Tongariro crossing hike New Zealand

North or South Island New Zealand, which is better? Your full guide!

If you’re wondering whether you should go to North Island or South Highland in New Zealand then this is your ultimate guide!

The first thing to remember is that there is no official answer, and it totally depends on your preferences.

I spent several weeks both on South Island and North Island, so I have a very good understanding of what both islands have to offer.

For the quickest nutshell, have a look at the mini guide below.

Interestingly enough, a lot of people have told me that they personally prefer South Island. However, I actually think I ended up preferring North Island for reasons I will detail below.

Quick Mini Guide To New Zealand

Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to New Zealand.

North Island or South Island?

  • North Island has lots of activities & things to do. Think geysers, hot geothermal springs, white water rafting, vibrant cities & bustling cafes.
  • South Island has the best landscapes, is quiet, peaceful, has scenic mountains & dramatic valleys. Great in winter for skiing.

highlights in New Zealand

South IslandMilford Sounds (8th wonder of the world), Onsen Hot Pools, Getting a scenic flight around Lake Tekapo

North IslandGeothermal mud Spas, the incredible Hot Water Beach, Glow worm caves.

Stay connected

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Lake Pukaki viewing point: Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook

Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / NZ travel guides for things to do in North Island and South Island!

This blog may contain affiliate links.

north or south island new zealand?

In a very short summary when you’re visiting New Zealand (also known by the Maori name for the country, Aotearoa)…

  • Head to South Island if you’re into peace, quiet, serenity and scenic landscapes.
  • Head to North Island if you’re keen on seeing lots of different activities, geysers, white water rafting, going on geothermal walks etc.

South Island New Zealand

Verdict: So if you are seeking solitude, peace, quiet and serenity, hiking and scenic mountains, then South Island is your choice.

Read my FULL South Island Itinerary here for more pictures, inspiration, and things to do.

If you prefer dramatic, landscapes, incredible mountains and peace and quiet, then South Island is for you . There is, of course Mount Cook, which is the highest mountain in New Zealand.

Mount Cook Viewpoint

Mount Cook, also known as Aoraki, is the tallest mountain in New Zealand, standing majestically at 3,724 meters (12,218 feet) above sea level. It’s clearly got the most amazing views, read my guide on this Mount Cook (Aoraki) viewpoint from Lake Pukaki. It’s possibly the most impressive viewpoint in all of South Island.

Stay nearby in Tekapo, just a short drive from here.

Franz Joseph Glacier

There is also the Franz Joseph Glacier, which is a hugely popular route. The Franz Josef Glacier, located on the South Island of New Zealand, is a stunning natural wonder that is pretty famous for stunning helicopter rides and glacier trekking tours.

It’s unusual because it has a temperate rainforest that’s combined with the icy wilderness, where you’ll get to experience a bizarre mix of both.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound, the unofficial 8th wonder of the world is a breathtaking fjord in Fiordland National Park, on the South Island of New Zealand.

It is known for being the land of 10,000 waterfalls. It’s pretty insane. Think cascading waterfalls, and serene waters, creating the most amazing natural spectacle.

Read more about accommodation at Milford Sound on my article, there’s only a couple places to stay!

Driving to Milford Sound? Check out the scenic road trip to Milford Sound!

It’s often described as one of the most beautiful places on Earth, drawing visitors from around the world to stare (and take pics) at its stunning scenery.

Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown

While you’re in Queenstown, don’t miss out on the Onsen hot pools—an absolute gem for some of the most scenic pampering in the world. It’s legendary!

With approximately 15 private rooms and funky barrel-shaped hot tubs, you’ll get to see some of the best that South Island has to offer… I’m talking breathtaking mountains and a serene valley with a gently bubbling stream below.

A visit here is an absolute must—it’s one of Queenstown’s most famous and iconic experiences, almost a rite of passage.

Plus, the staff even supply you with delicious, yummy yummy snacks to enjoy in the hot tubs, adding to the sheer delight of it all!

Ferg Berger Queenstown: best burger in the world

And of course, you can’t miss the Ferg burger, which you said to be the best burger in the world. And to be honest, I tried it, and I kind of agree.

About 100 people told us to try the Ferg burger when we arrived, so I guess I felt like it was a must!

Omarama Clay Cliffs

The Omarama clay cliffs offer a fascinating, surreal detour on your epic road trip!

It’s an extraordinary and fairly quick, easy hike, just a quick diversion.

Located near Omarama in the South Island of New Zealand, the Clay Cliffs are a crazy unusual landscape that you should definitely visit! These peculiar & funky geological formations consist of jagged spires and narrow gullies, formed by layers of silt and gravel over eons of time.

