<Tr> <Th> Location </Th> <Td> South Island, New Zealand </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Range coordinates </Th> <Td> 43 ° 30 ′ S 170 ° 30 ′ E ﻿ / ﻿ 43.500 ° S 170.500 ° E ﻿ / - 43.500; 170.500 Coordinates: 43 ° 30 ′ S 170 ° 30 ′ E ﻿ / ﻿ 43.500 ° S 170.500 ° E ﻿ / - 43.500; 170.500 </Td> </Tr> <P> The Southern Alps (Māori: Kā Tiritiri - o - te - Moana) is a mountain range extending along much of the length of New Zealand's South Island, reaching its greatest elevations near the range's western side . The name "Southern Alps" generally refers to the entire range, although separate names are given to many of the smaller ranges that form part of it . </P> <P> The range includes the South Island's Main Divide, which separates the water catchments of the more heavily populated eastern side of the island from those on the west coast . Politically, the Main Divide forms the boundary between the Canterbury and West Coast Regions . </P>

Where is the southern alps on a map