The South Island of New Zealand is an adventurer’s playground showcasing the best that nature has to offer, with towering Alps, majestic fjords and sounds, and rugged coastlines merging into sweeping plains.
Where else in the world would you find an area so blessed with unique wildlife, world class ski fields, renowned vineyards, spectacular scenery offered by no less than 10 national parks, and some of the most down-to-earth people you’re ever likely to meet?
The South Island covers a geographical area of 151,215 square kilometres and is home to a population of just over 1 million. There are four main regions that make up the island – Nelson-Marlborough, Canterbury, West Coast and Southland. The distance between the North and South Islands is 24km at its shortest, however the ferry route between Wellington and Picton is 92km.
Up the top of the South Island you will enjoy the country’s highest average sunshine hours per year, the world-renowned wine making region of Nelson-Marlborough, famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, as well as the stunning Abel Tasman National Park.
The Canterbury region is host to the island’s largest city, Christchurch, which forms the gateway to the majestic Southern Alps, and a hub for exploring the South Island. Over the Alps is the untouched rural haven of the West Coast, with heritage-listed National Parks and the spectacular 12km long Franz Josef Glacier.
The southernmost part of the island, Southland, is an absolutely stunning region with the idyllic “Remarkables” mountain range, the breathtaking Milford Sound, and the adventure and ski hub of Queenstown.
As a doctor, the South Island has plenty to offer. A haven for Registrars, there are plentiful opportunities across all specialties in a range of urban and regional/rural settings. Positions exist in large departments in tertiary teaching hospital environments, as well as community outreach services and smaller rural Accident and Emergency facilities.
New Zealand enjoys a well-structured medical system, and District Health Boards offer world-class training with a number of teaching hospitals, a focus on career progression, and close collaboration with local Universities. Many Registrar roles are recognised and accredited by the Australian and New Zealand specialty colleges for advanced specialty training.
The area is home to a large number of International Medical Graduates, allowing for an easy and supported transition into the New Zealand Health System. Credentialing and relocation processes are exceptionally transparent in New Zealand and are often far less strenuous than those of neighbouring Australia, with agencies like International Medical Recruitment on hand to guide you through every step.
If you love the outdoors and are looking for a welcoming work environment that promotes quality training, close working relationships with Consultants, and an unbeatable work/life balance, then a Registrar role on the South Island is the perfect option. The main Registrar intake commences in December each year, but there are opportunities available at different times dependent on department requirements.
You can look to take on a fixed period role, or even consider a more permanent move – who knows, you might fall in love with the place. This is the adventure capital of the world, and with career opportunities to match, what is stopping you from starting your own South Island adventure in 2013?
