South Pacific Current

The South Pacific Current is an ocean current in the Southern Hemisphere that flows eastward. It is part of the larger circulation system of the Pacific Ocean and is influenced by prevailing winds.

This current originates from a branch of the Pacific South Equatorial Current, which flows westward. As the Pacific South Equatorial Current reaches approximately 180° longitude, it splits. One part turns north, while another veers south to become the East Australian Current and a flow that passes east of New Zealand. This flow then feeds into the South Pacific Current and the West Wind Drift, which move eastward.1

The South Pacific Current eventually turns northward around 80° to 90° W longitude, with its waters eventually returning to the South Equatorial Current. The cold Antarctic Circumpolar Current flows between Antarctica and the South Pacific Current, framing the Pacific Ocean's border with the Southern Ocean.2