When considering a trip to New Zealand, your biggest question is going to be North or South. Ideally, your trip would include both, but not everyone can feasibly do a month-long trip around one of the most idyllic destinations in the world. So for most travellers, you’ll have to settle for just one.
Both islands are incredible in their own right, the north is a sweeping magical scape filled with Maori influence and the south has untouched wilderness that begs to be explored. In this article, we will help you determine which island is better for your New Zealand trip, North or South.
The North Island in Zealand is where you will find the capital, Wellington, as well as other cosmopolitan highlights like Auckland. The North is heavily influenced by Maori culture, making it a great place for individuals who want to experience something different.
The South Island is much more rustic, featuring small towns and farmland. The biggest city is Queenstown, often called ‘the adventure capital of the world’, where you will find many thrilling activities here. Across the South Island, there are many natural vistas and rolling valleys, which are perfect for hikers and fans of the great outdoors.
Most flights for the North Island will arrive at Auckland International Airport. You will likely need to get a connecting flight from Sydney, Singapore or Los Angeles, depending on where you are heading from. Fortunately, flights are very frequent and provide some of the most up-to-date services in the air travel industry.
To access the South Island, you can get a direct flight to Christchurch International Airport which will open up the whole country for you. You may also wish to catch a domestic flight from Christchurch to Queenstown, as its central location is much more beneficial for sightseeing.
The islands will not have vastly different costs and neither is particularly more expensive. As the North Island has larger cities, you will find that accommodations have a higher price range. The South Island may have cheaper places to stay, but the thrilling adventure activities come with a hefty price tag.
In essence, it depends on the type of trip you want to have. You could easily enjoy a cheaper trip by exploring the South Island in a hire car or you could have a luxury break away from the hustle of life in the scenic northern cities.
There are loads of suitable accommodation options across the island that will fit into any budget. Below we have some suggestions for where to stay in Wellington.
Budget: Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers is a great option for travellers on a tight budget. It’s right in the centre of the city and rates start as low as £38 per night.
Mid-Range: There are plenty of hotels and apartments that will be great places to stay. We recommend the Travelodge Wellington as it is only a 15-minute walk from some of the best sights in Wellington, with prices from £83 per night.
Luxury: You will find many lavish hotels that will sit you in the lap of luxury. QT Wellington is a top pick with its artistic decor, harbour views and onsite bar.
There are plenty of hostels and hotels that make for a perfect home away from home while exploring the South Island. We have chosen Queenstown for our recommendations as the city is the main departure point for many day trips and excursions that will fill up your itinerary.
Budget: For travellers who aren’t looking to spend loads on accommodation, Aspen Lodge Backpackers is the perfect hostel. With a shared kitchen and free parking, prices per night start as low as £80.
Mid-Range: If you’re not too keen on a hostel, Melbourne Lodge might be the place for you. It is situated very close to the top attractions of Queenstown and features private rooms, apartments and villas making it a great option for any traveller.
Luxury: There are some amazing places to stay in Queenstown if you want a more indulgent trip. Guesthouses like Lakeview Retreat provide you with an entire home, as well as exceptional balcony views of Lake Wakatipu for £250 per night.
The islands in New Zealand are very similar in terms of weather. January and February are the warmest months across New Zealand and winter sets in around July.
The country is also quite wet, with most months experiencing over 100mm of precipitation. This peaks around July, when up to 150mm of rainfall can be expected.
The North Island tends to be warmer, with subtropical climates at the northernmost points. Often called the winterless north, the long stretches of coast and beaches keep the weather very mild. Average temperatures in summer can reach highs of 25°C.
The South Island tends to be colder, with summer highs averaging 23°C. Temperatures will decrease the further south you go, the mountainous regions can even reach -10°C in the middle of winter.
The South is best visited in summer (December to February) as you will be able to make the most of the gorgeous natural landscape without worrying about inclement weather.
The North Island of New Zealand is the place to be if you want to experience life on the other side of the world. With skyscraping cities, golden beaches and stunning natural wonders, it’s the best island for those who want to do a bit of everything on their New Zealand trip.
The highlight of the North Island is certainly the beaches. With crystal clear waters and volcanic coastlines, the golden sands are one of the most welcoming aspects of New Zealand.
Near Tauranga, you can find the Bay of Plenty which is a great spot for ocean lovers and surfers. Waihi Beach is a particular standout, with its long stretch of sand and rolling waves.
