# NZ Topo50 South Island — Complete offline 1:50k map

> Offline topographic maps and navigation for New Zealand's South Island. (iPhone/iPad app by Right Place Resources.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nz-topo50-south-island/id605676156 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Right Place Resources](https://appshunter.io/developer/522317291)
- Category: Navigation, Sports
- Price: $3.99 with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.10/5 from 9 App Store ratings · 68 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.6 · 2.8 GB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2013-02-27
- Data updated: 2026-08-26
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nz-topo50-south-island/id605676156/reviews.md

## What is NZ Topo50 South Island?

This app provides complete offline topographic map coverage of the South Island of New Zealand from the LINZ Topo50 1:50k scale map series.  The maps are all contained in the installation so there is no additional need for downloads, no need for phone or wifi signal, no slow server issues, no account signups, no missing tiles, and no additional map fees. Just install for seamless off-line zooming and panning across the whole island down to 1:50k scale. The app also includes 1:50k resolution satellite images for the island, and elevation data. Additional aerial imagery and vector map can be downloaded.

Other integrated data includes DOC hunting permit boundaries, DOC huts, campgrounds, and tracks, Fish and Game access points, Te Araroa trails, Public Conservation Land boundaries, selected public road parcels, and many more.

The app has a full suite of navigation functions including GPS location, compass orientation, distance to map locations, track recording and graphing, route creation and following, hillshade and slope angle overlays, import/export of gpx and kml files, search functions for named places and user data. Add and edit your own locations and routes and plot elevation profiles. Set proximity alarms. Live location sharing. Use your camera view to identify surrounding peaks and match with local topography. Uses an intuitive simple interface with one-touch access to all functions.

LINZ TOPO250 series maps are used at lower zoom levels for easier navigation.

Perfect for outback use out of cell phone range. GPS and maps function fully without phone coverage. No need to cache files in advance either as they are all fully installed with the app. Popular with trampers, hikers, runners, bikers, search and rescue (SAR), hunters, boaters, flying, paragliding, as well as survey applications.

Note that continuous use of GPS will run down the battery faster than when not using the GPS. The NZTopo50 app gives you full control over when GPS is used. The map can be used without GPS, intermittently with GPS for spot checking of location, continuously for logging while the app is open, or for continuous background logging when the phone is off. 

Check our website for links to user guides and useful tips and tricks.

The in-app purchases are for an optional contribution to ongoing app development, or for selected additional third party data sets. They don't affect the functionality of the app or the availability of updates.

Feel free to get in touch with any suggestions.

## Key features

- Offline topographic map coverage
- 1:50k resolution satellite images
- Integrated land and track data
- GPS location and compass orientation
- Track recording and route creation
- GPX/KML file import/export
- Camera view peak identification

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: $3.99.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Product Support | $0.99 | one-time |
| App support donation | $5.99 | one-time |


## Chart rankings

- #69 in Top Paid · Navigation (US App Store)

## Recent user reviews (10 of 68)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nz-topo50-south-island/id605676156/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Brilliant

*2026-05-17, version 6.03.03*

Take time to learn even the basics and you will be very happy with this app. Just had a week on Stewart Island and it performed flawlessly.

### 5/5 — BEST APP FOR THE NZ BUSH

*2026-04-28*

Excellent navigation tool set. Comprehensive yet simple to use. Nothing else comes close.

### 4/5 — Sharing GPX files

*2026-02-15, version 6.02.02*

Unable to share GPX or KML files to iPhone 13 ,constantly getting error codes

### 5/5 — Great app

*2026-02-06, version 6.01.07*

This has replaced my GPS. Nice app. Thanks.

### 4/5 — Good

*2026-02-02, version 6.01.07*

Great app but need an account so if phone is lost or reset you don’t loose all your way points an tracks

### 5/5 — worth the money

*2026-01-04, version 6.01.07*

done a few walks now and this app is really worth the money for doc walks and huts. finding your location on the offline map works well without cell coverage.