Shaped by the gradual erosion of ancient glaciers, these cliffs create a dramatic landscape that remains a hidden gem, slightly off the beaten path.

The walk from the parking area takes only 5-10 minutes, although it can be quite dusty!

Where to stay in Omarama

A lot of these places have jaw dropping, spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Have a look below.

Kaikoura Glamping – Whacky Stays

Have a look at my blog post on all the best glamping spots in South Island!

It’s definitely worth doing a visit to Wacky Stays in Kaikoura and staying overnight in one of their weird and wonderful unique glamping pods; choose from staying in a colonial wagon, a 1800s train carriage, house truck, and Mongolian yurt from Mongolia, a teepee, and an old English cottage.

Have a look at my blog post on all the best glamping spots in South Island!

They all so have a fantastical farm tour every day at around 8:15 am and 3:15 pm where you can go and feed all of the animals which include llamas, alpacas, pigs, chickens, deer, and even dogs.

If you don’t have time for a overnight stay, then it’s worth booking onto their llama trekking experience.

Wine Regions

This is for all the winos out there!

One of the standout and famous wine regions down south is Marlborough, near Marlborough Sounds, renowned worldwide for its crisp and vibrant Sauvignon Blanc. Imagine strolling through endless vineyards, with rows of lush green vines stretching towards the horizon.

And the wine? They’re very good. Very good. In every sip you’ll find zesty, citrus notes and refreshing acidity.

Marlborough Sauv Blanc is simply unbeatable.

Then there’s Central Otago (near Tekapo), known for its punchy Pinot Noir.

This region is all about rugged beauty, with vineyards running up and down the rolling hills, next to snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes.

And the Pinot? It’s for you wine connoisseurs, with its velvety texture, seductive aromas, and layers of red berry flavours. Central Otago Pinot Noir is a true masterpiece.

North Island NZ

Verdict: If you prefer more activities, things to do, more sites and buzzing cities, then North Island is a good shout.

On the other hand, North Island seems to have a lot more going on.

The landscape is still dramatic and impressive, and it has some of the most incredible attractions like the various hot pools. The Geo thermal hot water beaches, and of course the buzzing to city of Wellington. If you are a coffee enthusiast, then you will like Wellington because it is the city with the most café per head in the world.

I personally love the highly geothermal region of Rotorua, where there are all the geysers, the bubbling mud pools and the steaming craters.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Of course, there is also the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hike which you said to be one of the top 10 hikes in the world, and it does have some incredible views.

Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is like nothing else to be honest.

Picture this: you’re trekking through this surreal landscape of volcanic peaks, emerald lakes, and steaming vents—it’s like stepping into a bizarre alien kind of world.

I did it in the summer (yes, the peak also had snow in summer!), and the weather was perfect for hiking, not too hot, not too cold. The views were absolutely unreal, it was pretty cool an activity to do. Plus, it’s famous for being Mount Doom in Lord of the Rings.

Plus, the sense of accomplishment when you complete the hike is worth the bragging rights.

Honestly, if you’re into hiking and you find yourself in New Zealand, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is an absolute must-do if you’re an outdoorsy kinda person. It’s no wonder it’s considered one of the top 10 hikes in the world. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

The best place to stay is the Skotel Alpine hotel. It is literally smack bang at the entrance of the hike, and perfectly positioned for you to start your day.

Rotorua Geothermal Hot Springs

Rotorua is hands down my FAVOURITE place in all of New Zealand. If you’re wondering ‘new zealand north vs south island’ then this might sway it for you!

Rotorua’s geothermal hot springs are an absolute must-visit on your North Island adventure, and is the first place I remember visiting when I was 7 years old!


The town is covered in geothermal pools, exploding geysers, bubbling mud pools, steam crevices and it’s just… pretty magical!

It’s an incredible and surreal experience, and it’s super accessible too—they have a geothermal site right in the centre of town!.

Rotorua, right in the middle of New Zealand’s North Island, is famous for its bubbling mud pools, exploding geysers, and of course, those relaxing hot springs and spas!

These natural wonders are created by the region’s volcanic activity, thanks to NZ lying on a tectonic fault line, making it unlike anywhere else on this lovely planet we get to call home.

Exploring the geothermal activity of Rotorua is like stepping into a bizarre, alien planet.

The landscape is dotted with colourful mineral pools, hissing steam vents, and the unmistakable smell of sulphur —trust me, you’ll get used to it! Yes, that does mean it smells like rotten eggs. I remember the smell when I was a kid a few miles out as we were driving in!

