North vs. South Island: Which One Stole Our Hearts?

If you only had two weeks, would you choose volcanoes or fjords? Rolling green hills or jagged peaks? After exploring both North and South Islands, the truth is… we still can’t decide.

Left: Tama Lakes Track, North Island, offers stunning views of Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu

Right: Tasman Glacier, South Island, is the longest glacier in New Zealand

We’re nature lovers, and New Zealand’s true beauty lies in its landscapes. So let’s start with the North Island.

North Island Magic

One thing I immediately loved was how New Zealand protects its natural treasures. On many hikes, we passed through Brush, Inspect, and Disinfect stations, a simple but meaningful way to prevent disease from spreading to native trees. The mighty Kauri trees are a great example of what’s being protected. These giants can grow over 50 meters tall, reach trunk girths of 16 meters, and live more than 2,000 years.

The scenery itself was a mix of rolling green hills dotted with sheep, lush forests hiding waterfalls, and landscapes shaped by volcanoes—from the small cones near Auckland to the vast crater of Lake Taupo and the snow-dusted slopes around Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu.

We visited in June, close to winter, and I was amazed by how many rainbows appeared in the skies, maybe it was just the season, but I’ll never get tired of spotting them.

Highlights for us included Hobbiton (yes, it’s worth it), the peaceful beauty of Lake Taupo, and the otherworldly glow of the Waitomo Caves. Just know: to truly see the island, a rental car is essential.

South Island Wonders

The South Island feels completely different. While the North charms you with its soft hills, the South hits you with dramatic mountains, glaciers, and deep valleys.

Flying into Queenstown, the view of snowy peaks rising through the clouds is unforgettable. Queenstown itself is a cozy little town that feels like a ski village in winter, with crisp air and warm sun if you catch it just right. (Tip: bring layers, it's so important.)

But the landscapes beyond town are where the real magic begins. Milford Sound was one of our most memorable experiences: flying in, cruising through the fjord, and flying out again. On the way back we were lucky with clear skies, offering yet another perspective of the sheer cliffs and endless mountain ranges. I could never get tired of those views.

We stretched our trip further to explore Mount Cook. It’s a bit remote, with limited amenities, but so worth the journey. The combination of turquoise lakes, massive glaciers, and towering peaks was pure WOW.

Choosing Between Them

The North Island’s rolling green hills and the South Island’s jagged snowy mountains couldn’t be more different and yet, I love them both equally. Volcanoes and glaciers, waterfalls and fjords… I could happily spend hours hiking, photographing, and simply soaking it all in on either island.

If you’ve never experienced the Canadian Rockies, you can actually find similar jaw-dropping mountain beauty there without the long-haul flight. But the volcanic landscapes of the North Island? That was completely new for me. The only places that came close were Bali’s Nusa Penida Teletubbies Hills (photo on the right) or the pastures of São Miguel in the Azores (photo on the left).

Practical Notes

Rental Car

We drove a Polestar 2 electric car on both islands. Charging was pretty simple with a bit of planning. On the North Island, we often charged at hotels or even Hobbiton. On the South Island, we used the Zero Charging app along with a fob. Stopping to recharge during activities became part of our rhythm.

Top 3 (and priciest) activities

• Waitomo Caves : 314 NZD/person for the 5 hours of scary and fun adventure

• Hobbiton : 120 NZD/person for the basic tour

• Fly–Cruise–Fly to Milford Sound with Glenorchy 669 NZD/person for amazing views

  
  

Weather

In June on the North Island and August on the South, the weather was great overall. Hats and layers kept us warm. I expected snow in Queenstown village but, like Whistler in Canada, it was the mountains that got most of the snow while the town itself stayed relatively clear.

End of July to early August, from Queenstown to Milford Sound to Mount Cook, South Island

Food

We sampled New Zealand cuisine in Auckland but wouldn’t recommend it as a highlight. Luckily, both islands had plenty of gluten- and dairy-free options. And in Queenstown, we gave in to the temptation of fried fish and fried chicken; greasy, excessive, but oh so good.

Final Thoughts

So, North or South? Honestly, I can’t pick. Both gave us “wow” moments, whether staring up at volcanoes or down into turquoise glacial lakes. Both felt magical in their own way. And both are calling me back to explore even more.

If you’re lucky enough to visit New Zealand, don’t choose one, do both. 🌿🏔️