Rotorua is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand if you’re looking for a relaxing spa day. The geothermal pools and mud baths are a must-do for any New Zealand trip. Naturally heated pools will melt your tensions away or enjoy a top-notch massage treatment at one of the many lavish spas.
Of course, we couldn’t write a blog about New Zealand and not mention Lord of the Rings. On the North Island, you can visit the set of Hobbiton and experience the magic of Tolkien’s Middle Earth first-hand. Superfans should head to the Wētā Workshop in Wellington to get a behind-the-scenes look at the props and costumes from the movies as well as visit some of the filming sites.
A great way to spend time on the North Island is by taking a luxury wine tour. Hop on a ferry from Auckland and discover Waiheke Island, home to over 30 different wineries.
The coastal region provides immaculate growing conditions for wine grapes and produces some of the best Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in the world. Take a guided tour of the boutique wineries and indulge in unrivalled gastronomic bliss.
One of the most famous New Zealand landmarks on the north island is Waitomo Caves. Just an hour from Hamilton and 2.5 hours from Auckland, the underground river network is perfect for a day trip.
The subterranean network is also one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand, thanks to the thriving colonies of glow worms that illuminate the dark caves. Explore the magical caves by boat for an experience that is one of a kind.
The South Island is the bigger of the two, but houses only a third of the country’s population. The landscape is made up of rustic farmland and mountains that are a hiker’s paradise. The New Zealand countryside is perfect for those who want to escape the rat race of modern life and embrace the beauty of the natural world.
There are 6 of New Zealand’s Great Walks on the South Island, such as the Milford Track and Kepler Track. Walking through Fiordland is one of the best things to do in New Zealand if you want to lap up the natural views of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
If you’re keen on snow sports, then a day on Mount Cook is a must for your itinerary. Known as Aoraki in Maori, this is the tallest mountain in New Zealand and has snow-capped peaks year round. Helicopters and ski planes can take you up to the glacier slopes or you could even have a go at mountaineering on the peaks.
Adventurers may also want to try hiking the Franz Josef Glacier. Tours of the glacier allow you to embark on a heli-hike which will take you up the icy behemoth and give you a chance to try ice climbing. It’s an experience you will not soon forget!
The crown jewel of the South Island is Queenstown. You will likely spend a lot of time here when you visit the South Island, simply because there is so much to do!
We’d recommend a Jet Boat ride as one of the top things to do in Queenstown. More daring travellers might want to have a go at white water rafting through Skippers Canyon or take a leap and try skydiving over the city!
While exploring the verdant valleys of the South, take time to stop off and experience Arrowtown. Just 20 minutes outside of Queenstown, this wonderful hidden gem is a living historical settlement.
You can learn all about gold panning in the Arrow River and even take part in finding some yourself. It’s a great way to break up the action activities that make up a South Island visit.
When it comes to culture, the North Island reigns supreme. With insightful experiences like Maori villages, gorgeous wineries and captivating cities, there is so much to get involved with.
If you want to immerse yourself in Maori Culture, there is no better place to visit than Rotorua. You can explore the living Mitai Maori village and take in the proud history and heritage.
The tour includes poi dances, a showcase of Maori weaponry and a traditional ‘hangi’ feast. It’s a wonderful way to experience the rich indigenous culture of the north island.
If you want to get the best views in New Zealand and relish the wonders of nature, then the South Island is the destination for you. The stretches of gorgeous land are the perfect untamed escape which is only made more special by the humble towns dotted around.
Alongside established hiking routes, you can explore the many lakes and fjords that make up the South Island by boat or by plane. Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are stunning regions with near-limitless corners to discover. It is hard to compare the natural beauty and it will certainly take your breath away once you’ve gotten a bird’s eye view.
For the adrenaline lovers out there, the South Island is where you want to be. Activities like white water rafting, speed boating, bungee jumping and cliff diving can be found all over the island, especially in Queenstown.
You will find many day trips that will take you out into the New Zealand countryside as well. The Southern Alps are the perfect setting for an adventure-focused trip, with opportunities to fly over the peaks in a small plane, explore the valleys on horseback and walk some of the best trails in New Zealand.
Both islands have their highlights and appeal, so which New Zealand island is better, North or South?
The general consensus is that the South Island is the best place for travellers who are seeking adventure, action and apres ski. On the other hand, the North Island is much better for individuals who want a more rounded experience of the ‘land of the long white cloud’.
When you pick one island over the other, you are inevitably missing out on half of the things to do in New Zealand. Nevertheless, a trip to either island is bound to be a thrilling experience no matter how you choose to spend it.
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