One of the coolest things about Rotorua’s hot springs is the variety of things to do. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious spa experience or a rugged, rustic soak in the wilderness, you’ll find it here. And free outdoor spas right in the centre of town!

There’s nothing quite like sinking into those warm, mineral-mud waters after a day of adventuring. It’s pure bliss!

Hot Water Beach in the Coromandels

This is possibly a tie for my favourite thing to do in ALL of New Zealand. Again, another one to sway you on your North vs South Island New Zealand dilemma!

It’s so unique and so different, I can’t help but recommend it, sat on the Coromandel Peninsula!

Hot Water Beach in the Coromandels—it’s seriously one of the most exciting spots in New Zealand and possibly, the world!

No, really.

This is a HOT WATER BEACH!

Rent a shovel from the local store or cafe, head down to the beach, and dig yourself a little pool, or, ‘bath’ if you will.

As soon as you start digging, hot water starts bubbling up from beneath the sand, creating your very own hot pool right there on the beach! It’s like nature’s own hot tub party! And to be honest, it often gets too hot, so you’ll need to be close to the waves, so the seawater can rush in and cool you down!

I mean, how cool is that?

You’re literally sitting in a warm bath right on the beach, with the waves crashing nearby and the sun shining overhead.

It’s the ultimate, relaxing, bizarre experience, and I was absolutely buzzing with excitement the whole time.

Trust me, you won’t be able to wipe the grin off your face the whole time you’re there!

Taupo – Crater of the Moon

Amusingly, people used to think they were ‘the gates to hell’, however they soon learned this was a geothermal phenomenon and actually were able to put it to good use!

It was the first place that harvested geothermal energy and powered up local businesses, hotels and residents in the local town. The views are frankly, incredible! It’s worth a stop here, it’s just a short 10 minute drive from Taupo.

Huka Falls Taupo

Huka Falls is a sight you wont forget thanks to those vibrant blue waters. The water cascades through dramatic rock formations, canyons and the sound is impressive: it creates a thunderous roar and the spray that comes off is very impressive!

The sheer power and force of the water are mesmerizing, and you can feel it vibrating through the ground beneath your feet as you stand on the viewing platform. There’s a number of walks around Huka falls which I highly recommend, the shortest of which is around 19 minutes.

The surrounding area is absolutely stunning, with lush greenery, native bush, and walking tracks with views for days of the river and surrounding landscape.

Read more about the history of Taupo here.

Waitomo Glow Worm Caves

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must-visit on your New Zealand trip (there are paid tours and free glow worm caves)!

Note – they have glow worm caves on both North and South Island. On South Island, you’ll find them near Te Anau!

It’s a captivating experience and conveniently located just a short drive from Waitomo town. There’s not a lot in Waitomo Town, but it’s definitely worth a stop as it is pretty cool.

It’s tucked away in the middle of the beautiful countryside of New Zealand’s North Island, these caves are known for their bizarre phenomenon that is the incredible glowworms. I’ve had to mess around with the camera settings a fair amount to be able to get this picture for you (it’s quite hard to photograph on your phone).

You can explore the caves on a boat or by foot, you’ll be enchanted by the twinkling lights above. You can sometimes get really close too, and see the worms close up and see the part of them that lights up and is bioluminescent!

The highlight is the glowworm grotto—a stunning chamber illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. It’s a breathtaking sight you’ll remember long after your visit.

Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, this adventure is perfect for families and solo travellers alike, just choose your activity early.

Wondering how to get to Waitomo? Have a look here.

BOOK AHEAD – when I arrived, it was sold out so I had to stay a few extra days!

Wellington

Cafe capital of the world, buzzing coastal city with spectacular views!

Wellington, the cafe capital of the world—yes, you heard that right!

This vibrant city lies between the harbour and the hills, is home to more cafes per person than anywhere else on the planet. It’s a haven for coffee lovers and foodies too, with each cafe offering its own unique vibe, charm and decor.

But there’s so much more to Wellington than just its coffee scene. Known affectionately as “Windy Welly,” this compact and cosmopolitan city is bursting with character and creativity. Think fun, colourful street art at the bustling waterfront, sit back, relax, and (if you’re there in summer) watch the there’s always something new to discover around every corner.

And let’s not forget about the foodie scene! Try out Scorch-o-Rama on the beach, it’s incredible!!! I decided to opt for the basic avocado toast, and they did it so well with sourdough bread and yummy toppings!

And lastly, don’t miss Zealandia – a nature reserve aiming to revive the native species of New Zealand. You’ll see the flightless Takahe bird casually roaming around! Super impressive!

