North Vs South Island New Zealand: Which Is Better To Visit?

Are you planning a trip to New Zealand but not sure which island you should visit? No problem! In this blog post, we will compare the North vs the South Island of New Zealand and help you to decide which you should visit.

Both the North Island and the South Island of New Zealand are very different from each other. Most people wonder which island they should visit. It is a very common question for first time visitors to New Zealand.

Honestly, I think you should visit both islands! I lived in New Zealand for 3 years and travelled extensively across both the North and the South Island. I loved it and found both islands to be fun and beautiful to travel.

But I had 3 years to explore them! So I understand that if you are visiting New Zealand for a holiday and you are short on time, you may have to choose between them. New Zealand is a small country, but it isn’t that small!

Many visitors fall into the trap of trying to do much on a trip to New Zealand. Rushing around the country will only cause burnout and you won’t be able to experience the real joys of what New Zealand has to offer.

Taking it slow will allow you to enjoy your travel to New Zealand much more. And that could mean only visiting one island on your trip.

So, if you can only choose one, then which island should you choose? The answer will depend on what interests you the most.

Each island can offer many similarities and differences in terms of the activities, sightseeing opportunities and climates they offer.

In this post you’ll learn the key differences between the North and South Island. We will compare the North and South Island’s pros and cons, weather and climate, and things to do, so that you can make an informed decision on which island in New Zealand to visit.

North Vs South Island, New Zealand: Which Is Better To Visit?

Read my New Zealand Travel Guide for all my blog posts and tips for travel in New Zealand!

14 Reasons To Visit The North Island, New Zealand (And What Makes It Unique)

Let’s look at what makes the North Island unique and its landscapes, scenery and top sightseeing activities.

1. The North Island has a lot of natural wonders and beauty, from volcanoes and hot springs to waterfalls and forests.

The landscapes and nature in the North Island can be very diverse.

I often think that a lot of people overlook the North Island because the South Island gets a lot of attention with regards to its scenery.

However, there is a lot to be seen in the North Island, with a lot that you might not necessarily expect. It could surprise you!

In the far north, the North Island has incredible beaches, enormous sand dunes and lots of islands.

Central North Island has a mixture of rolling green hills, ancient bush and forest, and geothermal activity including volcanoes, lakes and hot springs.

On the west coast are black sand beaches and Mount Taranaki, a huge pyramid shaped stratovolcano.

The east coast and south of the North Island is home to stunning wine regions (Hawkes Bay and Martinborough), lonely lighthouses and interesting coastline.

2. There is a lot of culture in the North Island, with New Zealand’s best museums and art galleries, as well as Maori culture to learn about.

The cities in the North Island have the best museums and art galleries to visit and learn about New Zealand’s history and art.

Hamilton, Whanganui, New Plymouth, Wellington, Auckland, Tauranga, Taupo and Napier all have excellent art galleries and history museums, for example.

Many small towns will also have a regional museum with displays about the history and culture of the area.

If you love street art, then many of the North Island’s cities have excellent mural and graffiti to see. Taupo, Whanganui and New Plymouth are my top 3 recommended street art cities.

3. The North Island is more populated in general than the South Island.

The North Island has many of New Zealand’s biggest cities, including the largest – Auckland – and the capital city – Wellington.

Maori (indigenous Polynesian) populations are more concentrated in the North Island than the South Island, particularly in Rotorua and the East Coast.

4. The North Island has the most historical sites in all of New Zealand.

Polynesians were the first people to arrive in New Zealand and settled between 1200-1300 AD. It is possible to see remnants of Pa’s (Maori hillfort villages) in many locations across the North Island.

Europeans first arrived with the Dutch Explorer Abel Tasman in 1642.

If you’re keen on learning about New Zealand’s history, particularly between Maori and Pakeha (white New Zealander), you should definitely visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Northland.

The Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa) in Wellington is the best museum in New Zealand.

5. The west coast of the North Island is known for wild, black sand beaches with big surf.

Raglan (near Nelson), Piha (near Auckland) and the coastline around Taranaki (near New Plymouth), for example, are top surfing destinations.