### 5/5 — Amazing app

*2025-12-14*

Cost effective . Thank you for a such a good app. Which works offline too . I cannot imagine my solo backcountry hike without it.

### 5/5 — Fantastic trusted partner for years

*2025-11-03, version 6.01.03*

I love the recent improvements made to the app but have simply enjoyed it since my first use ~5 years ago! It’s been my primary source of navigation in the hills since downloading and it simply does what’s required.

### 1/5 — Terrible update

*2025-08-31, version 6.00.05*

This app was the best thing for hunting and tracking now since the update it Berly works, made it far to complicated with layers the doc hits stand out way to big and it’s harder to search for places, why fix something that’s not broken

### 5/5 — Best Maps App

*2025-08-04, version 6.00.05*

This app is better and more accurate than an expensive Garmin gps. Everything a backcountry hunter needs.

## Frequently asked questions about NZ Topo50 South Island

### What does this app do?

This app provides comprehensive offline topographic map coverage of New Zealand's South Island at a 1:50k scale. It includes satellite imagery, elevation data, and integrated information on tracks, huts, and land boundaries, allowing for navigation without a phone signal.

### What are the key features?

Key features include offline map access, GPS location tracking, compass orientation, track recording, route creation, hillshade overlays, and the ability to import/export GPX and KML files. It also offers camera view peak identification and integrated data for DOC and Fish and Game areas.

### Is this app free to use?

The app itself is free to install and use with its core offline map functionality. There are optional in-app purchases available for contributions to ongoing development or for selected additional third-party data sets, but these do not affect the app's core functionality or updates.

### What devices is this app compatible with?

The app is designed for mobile devices and functions fully without phone or Wi-Fi signal, as all maps are contained within the installation. It is popular with a wide range of outdoor users and professionals.

### When would I use this app?

This app is perfect for outback use when out of cell phone range, such as during hiking, hunting, biking, or any activity where reliable offline maps and navigation are crucial. It ensures you can locate yourself and navigate effectively even without a signal.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 6.04.02 — 2026-07-01

Vector map. Updates to location sharing settings. Another level of aerial image detail added.

### 6.03.03 — 2026-05-09

Minor layout changes

### 6.03.02 — 2026-05-04

Minor UI changes and other updates.

### 6.02.03 — 2026-04-18

New quick links for turning data layers on/off
Location sharing and live tracking, including support for Satellite networks
Set proximity and departure notifications
Import/Export dialog boxes to give more options over formatting
Full uncompressed topographic map images can be downloaded for improved map clarity
More options for editing routes - long press to add points, tap to join together with existing tracks
Other UI improvements to graphs and information

### 6.02.02 — 2026-02-09

Updated map tiles.
Stop/Pause confirmation for track recording.

## Apps similar to NZ Topo50 South Island

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Gaia GPS: Mobile Trail Maps](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gaia-gps-mobile-trail-maps/id1201979492) | 4.8 (32,155) | Free | Navigation |
| [3D Offline Maps: GPS tracker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-offline-maps-gps-tracker/id1629505231) | 4.6 (629) | Free | Navigation |
| [GPS Tracker: Offline Maps, GPX](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gps-tracker-offline-maps-gpx/id1536318799) | 4.6 (609) | Free | Navigation |
| [Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/avenza-maps-offline-mapping/id388424049) | 4.8 (127,094) | Free | Navigation |
| [onX Hunt: GPS Hunting Maps](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/onx-hunt-gps-hunting-maps/id672902340) | 4.9 (274,288) | Free | Navigation |
| [Offline Maps: GPS Tracker GPX](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/offline-maps-gps-tracker-gpx/id1550438866) | 4.7 (49) | $5.99 | Navigation |

## More apps by Right Place Resources

- [NZ Topo50 North Island](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nz-topo50-north-island/id602524763)
- [GBTopoMap](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gbtopomap/id1459418901)
- [NZ Charts](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nz-charts/id6449663401)

All apps by Right Place Resources: https://appshunter.io/developer/522317291

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-26.*
