We often get asked this question: if you don't have a lot of time, should you choose the South Island or the North Island for your New Zealand adventure travel tour. For me, the answer is easy—I'm biased, having lived in the South Island for many years. However, if you ask one of our best Tour Assistants, Shannon, she'd be singing the praises of the North Island from the rooftops.

To help you decide, here are our five pro tips for choosing a New Zealand tour of either the North or South Island. You can decide for yourself. Of course, the best idea is to extend your time and join one of Flying Kiwi's full New Zealand adventure tours to discover amazing activities, diverse landscapes, and wild beaches. 

North Island

Large Population

This Island has an area of 113,729km2 and is more populated than the South Island, with just over 3½ million people. It has 12 main urban areas (of which only half are officially cities!). The North Island does have the capital city – not Auckland as many suspect, but Wellington where our Parliament sit in the ‘Beehive' (so named for its beehive like shape). 

Warmer Climate

The North Island is also quite a bit warmer than the South – especially the far north where temperatures can be over 30 degrees while in the far south of the South Island at the same time of year – Invercargill for example, can be in the low 20's.

Rich in History and Maori Culture

The North Island is rich in history and Maori culture. From the hot springs and distinctive (albeit not always pleasant) aroma of Rotorua to the Treaty of Waitangi in the far north, which established British sovereignty over New Zealand, this region offers a diverse and fascinating heritage.

Volcanic Activity

There is volcanic activity in the North Island. This can also be a con of course! On a world scale the Taupo region of the North Island is extremely active with three active cone volcanoes (being Ruapehu, Tongariro & Ngauruhoe). Don't' worry though as they are constantly monitored and are currently at level 0 or 1 on the 0-5 scale. On our Flying Kiwi New Zealand trips around the North Island, we hike the famous Tongariro Crossing (considered one of the world's best one day hikes).

Amazing Beaches

There are also amazing beaches on this Island. Who can go past Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula where you can dig your own hot pool when the tide is right, or the warm waters of the Bay of Islands where you can dive the infamous Rainbow Warrior. Our overnight camp in this area is the Bay of Islands Waitangi iHoliday Park.

So to summarise:

#1 – the North Island has more people

#2 – the North Island has a warmer climate

#3 – the North Island is steeped in history and Maori culture

#4 – the North Island is perfect for volcano watchers

#5 – the North Island has amazing beaches

Flying Kiwi offer a range of North Island adventure tours which, include camping at Hot Water Beach, the Tongariro Crossing, Rotorua Hot Pools and the Taupo region amongst many other incredible highlights.

South Island

Less People, More Land

Ahhh my favourite Island. An Introverts paradise, with a population of just over 1 million and an area of 151,215km2.  While the North Island may be warmer it is a well-known fact that the Tasman region of the South Island is known as the ‘Sunshine Capital'.

National Parks and Endless Hiking

The South Island is also a hiker's paradise with the more National Parks. The nine South Island National Parks are; The Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, Nelson Lakes National Park, Paparoa National Park, Arthurs Pass National Park, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Mount Aspiring National Park and of course Fiordland National Park in the Milford Sound. The North Island has three!  Some of the most popular New Zealand hikes with Flying Kiwi travellers include the multi day Routeburn Track and the smaller Mount Cook National Park.

Glacier Country

The South Island is also home to Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers which is on the West Coast and is one of the most remote and sparsely populated areas of New Zealand. These massive glaciers descend from high in the Southern Alps to the lush rainforest on the edge of the Southern Ocean.  Somehow the townships of Fox and Franz Josef are squeezed in between.  Heli-hiking, where you take a helicopter up to the Glacier and, you guessed it, hike, is one of the favourite activities of all visitors to New Zealand.

'Adventure Capital of New Zealand'

Lastly the South Island also has the ‘Adventure Capital of New Zealand' – Queenstown where you will find all the best New Zealand adventure activities under the sun and then some!  Some of the picks with Flying Kiwi travellers are the infamous Bungy Jumping, sky-diving, white water rafting and the canyon swing just to name a few. 

So to summarise:

#1 – the South Island has less people and more land

#2 – the South Island has more National Parks

#3 – the South Island is a hiker's paradise with great walks and the best hikes

#4 – the South Island is home to Fox Glacier & Franz Josef Glacier

#5 – the South Island is an adrenalin junkie's paradise  

Flying Kiwi offer a range of South Island adventure tours which include camping in amazingly remote spots, the buzz, adrenalin and nightlife of Queenstown and the South Island National Parks.

Struggling to decide between New Zealand tours?

We know it's a near impossible task choosing between our two uniquelly beautiful islands, so why not enjoy the best of both worlds with our Flying Kiwi Full New Zealand Tours. You can thank us later!