1. Tasman
The Tasman region was formed in 1992 and is in the Western corner of the North end of the South Island of New Zealand. The largest town in Tasman is Motueka, with a population of over 8,000 people. According to Māori tradition, Tasman was settled by the Waitaha people in the 12th Century. Take a trip to the powerful Maruia falls and visit one of the regions three National Parks: Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Lakes National Park or Kahurangi National Park. The region and one of the national parks take their name from Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who sailed into Golden Bay in 1642.
2. Nelson (Whakatū)
Bordered to the West by Tasman and the East by Marlborough, Nelson City has a population of around 50,000 people and is New Zealand’s Geographical centre of both islands of New Zealand – a walk to the centre is recommended! There are plenty of other things to do in Nelson, you can go outdoors to experience Tahunanui Beach, alternatively you can spend some time indoors at the World of Wearable Art & Classic Cars Museum.
3. Marlborough
With only two urban areas with a population of 1000 people or more, Blenheim (Waiharakeke), population 30,000 and Picton (population 5,000), Marlborough as a region is a scenic wonderland located at the Northernmost point of the South Island. This area is most famous for its incredible sights, wine and the picturesque Marlborough Sounds.
4. West Coast (Te Tai Poutini)
With more than 32,000 people, the rugged West Coast has an abundance of pounamu (greenstone), gold, timber and coal, which attracted many settlers to the area in the mid 1800’s. Mining is still a key industry, along with fishing, forestry and farming. There are only four towns with over 1,000 people, these are: Greymouth, Westport, Hokitika and Reefton. While most people visit pancake rocks and the glaciers, beat the crowds by spending some time at Haast world heritage area and the Hokitika gorge.
5. Canterbury (Waitaha)
With over 600,000 people living in the region, it is the second most populous area in New Zealand. The major city is Christchurch, with the smaller cities/towns of Timaru, Ashburton, Rangiora and Rolleston also having over 10,000 people. Visit Methven if you’re looking to ski/snowboard/mountain bike (season-depending) up Mount Hutt or take a trip to Tekapo for beautiful lakeside activities and a pristine Southern Alps backdrop to marvel at.
6. Otago
The total population of Otago is over 220,000 people. With over 120,000 in Dunedin, 15,000 Queenstown and 13,000 Oamaru. A trip to Central Otago is a must, with plenty of places to see, including the Otago Central Rail Trail. In Dunedin, visit St Clair and St Kilda’s beaches or take a stroll around the heritage buildings such as the Railway Station, St Paul’s Cathedral, Law Courts and Olveston Historic Home.
7. Southland (Murihiku)
With a population of just under 100,000 people, Southland also includes Stewart Island. Its most populated urban area is Invercargill (50,000 people) and Gore (10,000 people). In these two cities alone, thee is over 60% of the population. This is the region where the legendary Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound can be explored – there are plenty of places to go here – we recommend exploring with the help of locals.
Note: Population figures for each region were ascertained by searching stats at figure.nz
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