The South Island of New Zealand - also officially called Te Waipounamu in Māori - is known for its lakes, snow, and green mountains. As the larger but less populated of the country's two main islands, it is the perfect place to study for people who are keen to explore. Of course, you don't need to be adventurous to enjoy the area. From top universities to welcoming cities, there is a lot to recommend. For a thorough introduction, our South Island international student guide is here.
What is the South Island like?
Location and demographics
As already mentioned, the South Island is the largest of the two main islands of New Zealand, measuring 150,437 square kilometres, making it the world’s 12th largest island. The Southern Alps separate the South Island into two very different halves. The West Coast is wet and covered in thick forests. The eastern Canterbury Plains are much drier and temperate.
Although the South Island is larger, it’s 32 per cent bigger than the North Island), it’s less populated. The South Island is home to only 23 per cent of the country’s 5.1 million people.
The island’s largest city Christchurch is home to 377,900 people while Dunedin, the second largest city, has a population of 102,000. Other towns and cities (there are 13 of them) have much smaller populations.
Over 21 per cent of the islanders were born overseas in countries such as England, China, India, Australia, and the Philippines. International students would have no problems feeling at home on the island.
Culture and history
Charcoal drawings on rock caves on the island are estimated to be 500 to 800 years old and were drawn by early Māori. In the early 1800s Europeans took over the island, with the Māori people experiencing economic and social hardship as a result.
In 1861 gold was discovered on the island leading to a rush of people from other countries to the area. Dunedin was to become the wealthiest city in the country. Life on the South Island reflects this multicultural history in its food, art, and festivals.
What cities are on the South Island?
As it is less populated, there are fewer cities on the South Island and those there are much smaller. As mentioned above, the main cities are Christchurch and Dunedin. The much smaller city of Nelson (population of approximately 50,800) is on the east coast of Tasman Bay. It’s the oldest city on the South Island and the second oldest in New Zealand.
Invercargill is the southernmost and westernmost city in the country. Interesting fact - many of the streets in Invarcargill are named after rivers in Scotland. The other cities on the island have populations of well under 30,000.
How much does it cost to live on the South Island?
South Island is cheaper than the North Island, making it a more affordable option for international students. It’s estimated that an international student will need between NZD 275 to NZD 550 (USD 169 to USD 339) per month.
You can find more details in our article on how much it costs to study in New Zealand.
What services are there on the South Island?
The New Zealand government has a dedicated website for international students. The website offers advice, information, and guidance for anyone thinking about studying in the country. Their website covers areas such as:
- Visas and immigration
- Study and education
- Personal wellbeing
- Accommodation
- Money and banking
- Life and culture
- Healthcare
- Careers and working
Find out more about how to apply for a student visa in New Zealand.
What are the post-study options on the South Island?
A growing economy means that New Zealand needs 40,000 new workers a year, with many from overseas. Some professions are considered ‘high-need’, so any job featured in The Green List is fast-tracked through the immigration process.
The South Island’s economy is based on agriculture, fishing, tourism, manufacturing, education and health and with the country’s growing economy as mentioned above, there’s no shortage of work on the island. Larger companies such as Deloitte, McConnell Dowell, GHD and Baxter regularly advertise graduate opportunities.
Find out about the application process for a post-study visa and how to find top graduate careers in New Zealand.
What universities are on the South Island?
The three universities on the island are:
- University of Canterbury – The university can be found between the sea and the mountains in the city of Christchurch and received a five-star rating for research and teaching in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
- Lincoln University – the third oldest university in New Zealand. It is situated just outside the city of Christchurch. The university has over 3,000 students from over 80 countries.
- University of Otago – described as one of the most beautiful university campuses in the world, Otago is also popular with employers. 95 per cent of graduates go directly into work after completing their studies there.
Read more about the top universities in New Zealand and discover what university culture is like in the country.
What are the main attractions on the South Island?
There are too many to list, but here’s just an overview of what this island offers visitors and international students. If culture, food and art are the things you love then Christchurch, with its Lantern Festival in North Hagley Park and its Bread & Circus festival in January, is for you. Or you could visit New Zealand’s only castle – Larnach in Dunedin. There’s also the Steampunk HQ in Oamaru if that’s your thing.
The South Island is also famous for its wine production, so you could visit one of its many wineries and vineyards. Alternatively, take yourself to the Nelson Tasman region of the island with its long, golden beaches and national parks.
What must you see in the South Island?
The islands are so beautiful that it’s difficult to come up with a list of must-sees. Here is just a preview of where you could visit:
- Milford Sound / Piopiotahi is too beautiful to describe in words, with its cliffs, peaks and 1,000 metre waterfalls. You can visit by coach, cruise or kayaking tours or hike or trek the four-day track.
- Hokitika Gorge is a much shorter trek (more like a 15-minute walk), but equally beautiful.
- Mount Cook to Oamaru cycle trail is more than 300 kilometres. It takes you from Mount Cook in the Southern Alps to Oamaru on the Pacific Ocean.
If our student guide to the South Island of New Zealand has got you excited to experience more, why not discover what courses are on offer at its universities?
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