About us

South Port is New Zealand's southernmost commercial port, located at Bluff and operating year-round.

It is situated in the rich productive province of Southland, which is responsible for generating a sizeable proportion of New Zealand’s total exports by value. The region’s major cargo producing sites are all situated within 30 to 80km
of the Port.

The Port of Bluff has been operating since 1877, while the Company was formed in 1988, having taken over the assets and liabilities of the former Southland Harbour Board.

South Port was listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) in 1994 and has Environment Southland, the region’s local government environmental agency, as its 66% majority shareholder. It is the only Southland-based company listed on NZX.

South Port established its off-port Intermodal Freight Centre (IFC) in July 2016. Strategically located adjacent to the KiwiRail railhead in Invercargill, the IFC allows importers and exporters in the Southland and Otago regions to distribute their products in a timely and efficient manner.

South Port is one of the major employers in the region, governed by a Board of five Independent, and one non-independent Directors and employing more than 140 full-time equivalent staff.

A snapshot of what we do

These key statistics are from the previous financial reporting year.

Read more

South Port is Southland’s key gateway to global trade

The Port handles over 3.4 million tonnes of import and export cargo in a normal trading year, offering full container, break bulk, and bulk cargo capability, and services the main following cargoes:

Import

  • Alumina
  • Petroleum products
  • Fertiliser
  • Acid
  • Stock food
  • Cement


Export

  • Aluminium
  • Timber
  • Logs
  • Dairy
  • Meat by-products
  • Fish
  • Woodchips

Our purpose defines our existence. Our focus describes our delivery and values show our actions.

At South Port, everything we do is guided by a clear purpose, focused goals, and a set of core values. Together, they steer how we operate, grow, and serve our people, communities, and customers.

A day in the life at South Port

Being a busy port, it is imperative our teams all work well together so we are able to deliver an exceptional experience for all of our users.