That said, surfing is a popular activity in many of the beaches in the North Island, with Gisborne (near Hawkes Bay) in the east and Mount Maunganui (near Tauranga, Bay of Plenty) in the north also being popular places to catch a wave.

6. If you’re into beautiful golden sandy beaches, then you will love the North Island.

Northland, Auckland, the Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel have the best beaches in the North Island.

Swimming can be done year round in these locations.

I loved having a wonderfully refreshing swim in the winter at Cathedral Cove and Papamoa Beach!

7. If you love hiking, there are plenty of wonderful walks and trails to keep you occupied.

The most famous location for hikes is the Tongariro National Park in the centre of the North Island.

Besides that, you’ll find interesting places to walk all across the North Island in many of the Forest, Regional and National Parks.

Many of these walks are through the bush, to secret beaches, or to see waterfalls.

There are so many waterfalls in the North Island – my favourite is Shine Falls in Hawkes Bay.

8. There’s plenty of geothermal activity going on in the North Island, with the most interesting attractions to be found between Rotorua and Taupo.

You can see bubbling mud pools, steam rising from the beach, silica deposits, and enjoy relaxing in a natural hot spring.

My favourite spots for seeing geothermal activity in the North Island are:

• Wai O Tapu bubbling Mud Pools
• Kerosene Creek (hot river with waterfall you can swim in!)
• Rainbow Mountain
• Waikite Valley (largest hot spring in New Zealand)
• Kuirau Park and Sulphur Point in Rotorua (photo below)
• Silica Rapids in Tongariro National Park
• Coromandel and Kawhia Hot Water Beaches

Best of all, all of these places are FREE to visit!

9. If you’re a fan of Hobbiton and Lord of the Rings, then you’ll be able to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set and Weta Workshop in the North Island.

This was the filming location and visual effects company for the films.

Much like Hobbiton, the North Island has a lot of hilly landscapes, with rolling hills of grassy farmland.

Mount Ngauruhoe, located in Tongariro National Park, is Mount Doom in the films.

If you’re keen to know more locations that were used in Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, there is a list in the FAQ.

10. Glowworms are found all over New Zealand but they are most abundant in the North Island.

Famous glowworm caves such as the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are huge tourist destinations in the North Island.

I highly recommend visiting them, but there are also many places you can see glowworms for free.

Waipu Caves is the best free glowworm cave in New Zealand and Mclaren Falls Park near Tauranga has a spectacular free glowworm walk.

11. The North Island is home to incredible rainforests and bush landscapes.

The lush forests are home to native and giant trees of New Zealand, such as the kauri, pohutukawa and totara.

The largest Kauri Tree is called Tane Mahuta (God of the Forest) and can be visited in Northland. Viewing this amazing big tree was a highlight of my road trip around the region.

Another huge tree is the giant Pohutukawa in located in the East Cape. The iconic tree blooms with gorgeous, bright red flowers in the summer.

The rata is another tree that produces bright red flowers. There are many species of rata, but the Northern rata can live to be 1,000 years old.

If you visit ancient forests such as Pureora Forest Park, you can see ancient rata trees and some of the oldest in New Zealand.

12. If you’re interested in doing adventure activities in New Zealand, then the North Island has lots of options.

I would say Rotorua is the adventure capital of the North Island. The town has several options including zorbing, luge and ziplining.

White water rafting at Kaituna is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.

Mountain bikers will find lots of locations including the Timber Trail (Pureora Forest), Te Mata Peak (Hawkes Bay) and the Hauraki Rail Trail.

Raglan, Gisborne, New Plymouth, Auckland and Mount Maunganui are popular surfing destinations.

13. New Zealand is famous for its native birds, and you will have a good chance of spotting them in the North Island.

Many native birds are visible in the wild, but if you want to see a kiwi bird then your best bet is to visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House.

North of Wellington is Zealandia Te Mara a Tane – the world’s first fully fenced urban ecosanctuary. You can visit Zealandia for a small entry fee. Many native bird species and reptiles have found refuge at the sanctuary. 

