Should you Visit the North or South Island of New Zealand?

Many have attempted to differentiate North and South Islands of New Zealand. But for some, whether you go to the North or South island, it’s always win-win. It’s New Zealand! Everywhere you go, you see nature’s beauty, perfection and some of the friendliest people on Earth!

But for the sake of argument, let’s try to point 5 important aspects to consider:

1. Transportation

Nowadays, every place is quite accessible with the popular modes of transportation – but there are certainly places that are easier to reach than others.

The North Island houses 4 out of the 7 international airports in New Zealand; Auckland and Wellington included, while the South Island only has one large airport located in Christchurch. With buses, two of the largest carriers (namely NakedBus and InterCity) service more routes on the North Island than the South.

Winner: North Island

2. Beaches

The North Island is the home of white-sand beaches – great for romantic getaways with a loved one, and several surfing beaches; such as Raglan and Taranaki. It also offers warmer and sunnier temperatures – perfect to ward off those chilly days.

In contrast, the South Island offers cooler beaches than that of the North, with bigger waves perfect for the adventurous. Mixed with the breezy ambiance and mountainous background, the South Island can be breathtaking.

Winner: Draw

3. Landscapes

New Zealand may be small but it’s one of the most diverse, unique and beautiful countries in the world. On the North, you can see untouched beaches, volcanoes, the East Cape, vast rolling green hills of the farmlands and the geothermal peculiarities of Roturua.

While the North is more on the greener side, the South offers a rougher touch with its Southern Alps, the rainy West Coast, the glaciers, the Canterbury plains, Marlborough Sounds, odd rock formations and fjords.

Winner: It depends on your taste but I say, the South.

4. Wildlife

With the North’s greens and beaches, you can watch dolphins on a cruise at the Bay of Islands, go on a day trip with the brids on Kapiti Island, seal hike on the Wellington coast or bear witness to the famous sheep population of the country in Rotorua.

The South also offers similar activities. You can also go see the famed cheaky kea bird, stand in awe in the presence of the albatross and penguins on the Otago Peninsula, enjoy whale watching and play with the Hector’s Dolphin – the rarest and smallest dolphins in the world!

Winner: South

5. Food! 

Let’s face it. Though we are after picturesque views, traveling is not as fun as you’d imagine it without the biggest deal breaker of all – the mouth-watering great tasting food!

With a sheep population like New Zealand, you can only expect plenty of mutton and lamb on the plate. There are also fish and chips, Green-Lipped Mussels, the famous delicious Hokey Pokey ice cream and one of the world’s best wine produced in the Marlborough Region.

Amidst these similarities, the South Island might just draw your attention as Queenstown is the home of the Fergburger and Dunedin is the headquarters of the Cadbury Chocolate Factory! Yes, pizza and chocolate combo on one island!

Winner: Big fat South!

Final Score: North – 1, South – 3 with one draw

Now, you decide, which island do you think is better?