Which Part Of New Zealand Would You Recommend?

Question

I am going on a journey of a lifetime. And some of this trip will be New Zealand and the other bit will be in Australia.

I know where to go in Australia but I want to hear from people who have been to New Zealand.

Which is the best North Island or South Island?

Advice appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

I think the South Island is better by far. Much more greener and open space - places I would visit:

Nelson – http://www.nelsonnz.com Abel Tasman National Park, http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/PlaceProfile.aspx?id=38455 Golden sand beaches, Awaroa Lodge, http://www.awaroalodge.co.nz swim with the seals, http://www.sealswim.com

Christchurch, the garden city - http://www.christchurchnz.net/visitchch

Franz Joseph Glacier - http://www.franzjosefglacier.com

Queenstown is the aventure capital of NZ http://www.queenstown-nz.co.nz – Milford Sounds, http://www.fiordland.org.nz – Bungy jumping, AJ Hackett - http://www.ajhackett.co.nz
also Lord of the rings tours Queenstown way if you are into that.

Wanaka – Lake Wanaka - http://www.lakewanaka.co.nz/index.cfm/Home

Happy travelling

Answer 2

I love the South Island. I am sure there are some nice places in the North Island, but I have not really seen much (apart form a few nice beaches in the North Island).
I love the West Coast of the south Island.....stunningly beautiful with reflective lakes,glaciers, green,dense bush(forest), amazing mountain and sea views. One of my most favourite is a very easy walk at a place called Ship Creek on the road between Fox Glacier and Haast. There is a beach walk and a forest walk, the latter is truely stunning (especially on a wet day which is common!!!!).
For a complete contrast I love Mt Cook area too, where is dry, mountainous, glaciers with a different feel.
Queenstown is the adventure captial so theres is heaps to do there.
I also love the Marlborough sounds (but I am from this area!), Also I hear Abel Tasman is STUNNING too with white beaches and of course there is Milford and Doubtful sounds too!!
I guess it depends on if you want less population and stunning scenery or populated areas with really nice views.
You can try a couple of these websites to help too. I've added the aa travel one as it has things that kiwis love to see and do in new zealand (7 out the top 10 are from the South Island!..note 2/3 of Nz live in the North Island!).

Answer 3

I've been to North Island, to Auckland, Witomo Cave, and Rotorua. Amazing trip!! I love NZ.. but actually i heard from other people that South Island is more beautiful than North Island. You can go to Fjordland (take a boat ride to enjoy the magnificent Milford Sound) or if you like adventure, Queenstown is the best. South Island is also good for skiing. Also you can do whale watching in Kaikoura, Northeast of South Island. New Zealand is a great country...

Answer 4

Dunedin in the South Island is my favourite place.
It is the home of the southern most Royal Albatross colony in the world, that is easily accessible to the public.
There is the Taeri Gorge Railway which has to be right up near the top of the list for great railway journeys.
Below is a good website to explore

Answer 5

South Island is generally rugged scenery. North Island is softer, rounder and greener.

In Lord of the Rings scenery, North is The Shire. South is everything else.

Answer 6

I have returned from an amazing trip to Auckland. The city and surrounding area is so beautiful. The people are very friendly and there is lots to do. You could take a trip to the museum,zoo,sky tower or jump on a ferry to Rangitoto Island.

Answer 7

Don't waste your time going to NZ. Stay in Australia, it's warmer, beaches are nicer, water is better to swin in, cheaper to stay there, better value for money. NZ is just a waste of time and money. Over priced crap and very poor service.

Answer 8

The best place to go in New Zillend is the departure lounge at the airport. Get out as soon as you can!