With a population of 3,896,200

With a population of 1,187,300

“Most of the country lies close to the coast, which means mild temperatures year-round”

The far north has subtropical weather during summer. If you are into warm weather North island is for you

Inland alpine areas of the South Island can be as cold as -10°C (14°F) in winter. If you like snow capped mountain cold weather South suits you.

New Zealand’s North Island offers island sanctuaries and lively cities with a large helping of culture and history for a truly diverse holiday experience.

From the far north where New Zealand’s political history began, journey through landscapes that blend magnificent coasts and beaches, sprawling farmlands and geothermal wonders. Māori culture is rich and ever-present in many parts of the North Island.

New Zealand’s South Island hosts the purest natural landscapes you’ll ever experience.

From wildlife to wineries, glacial valleys to star-filled skies, the South Island offers adventure in all its forms. Choose to explore just one region, or road trip from Picton all the way down to Bluff. No matter which destinations you choose to explore on this long, mountainous island, you’ll be constantly open-mouthed before the incredible scenery. 

Just over three-quarters of us live in the North Island, so there tends to be a lot more going on. We all know Auckland is the behemoth, while Wellington has made a name for itself as the “coolest little capital”. They host festivals and big music names that the South Island often misses out on (even Hamilton is getting the Vengaboys ).

But visitors to Christchurch get to see a city reinventing itself, with exciting new pop-ups and gap-filler projects. And Dunedin is possibly one of New Zealand’s most underrated destinations, packed with architectural treasures and home to the ruggedly beautiful Otago Peninsula.

If you like hot things, the North Island is for you. Catch a ferry and go for a hike up Rangitoto Island – Auckland’s largest and youngest volcano. Or there’s Rotorua, with its bubbling mud pools and explosive geysers. For an even more alien landscape, head to Craters of the Moon in Taupo, a geothermal walkway full of gurgling craters and steaming vents.

For cold things, head south. You’ll find two of the world’s best ski fields in Queenstown (Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are members of the global Mountain Collective). And the West Coast is home to two massive ice blocks – Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. These are some of the most accessible glaciers on Earth. 

The South Island contains the “adventure capital of the world”, Queenstown, as well as nine of the country’s 14 national parks. The South Island also has more cycle trails than the North, from the original great ride, the Otago Central Rail Trail, to the new West Coast Wilderness Trail.

The Hawke’s Bay Trails stretch over the Heretaunga Plains and weave between the twin cities of Napier and Hastings, enjoy these great cycling trails. Stretching from Bay View in the north to Cape Kidnappers in the South, with Napier, Hastings and Havelock North in between, this trail network follows a mix of dedicated cycle paths and quiet country roads.

North Island has more herds of grazing cows. Turns out, 60 percent of New Zealand’s cows call the North Island home.

The South Island has about a million more sheep than the North Island.