14. North Island is home to several of New Zealand’s stunning wine regions.

Waiheke Island is an excellent location to visit to enjoy wine in the North Island. The island has some of Auckland region’s most famous vineyards.

Another great wine region to visit is Hawkes Bay – New Zealand’s oldest and second-largest wine growing region.

Much of the wine produced in the North Island are red blends, such as Merlot and Syrah. Chardonnay is also produced in Hawkes Bay.

13 Reasons To Visit The South Island, New Zealand (And What Makes It Unique)

Now, let’s look at what makes the South Island unique and its landscapes, scenery and top sightseeing activities.

1. The South Island is famous for its spectacular mountains and lakes, with wonderful scenery that will take your breath away.

There are heaps of National Parks in the South Island, with lots of opportunities to delve deep into nature.

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, featuring New Zealand’s highest mountain Mt Cook at 3724m, is accessible for most people.

Fiordland National Park is the largest of all the National Parks in New Zealand and is home to the stunning scenery. A visit to the very famous Milford Sound and taking a cruise along the fjord is a top experience in the South Island.

2. The population of the South Island is much less than the North Island, so the cities are smaller.

The island is home to a lot more rural and isolated communities, and the driving distances between the towns and cities is much longer compared with the North Island.

3. There are vast landscapes of fields, mountains and lakes on the South Island, as well as beautiful coastal and mountain roads.

The highest roads in New Zealand are in the South Island, with many passes going through some of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes, for example Arthur’s Pass, Burkes Pass, Lewis Pass and the Cardrona Road.

4. There are fewer cultural activities such as museums and art galleries on the South Island.

Many small towns will have a regional history museum, but the best cultural destinations in the South Island are Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin. These bigger cities have museums and art galleries to visit as well as historical buildings, sculptures, parks and botanical gardens.

5. Outdoor activities (particularly hiking, watersports, hunting and fishing) are abundant in the South Island.

Watersports are incredibly popular on the lakes, especially in Twizel (Mackenzie) and the Ashburton Lakes (near Christchurch).

There are a lot of fishing opportunities on the lakes and the canals too around Twizel.

Salmon farming is popular in this area too and you can visit the farms, feed the fish, buy/eat the fish, or even try to catch one that has escaped!

Hunting is also popular in the forests and bush of Fiordland where there are a lot of roaming deer.

6. If you love hiking then there are heaps of trails and walks to enjoy in the South Island.

Many of these walks are along the edges of the lakes or up into the mountains.

Multi-day treks can be done with lots of mountain huts to stay in in remote destinations.

There are many glaciers to visit and see in the South Island as well as glacial lakes with huge floating icebergs!

Of course, being very mountainous, hiking in the South Island will reward you with spectacular scenery.

7. The north, east and south beaches of the South Island are the best for swimming.

Abel Tasman National Park has the best beaches on the South Island.

Dunedin (east), Invercargill (south) and Christchurch (east) are popular surfing destinations in the South Island.

Like the North Island, the beaches on the west coast of the South Island are wild, black beaches but they can be very dangerous for swimming in. Only in places such as Westport, you can experience surfing on the west coast.

8. There are plenty of lakes in the South Island and they are beautiful for swimming in, camping by or walking around.

Lake Manapouri is the gateway to the Doubtful Sound in Fiordland and it is one of my favourite spots in the South Island. The scenery is absolutely stunning and the lake is so clear for swimming. It is also one of the deepest lakes in the world and makes for quite a spooky experience as you see nothing but a black void beneath you!

Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea and Lake Whakatipu are equally as gorgeous and wonderful for swimming in. There are also many hiking trails nearby to these lakes to admire the scenery.

Ashburton Lakes and Nelson Lakes National Park have lots of camping options and as they are remote they are both nice spots to spend a few days.

Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo are glacial lakes located near Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. They are absolutely beautiful and bright turquoise blue in colour, but they are absolutely freezing to swim in at any time of the year!

