South Island

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South Island Larger of the two principal islands that comprise New Zealand. Its chief cities are Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercarguill. The Southern Alps extend the length of the island, and separate the thickly forested w coast from the broad Canterbury Plains in the e. Cereal growing, sheep and cattle rearing, and dairying are important on the plains, and tourism is a valuable source of income in almost all parts. Area: 150,461sq km (58,093sq mi). Pop. (2001) 942,213.

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South Island

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