Flightless takahe bird
Flightless takahe bird

New Zealand Weather: North or South Island?

Summer in NZ

Temperature: In January, when it’s summer, the North Island is warm on both North & South Island! The temperatures are around 23°C (73°F), while the South Island is a tad cooler, sitting at around 19°C (66°F).

But honestly, on some of the days it was BOILING in the summer, and reaching highs of 30°C (86°F) if not higher. Think, you’ll burn in 15 minutes outside without sun cream.

Rain: Both islands get about 8 rainy days, but you’ve got heaps of daylight to play with, around 15 hours a day. It’s like the sun just doesn’t wanna quit!

Winter in NZ

Fast forward to June, when it’s winter in NZ. Things start cooling down a bit, especially in the South Island. You’re looking at around 11°C (52°F) down there, while the North Island is still a bit milder, hovering around 15°C (59°F).

It’s a bit wetter too, with around 14 rainy days, but, you still get some solid daylight, about 9 hours or so.

So, that’s the gist of it! Both Islands have their pros & cons but frankly, they’re both beautiful.

New Zealand Weather in January
  • Average temperature North Island: 23°C (73°F)
  • Average temperature South Island: 19°C (66°F)
  • Average rainy days: 8
  • Average daylight hours: 15
  • Average sunrise time: 6:15 AM
  • Average sunset time: 9:30 PM
New Zealand Weather in February
  • Average temperature North Island: 25°C (77°F)
  • Average temperature South Island: 22°C (72°F)
  • Average rainy days: 7
  • Average daylight hours: 14
  • Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
  • Average sunset time: 9:00 PM
New Zealand Weather in March
  • Average temperature North Island: 23°C (73°F)
  • Average temperature South Island: 20°C (68°F)
  • Average rainy days: 9
  • Average daylight hours: 12
  • Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
  • Average sunset time: 8:15 PM
New Zealand Weather in April
  • Average temperature North Island: 20°C (68°F)
  • Average temperature South Island: 17°C (63°F)
  • Average rainy days: 11
  • Average daylight hours: 11
  • Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
  • Average sunset time: 6:45 PM
New Zealand Weather in May
  • Average temperature North Island: 17°C (63°F)
  • Average temperature South Island: 14°C (57°F)
  • Average rainy days: 12
  • Average daylight hours: 9
  • Average sunrise time: 8:15 AM
  • Average sunset time: 5:30 PM
New Zealand Weather in June
  • Average temperature North Island: 15°C (59°F)
  • Average temperature South Island: 11°C (52°F)
  • Average rainy days: 14
  • Average daylight hours: 9
  • Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
  • Average sunset time: 5:15 PM
New Zealand Weather in July
  • Average temperature North Island: 14°C (57°F)
  • Average temperature South Island: 10°C (50°F)
  • Average rainy days: 15
  • Average daylight hours: 9
  • Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
  • Average sunset time: 5:30 PM
New Zealand Weather in August
  • Average temperature North Island: 15°C (59°F)
  • Average temperature South Island: 11°C (52°F)
  • Average rainy days: 15
  • Average daylight hours: 10
  • Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
  • Average sunset time: 6:00 PM
New Zealand Weather in September
  • Average temperature North Island: 16°C (61°F)
  • Average temperature South Island: 12°C (54°F)
  • Average rainy days: 13
  • Average daylight hours: 12
  • Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
  • Average sunset time: 6:30 PM
New Zealand Weather in October
  • Average temperature North Island: 18°C (64°F)
  • Average temperature South Island: 14°C (57°F)
  • Average rainy days: 11
  • Average daylight hours: 13
  • Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
  • Average sunset time: 7:45 PM
New Zealand Weather in November
  • Average temperature North Island: 20°C (68°F)
  • Average temperature South Island: 16°C (61°F)
  • Average rainy days: 9
  • Average daylight hours: 14
  • Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
  • Average sunset time: 8:30 PM
New Zealand Weather in December
  • Average temperature North Island: 22°C (72°F)
  • Average temperature South Island: 18°C (64°F)
  • Average rainy days: 9
  • Average daylight hours: 15
  • Average sunrise time: 5:45 AM
  • Average sunset time: 9:15 PM

Quick links

Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad:

Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide

Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia.

E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card!

Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it!

Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank!

Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand travel guides for things to do in North Island and South Island!

Full disclosure! Some of the links here are affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission from every booking made. This is at no extra cost to you. It helps keep me writing and sharing my travel guides free of charge to you 🙂 Thank you for your support! Read our affiliate policy here.

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