9. There are hot springs on the South Island.

I love visiting hot springs and if you do too, you’ll be pleased to know there are hot springs on the South Island too. My favourites are Hanmer Springs and Lake Tekapo.

10. Glowworms can also been seen in the South Island.

My top spots for seeing glowworms in the South island are the Hokitika Glowworm Cave (free), Whites Bay Glowworm Dell (free – best glowworms in the South Island) and the Te Anau Glowworm Cave (paid tour, similar to Waitomo Glowworm Caves).

11. Wildlife is abundant in the South Island.

New Zealand has incredible wildlife and endemic species only to be found in this part of the world. There are many types of unique bird species in New Zealand, as well as marine life.

In the South Island you will have an opportunity to see amazing wildlife in nature, including penguins, whales, albatross and seals.

The South Island is also home to the kea, the world’s only alpine parrot, and te rare kakapo.

Hector’s dolphins can be seen in Curio Bay, and we were lucky enough to swim with them in the wild.

Another cool wildlife experience in seeing whales in Kaikoura on the Whale Watching Tour.

Tours on the Dunedin Peninsula will take you to see an albatross breeding colony.

You can also view little blue penguins in their natural environment. Oamaru is a popular destination to view the little blue penguin colony.

There are wildlife viewing opportunities in the North island, but they are mainly limited to common native birds such as the tui, fantail and kereru – all of which can be seen on the South Island too.

12. Wine in the South Island is spectacular and craft beer is up-and-coming.

Marlborough produces the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world (I certainly think so, but so do many wine experts!). The Marlborough region also produces hops used in beer.

Further south, Central Otago is another famous New Zealand wine region, known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

A lesser known and smaller wine region is Waitaki Valley which has beautiful vineyards you can visit for tastings.   

13. Adventure activities in the South Island include jet boating, bungee jumping, sky diving and zip lining.

Queenstown is the adventure capital of the South Island and offers lots of activities for thrill-seekers.

Pros And Cons Of The North Island Vs South Island

North Island Pros And Cons

Here are the pros and cons of visiting the North Island of New Zealand.

Pros Of Visiting The North Island:

• Warmer all year round, less extreme temperatures
• Bigger cities and more infrastructure, more convenience
• More access to bigger stores and emergency services if needed
• Cheaper for groceries, fuel, and activities
• Less tourists compared to South Island
• Better road conditions overall, multi-lane highways in bigger cities (Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga)
• More accessible beaches
• Geothermal features
• Many options for visiting natural hot springs and pools
• More glowworm viewing opportunities
• Some public transport options
• Cultural activities, including Maori culture
• Waterfalls and rainforests
• More freedom camping options
• Smaller island with shorter driving distances
• Wine regions (Waiheke Island, Hawkes Bay)

Cons Of Visiting The North Island:

• Cyclone damage caused sites and trails to close (Cyclone Gabrielle 2023)
• Busier cities with higher population
• Less scenic landscapes, not as many mountains
• Fewer opportunities for seeing wildlife
• Volcanic regions are a risk
• Roads are busier so more danger of traffic collisions
• Roads can be closed due to landslides/slips
• Higher crime rate compared to the South Island

South Island Pros And Cons

Here are the pros and cons of visiting the South Island of New Zealand.

Pros Of Visiting The South Island:

• More mountains and lakes – dramatic scenery
• Best hiking trails
• Diverse landscapes
• Smaller towns and cities with lower population
• Lots of wildlife – seals, penguins, whales, dolphins, native birds
• Winter activities – skiing and snowboarding
• Wine regions (Marlborough, Central Otago)
• Quiet and peaceful
• Safe lakes for swimming in
• Some hot springs
• Low crime rate

Cons Of Visiting The South Island:

• More expensive for groceries, fuel and activities
• More tourists compared to the North Island
• Colder weather in winter, and lots of rain on the West Coast
• Sand flies!
• Higher mountain passes on roads
• Poorer road conditions, lots of unsealed roads and windy roads
• Larger island with longer driving times
• Advanced bookings needed for most tours/activities
• Limited public transport options
• Fewer cultural activities
• Less freedom camping options
• Little nightlife, besides Queenstown and Christchurch
• Remote feel – some areas can feel isolated and be difficult to get help in an emergency
• Driving conditions in winter can be risky (snow, ice, road closures, landslides/slips)

North Vs South Island Climate And Weather

North Island Climate And Weather

The climate in the North Island varies wildly, from the subtropical, warm climate of the north to the wetter, windier and cooler south.

