New Zealand: North vs. South Island

(424 Reviews)
99% Recommended

Pam MacIntyre

Maple Grove, MN

Australia & New Zealand Specialist

New Zealand

In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...

New Zealand

I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.

The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!

Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!

Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!

Australia

Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.

While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.

And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.

Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.

Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.

Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!

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Whangarei Falls, Whangarei, New Zealand

When planning a trip to New Zealand, ideally, you’d visit both islands since each one has its own unique charm. However, I know that’s not always possible, especially if you’re adding it as a stopover after a vacation in Australia or Southeast Asia.

If you have to choose just one, here’s a little breakdown to help you decide:

The North Island is known for its subtropical climate, world-class beaches, rainforests, rolling hills, and stunning countryside, not to mention its volcanic activity. It’s also where you’ll experience the rich Maori culture. Plus, the North Island is home to the famous Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings—a must-see for fans!

The South Island, on the other hand, has a more temperate climate with dramatic mountains, fjords, wide-open plains, and braided rivers. If you’re into breathtaking natural beauty, this is where you’ll find iconic spots like Milford Sound. But I’ve also got a hidden gem up my sleeve—where the locals go—that I’d love to build into your itinerary.

The North Island is more populated, giving it a bit of an urban feel compared to the rugged isolation of the South Island. Fun fact: as you head further south, the Kiwi accents get thicker! Both islands offer the chance to see glowworms, but the best experience is definitely at Waitomo on the North Island.

Another fun surprise? Both islands have their own wine regions, and trust me, New Zealand wine is amazing! It’s not mass-produced, so it’s not something you find often outside of the country. I actually brought bottles home, which is something I’ve never done before. The wine really is that good.

There’s so much to see and do in New Zealand—from visiting the International Antarctic Centre, spotting sperm whales, sleeping on an island in the sounds, to endless adventures in Queenstown. New Zealand is truly a must-see destination, and after experiencing it myself, I can tell you it’s on everyone’s bucket list for a very good reason!

In short, if you’re still wondering which island to choose:

Go with the North Island if you want a warmer climate with hot springs, mud pools, white-sand beaches, Maori culture, larger cities, and more cosmopolitan comforts.

Go with the South Island if you’re after a more rugged landscape with mountains and fjords, world-class food and wine, and endless outdoor activities.

Of course, I’d love to send you to the island that best suits you—or, ideally, both!