zealand). It’s also a popular place to retire and has a growing viticultural sector.

Nelson

The region of Nelson mostly comprises, and is dominated by, the city of Nelson. Geographically, the region is split into five areas: the alpine lakes and rivers around Nelson Lakes; the parks around Golden Bay; the coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park; the horticultural land of Mapua, Motueka and Moutere; and the urban centres of Nelson and Richmond. The economy is based on agriculture and natural resources.

Marlborough

Marlborough is a region in the north-east of the South Island. The southern section is mountainous, while the central area contains extensive plains, in the middle of which is the town of Blenheim. This area, which is where the majority of the region’s population lives, has a temperate climate and fertile soils, and it has become the centre of New Zealand’s highly successful wine production industry. The north coast of Marlborough is very attractive, as it’s made up of the ‘drowned’ valleys of the Marlborough Sounds. Agriculture and the exploitation of natural resources are the mainstays of the region’s economy.

West Coast

The West Coast is a long, thin region, 600km/375mi in length, covering much of the west coast of the South Island. It seems a land apart to many New Zealanders, being remote, although beautiful, and inhabited by people with a peculiar (in the proper sense of the word) identity. The region is often known simply as ‘The Coast’ and its inhabitants are called Coasters.

To the west of the West Coast region lies the Tasman Sea, and to the east are the Southern Alps. Much of the region’s land is rugged and most of the population lives on the coastal plains. West Coast is noted for its beautiful, varied terrain, with wild coastlines, mountains and native bush, some of which is temperate rain forest. West Coast has very high rainfall (hence the rain forest) due to the prevailing north-west winds and the proximity of the Southern Alps.

The West Coast region has a small population (around 32,000), and the main towns are Greymouth, Hokitika and Westport. Local industries include farming, fishing, forestry, mining for alluvial gold and coal, tourism and wood processing. The region is home to one of New Zealand’s last independent dairy co-operatives, the Westland Dairy Company, which remained independent when most farmer-owned dairies merged to form Fonterra, the world’s largest, farmer-owned dairy co-operative.

Canterbury

Canterbury is New Zealand’s largest region, covering 42,200km2 (16,290mi2) and the majority of the east coast of the South Island. The Canterbury Plains make up much of the region of Canterbury and the land is suitable for reasonably intensive agriculture, but prone to droughts.

Much of Canterbury’s population lives in a series of large and small settlements spread north-east to south-west along the plains, joined by State Highway 1. Canterbury is the region’s main city. The economy is dependent on various manufacturing industries, particularly beverages, food and tobacco, and tourism is also important.

Otago

The Otago region is in the south-east of the South Island. It covers 32,000km2 (12,350mi2), making it New Zealand’s second-largest region, with a population of 185,000. The major centre is Dunedin. Kaitangata is a major coal source, but the economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and its related manufacturing industries, especially food and tobacco. Tourism is also important to the economy, as is Otago University.

Southland

Southland is (unsurprisingly) New Zealand’s most southern region. It’s an area of physical contrast, including Fiordland, a rugged area of fiords, lakes and mountains; rolling hills and plains; and Stewart Island across the Foveaux Strait, which is rich in native bush and wildlife. Southland also has a variety of climates, wet in Fiordland and drier in the north. The air quality in the region is better than in much of the rest of the country.

Southland has long been the centre of New Zealand’s sheep farming industry and has recently diversified into beef production, dairy farming, deer farming, forestry and horticulture. Other major industries are dairy processing, fertiliser production, fishing, manufacturing, meat processing and tourism. Southland also has a vibrant cottage industry producing carvings, pottery and sculptures, and the region is rich in raw materials, including 65 per cent of New Zealand’s coal reserves.

Southland has one city, Invercargill, and many of the region’s people have Scottish ancestry. Its farming success is mainly the result of Scottish agricultural experience.

© Survival Books Limited 2006

“Buying a Home in Australia & New Zealand” 1st Edition, Graeme Chesters.
Reproduced with the permission of Survival Books Limited.

Further information on this topic can be found in “Buying a Home in Australia & New Zealand” 1st edition, by Graeme Chesters.

For extensive information about buying a property in Australia & New Zealand, you can purchase this book at www.survivalbooks.net