Back Suideiland Afrikaans Isla d'o Sud AN Sūþīeg ANG الجزيرة الجنوبية Arabic لݣزيرة دلجانوب ARY الجزيره الجنوبيه ARZ Islla Sur AST Cənub adası (Yeni Zelandiya) Azerbaijani Көньяҡ утрау (Яңы Зеландия) Bashkir Nusa Kelod BAN
Te Waipounamu (Māori) | |
|---|---|
 | |
  South Island | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Oceania |
| Coordinates | 43°59′S 170°27′E / 43.983°S 170.450°E |
| Archipelago | New Zealand |
| Area | 150,437 km2 (58,084 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 12th |
| Length | 840 km (522 mi) |
| Coastline | 5,842 km (3630.1 mi) |
| Highest elevation | 3,724 m (12218 ft) |
| Highest point | Aoraki / Mount Cook |
| Administration | |
The South Island is the larger of the two main islands of New Zealand. It is separated from the North Island by Cook Strait. The South Island covers 151,215 square kilometres (58,384 sq mi) and has a temperate climate. It is also known by its Māori name, Te Wai Pounamu. About 24% of New Zealand's population live in the South Island.