Most of the big cities in the North Island are located by the coast, and therefore have a marine climate type. This means they have cool to warm summers and mild winters.

I found that there is not much definition between the seasons in the North Island as there is in the South Island.

Temperatures in the North Island range from average temperatures of around 7°C degrees in the winter to mid 20°C degrees in the summer.

Autumn And Winter In The North Island (March – August)

The North Island doesn’t experience autumn and winter as we might expect in the northern hemisphere. You won’t find beautiful trees changing colours to bright autumn leaves.

If you are visiting in the autumn and want to experience fall colours, then you need to head to the South Island as they are much more prominent there.

Winter in the North Island is very mild.

The far north (Northland region) has a subtropical climate and even in the winter months you can wear shorts and a t-shirt! We did a roadtrip around Northland in July/August and we were surprised at how warm it was.

Similarly, in areas such as the Bay of Plenty, the Coromandel, and Hawkes Bay, you can experience wonderful sunny weather even in the winter. It can get frosty at times, but not too often.

You can swim in the ocean in the North Island even in the winter months. We regularly swam in at the beach in Northland and Bay of Plenty regions in the winter.

The south of the North Island (Wellington region) will get cooler temperatures and more rain in the winter.

If you don’t like the cold, then I would recommend spending winter in the North Island (rather than the South Island). Snow is almost non-existent in the North Island other than high up in the mountains.

The mountains in the centre of the North Island, in Tongariro National Park, experience an alpine environment at all times of the year. In the winter, ski resorts on Mount Ruapehu open.

The coldest month in the North Island winter tends to be July. In Auckland the average daily minimum and maximum temperatures are between 7°C to 15°C. Wellington tends to be a couple of degrees cooler than Auckland.

Spring And Summer In The North Island (September – February)

The weather is almost always guaranteed to be good in the North Island in the spring and summer, but it can be humid and rainy at times.

In the spring, there are beautiful days with clear blue skies and gorgeous flowers popping up.

In the summer, the days can be hot and sunny all over the North Island. But there can also be rain (sometimes a lot of it). When it rains in the North Island, it RAINS. It comes pouring down so hard and fast, but it doesn’t last for very long.

I advise you to pack a rain coat to take with you, just in case!

The North Island in summer can be humid, especially in the bush.

Hiking trails in the North Island usually have plenty of shade as they are in the rainforest or bush. That does NOT include hiking trails around Tongariro National Park, which is completely exposed! Make sure to take adequate sun protection if you plan to do any walks.

The warmest month in the North Island is usually February. In February Auckland the average daily minimum and maximum temperatures are between 16°C degrees and 24°C degrees. Like in the Winter, Wellington tends to be a couple of degrees cooler than Auckland.

South Island Climate And Weather

The South Island has a marine climate in most regions, with cool to warm summers and cool to mild winters.

However, some regions in the South Island are considered semi-arid climates, where they receive low precipitation and are dry and desert-like climates. These areas are concentrated to Central Otago, in towns like Alexandra.

The South and West Coasts of the South Island have extremely high levels of rainfall and large areas of rainforest.

Fiordland National Park, for example, has about 7 metres of rainfall per year and an average of 200 rain days per year. So, if you visit these areas, there is a good chance it will be raining!

Temperatures in the South Island range from average temperatures of around 3°C degrees in the winter to low 20°C degrees in the summer.

Autumn And Winter In The South Island (March – August)

Queenstown, Wanaka, Cromwell and Arrowtown experience wonderful autumnal weather and scenery. If you want to see autumn colours on the trees and lovely golden scenery, then you will want to head to this region.

