South Island, New Zealand Population

As of June 2020, the population of the South Island was estimated to be 1,062,300. This is an increase of 6.8% from the census taken in 2013. The majority of the population lives in the urban areas of Christchurch (386,000), Dunedin (127,000), and Invercargill (51,000).

The remaining population is spread throughout the many rural towns and settlements. The largest town outside of the three main cities is Timaru with a population of 43,000. The South Island has a much smaller population than the North Island (4,471,000 as of June 2020) but it is growing at a faster rate.

In 2013, the South Island’s population was 968,700 which means that it has grown by nearly 100,000 people in seven years. Christchurch is the only city on the island with a population over 300,000 and it is also New Zealand’s second largest city behind Auckland. The small size of many towns on the South Island results in close-knit communities where everyone knows each other.

This can be both good and bad – good because you always have someone to rely on and bad because there is no escaping your reputation! The slower pace of life appeals to many people who move here from larger cities looking for a better lifestyle balance. If you’re thinking about moving to New Zealand or are already living here and considering a move to the South Island then you should definitely check out some of our beautiful towns and cities.

South Island New Zealand Attractions New Zealand’s South Island is home to some of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. Christchurch, the island’s largest city, is a gateway to the stunning scenery of the Southern Alps. Adventure seekers can go skiing or snowboarding in winter, or hiking and mountain biking in summer.

Other popular activities include kayaking, rafting, and bungy jumping. Queenstown, often referred to as the adventure capital of New Zealand, is another must-visit destination on the South Island. Here you can try your hand at everything from jet boating and whitewater rafting to sky diving and zip lining.