Why are the mountains of new zealand called the southern alps?

Question

Why are the mountains of new zealand called the southern alps?

Answer 1

The Southern Alps were named by Captain Cook on March 23, 1770, who described their 'prodigious height'

Answer 2

what we know as the Alps in the world are in Europe ie The Swiss Alps The French Alps The austrian alps etc. but New Zealands Alps the largest in Australiasia are in the Southern part of the world so it makes sense really for them to be known as The Southern Alps.