The winters in these same locations can be pretty cold with snow on the ground.

Mackenzie district and Central Otago have dry and frosty winters.

The South Island has a cooler climate and bigger mountains than the North Island, therefore it is a key winter sport destination. There are many ski resorts, primarily near Christchurch, Queenstown and Lake Tekapo.

It can rain a lot in the winter in the South Island, particularly in the South region and on the West Coast.

In the winter, the lakes can be freezing cold, however I did go for a dip in Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka in the winter so it can be done. Many people swim in Lake Wanaka at all times of the year.

Glacial lakes, such as Lake Tekapo, are gorgeous to look at, but they are FREEZING COLD, even in the summer. That’s because the water is coming right from the glaciers and the mountains. I went swimming in Lake Tekapo a couple of times but I couldn’t last more than a minute!

The coldest month in the South Island winter tends to be July. In Christchurch the mean daily minimum and maximum temperatures are between 0°C to 11°C. In Queenstown the mean daily maximum and minimum temperature are between -2°C and 8°C.

Where To Go In South Island In Winter To Avoid Cold And Snow

If you are not a fan of the cold, then sticking to the coastline or in the north of the South Island you will experience the best weather.

Nelson is known as “Sunny Nelson” due to its high sunshine hours throughout the year. I spent a winter in Nelson and it was dry and cool with a lot of sunny days!

Abel Tasman National Park is also a firm favourite for the winter season, with its gorgeous beaches and almost guaranteed good weather!

Summer And Spring In The South Island (September – February)

The summers in the South Island can be very hot and dry, with the Mackenzie and Central Otago regions resembling deserts in the summer months.

It can go many weeks without raining in the centre of the South Island. When I lived in Twizel during the summer we hardly experienced any rain at all.

These regions are also susceptible to wild fires. Ohau Village, for example, was burned down in 2020 due to a wild fire.

Closer to the ocean, you’ll find wonderfully hot and sunny days with pleasant breezes to cool you down.

However, eastern parts of the South Island can be susceptible to dry, hot winds coming from the desert areas in the shadows of the Southern Alps. This can occasionally result in temperatures increasing to the high 30s and low 40s in the summer.

The sea and the lakes in the South Island are wonderful for swimming in the summer months, although those not used to outdoor swimming may still find the water temperature too cool.

The main beast in the South Island summer is the sandflies – small black flying insects that will bite you and leave an incredibly itchy spot on your skin.

Many of the hiking trails in the South Island do not have shade, so you are exposed to the sun. Make sure you travel with sun protection as the UV is very strong in New Zealand!

It can be much cooler at night so you’ll want to pack layers.

The warmest month in the South Island is usually January. In January Christchurch the mean daily minimum and maximum temperatures are between 12°C and 23°C. Queenstown the mean daily minimum and maximum temperatures are between 9°C and 22°C.

Winter vs Summer Comparison Photos – Aoraki Mount Cook (South Island)

I lived close to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and was lucky to visit on many occasions. I visited in the winter, spring and summer so I could experience it in different seasons.

The photos below show the same view at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park in the winter and in the summer. I took these photos to show the difference between August (winter) and January (summer).

As shown in the photos, during the winter there is a lot of snow in the mountains. The path and bridge leads to the Hooker Valley Track, and it is hardly passable in winter without special equipment. It is also dangerous, as many avalanches occur. Daylight hours are very short, and it can appear dark in the mountains as they block out the sun.

Comparing it to the summer, much of the snow has melted and beautiful flowers come out. The tracks are easy to see and walk along. It can be warm and high UV exposure on the track in the summer. Daylight hours are longer so you can enjoy more time outside!

North Vs South Island Must Do Travel Activities

When visiting New Zealand for a short trip there is only so much you can do with the time you have.

I have travelled New Zealand for many years and experienced much that the country has to offer.

From my travel experiences on both the North and the South Islands, I have narrowed down the list of must do experiences to these top activities.

Whether you choose to visit the North Island vs the South Island, try to include these must do travel experiences in your itinerary.

