{"id":12853,"date":"2018-04-26T15:00:27","date_gmt":"2018-04-26T14:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=12853"},"modified":"2025-07-28T13:25:58","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T12:25:58","slug":"south-island-new-zealand-vs-north-island-new-zealand-whats-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/south-island-new-zealand-vs-north-island-new-zealand-whats-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"South Island New Zealand Vs North Island New Zealand: What’s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fact: New Zealand is incredible. But, where should you start your adventure? Is the North Island calling your name? Or is the South Island more aligned with your travel preferences?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

No matter where you travel in New Zealand, you should be prepared to spend plenty of time on your feet exploring the country\u2019s rugged wilderness and trendy cities. <\/span>While both islands are fundamentally similar when it comes to currency, power voltage, and general customs, the array of experiences to be had definitely differ. One thing is for sure though, the locals (both north and south) are among some of the friendliest people you\u2019ll get the chance to meet.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Travel to: <\/em>New Zealand <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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Keen to immerse yourself in unrivalled adventure sports? How about setting out on ridiculously scenic hikes or keeping cool at remote beaches? This is your ultimate guide to the South Island Vs the North Island of New Zealand so you can plan your New Zealand getaway.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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New Zealand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/th>\nSouth Island<\/strong><\/th>\nNorth Island<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Main city<\/td>\nChristchurch<\/span><\/td>\nAuckland<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Most popular destination<\/span><\/td>\nQueenstown<\/span><\/td>\nTaupo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Natural attraction<\/span><\/td>\nMilford Sound<\/td>\nTongariro National Park<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Beach destination<\/span><\/td>\nAbel Tasman National Park<\/span><\/td>\nHot Water Beach<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

South Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n

New Zealand\u2019s South Island is defined by its mountains, lakes, and glaciers. They not only give way to fantastic hiking terrain, but they invite you to embark on some adventure sports that have been perfected here. As for its more developed cities, you can bet on them being hip, exciting, and full of experiences calling to be explored.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Travel to: <\/em>South Island <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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Getting around the South Island\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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  1. Plane:<\/strong> Taking a plane between the North Island and the South Island can be extremely cost-effective and a time-saver, but flying within the island itself is quite expensive.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Train:<\/strong> The TranzAlpine does more than just get you from Greymouth to Christchurch. It\u2019s one of the most scenic train rides to embark on! Other than running between the two aforementioned destinations, it also takes you up to the port where ferries depart for the North Island.<\/li>\n
  3. Bus:<\/strong> The main way to get around is via bus and there are multiple operators running between major cities. They are moderately priced and won\u2019t typically eat up an entire day for travel.<\/li>\n
  4. Car:<\/strong> Rental prices can run pretty high, same goes for fuel. Be prepared to drive on the left side of the road and leave room for scenic pit stops along the route. The downside to the island\u2019s remoteness is that you may not find stores or gas stations for miles. Also, if you\u2019re driving in the winter months you may confront snowy driving conditions.<\/li>\n
  5. Ferry:<\/strong> The ferry is a great way to get between the South and North Islands and perhaps spot some whales and fur seals along the way.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    South Island highlights<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Queenstown<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The adventure capital of the world sits on the edge of Lake Wakatipu with the Southern Alps as its backdrop. This is the<\/em> place to be for adrenaline junkies. Because where else can you go bungee jumping at the birthplace of the thrilling sport, heli-skiing, whitewater rafting or jet boating all in the same vicinity?<\/p>\n

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    Queenstown<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Abel Tasman National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    This coastal park hosts a series of remarkable hiking routes weaving through and around the range of marble and limestone hills. The Coast Track is the main attraction here and is one of the most recognized of the Great Walks in the country. Kayaking into hidden coves and exploring the park\u2019s beaches are equally as exciting.<\/p>\n

    Fiordland National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    As its name states, this national park is known for its extravagant glacier-formed fiords, most notably Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. While at Milford Sound you can see colonies of seals and penguins, both are prime hiking points to track down some glowing waterfalls among the mountains.<\/p>\n

    Nelson<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The sunny city of Nelson is an artist hub with its many crafty shops, galleries, and studios to wander through. The dense forests and snow-capped peaks that border the city are no less impressive than the pinot noir grapes growing in its vineyards (Nelson has been coined as the Naples of the southern hemisphere).<\/p>\n

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    Nelson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Christchurch<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    This city known for its English heritage is on the mends following a series of earthquakes that took with them many of the striking colonial buildings. Despite all of that, Christchurch has been moving forward and you notice this in its redesign. Vibrant new bars in the city centre, bike paths, and the very green and urban Hagley Park are a just a few of the cities gems to explore.<\/p>\n

    Wanaka<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park capture the town of Wanaka\u2019s rugged and tranquil appeal. Be sure to soak in the wonders of Wanaka on hikes and ski outings, and if you\u2019re feeling more adventurous there\u2019s some phenomenal parachuting. For some man-made fun, Puzzling World is a cool attraction with a whimsical outdoor maze and optical illusion rooms.<\/p>\n

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    Wanaka<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    What to eat and drink in the South Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n