Results are presented from direct measurements of subsurface currents at ten coastal positions around the southern half of New Zealand, and from geomagnetic electrokinetograph measurements of surface currents between these positions. Currents on the continental shelf were predominantly tidal. Strongest mean flows were found on the continental slope adjacent to areas where the continental shelf is narrowest. The flow on the west coast of the South Island was southwards south of 44° S, with a maximum mean speed at a depth of 100 m of 0.64 m.s‐1. On the east coast of the South Island the flow was generally towards the north, with a maximum speed at a depth of 100 m of 0.21 m.s‐1near latitude 42° 30’ S.