Abstract Occurrences of bottom-simulating reflectors (BSRs), related to the presence of gas hydrates, previously have been observed across a widespread zone on the active continental margin associated with the incipient Puysegur subduction zone, southeast of the South Island of New Zealand. However, unlike New Zealand's other large gas-hydrate province located on the active Hikurangi margin, east of the North Island, the Fiordland BSRs have not been described in terms of their seismic characteristics or distribution. Five seismic reflection data sets are analyzed here to identify a region of BSRs covering approximately 2200 km 2 (849 mi 2 ). The BSRs identified in this region exhibit classic characteristics indicative of a reflector at the base of the gas-hydrate stability zone: (1) they predominantly have a negative polarity, implying a decrease in acoustic impedance; (2) they crosscut strata; and (3) they have a variable amplitude-versus-offset response, indicating the presence of free gas below the reflector. Localized regions of acoustic blanking may be observed at some points above strong BSRs. The lack of information on the sedimentary characteristics of the Fiordlandmargin limits our ability to quantify the gas-hydrate deposits in this province. However, a significant proportion (16%) of the mapped region contains structural and stratigraphic features that can focus the upward flow of fluids and may therefore correspond to regions of increased hydrate concentrations.