North Island Must Do Travel Experiences

Here is my list for must visit locations in the North Island of New Zealand:

1. Cape Reinga and Te Paki Sand Dunes, Northland
2. Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Northland
3. Waiheke Island, Auckland
4. Hobbiton Movie Set, Waikato
5. Coromandel Peninsula, Thames-Coromandel
6. Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty
7. Rotorua Natural Hot Springs, Bay of Plenty
8. Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Waikato
9. Tongariro National Park, Manawatu-Wanganui
10. Hot Water Beaches (Kawhia or Coromandel)
11. Wine region, Hawke’s Bay
12. Mount Taranaki, Taranaki
13. Museum Of New Zealand (Te Papa), Wellington

South Island Must Do Travel Experiences

Here is my list for must visit locations in the South Island of New Zealand:

1. Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay, Tasman
2. Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Watching, Kaikoura
3. Hot Springs (Hanmer or Tekapo)
4. West Coast (Glacier Country and Historic Mining Towns), West Coast
5. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Mackenzie
6. Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie
7. Queenstown, Wanaka and Lake Hawea, Queenstown-Lakes
8. Glenorchy and the Routeburn Track, Queenstown-Lakes
9. St. Bathans Lake and Historic Mining Towns, Central Otago
10. The Catlins Forest Park, Clutha
11. Fiordland National Park (Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound Cruise), Southland
12. Lake Manapouri, Southland
13. Riverton and Monkey Island, Southland

FAQ – North Vs South Island, New Zealand

Should I Spend More Time In The North Or South Island?

Deciding how much time to spend in the North or South Island really depends on how long you have to travel New Zealand and what activities you are interested in.

If you only have 1-2 weeks to travel New Zealand, I would suggest concentrating your trip on only one of the islands, either the North Island or the South Island.

If you can travel New Zealand for a longer period of time (3+ weeks), then you could potentially visit both the North and the South Island.

It is important to consider the amount of things to do and the size of the islands as well.

In general, there are more things to do in the North Island compared to the South Island. By that, I mean there are more activities and sightseeing attractions such as museums, galleries and cultural and historic sites, plus lots of hikes, walks, nature and beaches to visit. So your travel days in the North Island can be filled with lots of things to see and do.

The North Island is also smaller in size compared to the South Island. Travel distances will be much shorter in the North Island and the road conditions and weather are generally better. This means you will have more opportunity to travel and get out and do things.

By comparison, the South Island has less tourist sites and traditional sightseeing attractions because there are smaller cities and less cultural activities.

The South Island’s key tourist attractions are simply its nature – dramatic mountains, impressive lakes, and vast remote wilderness.

A visit to the South Island will be filled with travelling long distances on scenic roads, and activities will be mostly related to nature and the outdoors. That is wildlife viewing, hiking and walking, lake swimming, and winter sports.

Which Part Of New Zealand Is The Most Beautiful?

Without a doubt, the South Island is the most beautiful of the two islands of New Zealand. The South Island has more impressive and dramatic scenery and epic landscapes.

In my opinion the most beautiful parts of the South Island are:

• Abel Tasman National Park – the most beautiful white sandy beaches and clearest turquoise oceans in New Zealand.

• Aoraki Mount Cook National Park – gorgeous snowy mountains, stunning glaciers, and bright blue lakes.

• Lake Tekapo – famous for colourful lupins in late spring, Lake Tekapo is a picturesque small town with a glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Which Part Of New Zealand Was Lord Of The Rings Filmed In?

The Hobbiton and Lord of the Rings movies were filmed in New Zealand. Both the North and South Island have film locations you can visit.

Key Hobbiton and Lord of the Rings locations in the North Island:

• In Matamata in the Waikato region of the North Island you will find the Hobbiton Movie Set. You can do a tour there and see where our favourite Hobbits lived in The Shire. 

• Tongariro National Park is a film location for Mount Doom – in real life it is called Mount Ngauruhoe. Waterfalls in Tongariro National Park were also used in the films (Gollum’s Pool).

