which island to visit
So, you are heading to New Zealand and trying to decide how to spend your precious time. Should you go to the North Island, South Island, split your time? New Zealand has so much to offer from incredible hiking, nature, geothermal activity, extreme sports, incredible wineries, beautiful coastlines, and amazing cities. You simply will not go wrong if you choose to spend your time on one or the other of the islands. If you can afford the time of course do both. If not, see some of the top sites to see on each and decide for yourself!
north island
The North Island is known for its geothermal activity and Māori culture. The north island has a slightly warmer climate to make beaches, swimming, diving, surfing slightly more palatable than the cooler waters of the South Island. There are great wineries to check out in a few different regions. You can do the infamous Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Best cities
Auckland, Wellington
Best wine regions
Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, Waiheke Island
Best beaches
Hot water Beach, Cathedral Cove, Mount Maunganui, Piha Beach, Muriwai Beach
Best hiking
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Mount Maunganui Summit, Te Werahi Beach Track, Pouakai Crossing, Pinnacles Track
Not to miss experiences
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Cape Regina, Māori Experience, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Cathedral Cove, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Giant Sand Dunes.
south island
Known to be the more beautiful and rugged island you will never fall short on the immense natural beauty. The hiking is unparalleled. Here is where you will see glaciers, fjords, incredible mountains, and numerous lakes. The South Island is also known as the capital of extreme sports. Here is where you will get enticed to bungee jump, sky dive, zip-lining, ski and more. It is larger and the weather is slightly cooler than then northern island.
Best cities
Queenstown, Christchurch, Wanaka
Best wine regions
Marlborough, Central Otago, Nelson, Canterbury
Best beaches
Abel Tasman National Park, Pancake Rocks, Kawatiri Beach, Kaikoura Beach
Best hiking
Hooker Valley, Franz Josef Glacier, Roy’s Peak, Ben Lomond, Mount Robert, Lake Marian
Not to miss experiences
Bungee jumping (birthplace or the highest jump), glacier exploration (Fox/Franz Josef), hike around Mount Cook, cruise Milford/Doubtful Sound, explore Hokitika Gorge, visit many beautiful lakes, visit the Moeraki Boulders
