The geostrophic flow and direct current measurements in the inflow of the Southland Current into the Hikurangi Trench east of New Zealand confirm the geostrophic circulation pattern previously found. The northwards inflow of the Southland Current at the latitude of the Chatham Rise (44°S) is estimated at 1.7 × 106m3.s‐1, which compares favourably with that of 1.2 × 106m3.s‐1calculated previously off Kaikoura.