• Aratiatia Rapids near Taupo was used in the Hobbiton movies in the barrel river scene.

• Putangirua Pinnacles on the south coast was the film location for the Paths of the Dead scene.

• Wellington was also used as a film location for certain scenes, notably Mount Victoria where the Hobbits hid from riders under the tree root. Weta Workshop did special effects for the movies and you can visit their studio in Wellington on a guided tour and see props and items from the films.

In the South Island there are many more film locations for Lord of the Rings. Mostly the South Islands dramatic scenery, lakes and mountains were used in the films.

Film locations in the South Island include:

• The Ashburton Lakes area (Mount Sunday) is Edoras in Lord of the Rings.

• The Mackenzie region (Twizel) was used as Pelennor Fields and there is a monument of gold rings to see there today.

• Queenstown-Lakes district (Arrowtown, Cardrona, Glenorchy and Paradise) were used as many locations in the movies including Lothlorien, an ancient forest, and Isengard.

• Fiordland (Manapouri and Te Anau) were used in many scenes including the black gates of Mordor.

A dedicated post is needed to go into more depth on these film locations!

What Is The Best Way To Travel Between The North Island And The South Island?

The best way to travel between the North Island and the South Island is by ferry. The two ferry companies, Interislander and Bluebridge, offer regular car and passenger ferries between Wellington on the North Island and Picton on the South Island.

The journey takes around 4 hours. It is a very scenic trip as the ferry passes through the Marlborough Sounds, but the sea conditions on the Cook Strait (the body of water separating the two islands) tends to be rough.

If you struggle with sea sickness, then there is also the option to fly between the islands. There are several airports across New Zealand that offer domestic flights and connections. In the North Island, Auckland and Wellington have international airports.

In the South Island, Christchurch and Queenstown have international airports. Throughout New Zealand many smaller towns have domestic airports.

Is Queenstown Or Auckland Better?

Auckland is better for city conveniences, beaches, sunny weather, museums and galleries, access to islands such as Waiheke Island (famous for wine and art).

Queenstown is better for amazing scenery, mountain views, lake swimming and activities, winter sports, adventure activities and nightlife.

Which Island Is Better For Outdoor Activities, The North Or The South Island?

Both the North and the South Island of New Zealand offer amazing opportunities for outdoor activities. The North Island has incredible volcanic landscapes with numerous hot springs. The South Island has higher mountains and numerous lakes. Both islands have lush rainforests and beautiful beaches.

After more than 3 years of travelling in New Zealand and doing a wide range of outdoor activities, I personally found that the South Island offered more options for outdoor activities. The mountains are epic to hike, the scenery is incredible to see, and the lakes are wonderful to swim in. Areas such as Aoraki Mount Cook, Fiordland, Abel Tasman, and the West Coast simply took my breath away.

That said, the North Island has its own amazing outdoor activities, particularly beaches that are great for surfing (such as Raglan, Mount Maunganui, Gisborne), lots of incredible waterfalls, natural rainforest landscapes and relaxing hot springs.

It’s also warmer in the North Island, so it’s better for camping. There are also more freedom camping options in the North Island, as the South Island tends to be more restrictive with freedom camping.

North Vs South Island, New Zealand – Thanks For Reading!

So, which New Zealand island should you visit? The North vs the South? We have taken a look at many similarities and differences between the two. Both the North and South Island’s can offer unique experiences.

If you’re a fan of beaches, waterfalls, rainforests, hot springs, wine, art, history and culture, then the North Island will be a great fit for you.

If you want your trip to New Zealand to be filled with spectacular scenery, mountain hikes, lake swimming, remote experiences, spotting wildlife, and long road trips, then the South Island will be better for you.

Ultimately the decision of which island is better to visit is up to you! Whichever you choose, I know you will have an amazing, memorable trip in New Zealand! There really is no wrong choice. – Lauren x

Where To Next? Discover the Top 10 Unmissable Experiences in the North Island.

Read my New Zealand Travel Guide for all my blog posts and tips for travel in New Zealand!

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