I am planning on a trip to new zealand towards the end of Nov for 10 days. Is northland or southland better?

Question

Any suggestions or must see places ?

Also any itinerary ideas would be great!

Answer 1

The South Island is most scenic.

Nelson is quite pleasant and has heaps of outdoor activities such as sea kayaking and hiking. Theres hot pools at Hamner Springs, In Christchurch there's plenty of things for tourists to do, Queenstown is a tourist spot with a beautiful lake and gondola rides, parapanting, and bungee jumping near by. Theres jet boating on the Kawarau river which is a thrill. Stop at Historic Arrowtown, it's so pretty.

Dunedin is a historic place and the first settlement in NZ, a Scottish Settlement. There is wildlife tours to see penguins,etc. Beautiful beaches only 10 minutes from the centre of the city. Larnachs Castle and Ovelston are worth seeing too. Fiordland  is beautiful too, and so is Lake Wanaka.

Answer 2

North Island

The North Island offers huge variety through both surf and swimming beaches, ski fields, walking tracks and the two largest cities in the country.  All of this is within easy driving distance meaning the North Island allows you to tick many items off your “to do” list in quick succession.

Wellington (the capital) and Auckland are the two largest cities, and both offer a great night life and quality restaurants.  Auckland is the largest pacific city in the world and displays an eclectic mix of cultures and beliefs.  

The golden beaches of the Hauraki Gulf (just off the coast of Auckland) are beautiful and unspoilt.  A sightseeing trip to one of the many islands dotted around, especially during summer will clearly explain why Auckland owns the nickname of “The City of Sails”.

The Central North Island is the play ground of the North Island.  You can go from skiing, to surfing to a quality golf course all within 3 hours of each other.

The main wine regions of Hawkes Bay and the Wairarapa, have achieved world recognition for their wines, especially Savignon Blanc.  However boutique areas such as Martinborough more than hold their own, with a reputation for some of the best Pinot Noirs in the world.

From Cape Reinga at the tip of the North Island down to Wellington, the North Island is able to offer a truly extensive range of activities, sights and experiences.



Your North Island tourist destinations:

  Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands sightseeing activities & attractions include Fullers Bay of Island tours & cruises, the historic Waitangi Treaty House, giant Kauri trees & much more...



  Auckland

Auckland with a population of 1.2 million people, is New Zealand’s largest city and the first port of call for most visitors. Take advantage of the many sightseing activities and attractions on offer.



  Coromandel Peninsula

Rustic, relaxed and unspoilt, The Coromandel is one of New Zealand’s best-loved holiday destinations.



  Matamata

Matamata is an important bloodstock region and a thriving farming area.  Visitors are drawn to the attractions such as the Hobbiton Movie Set Tours and Wairere Falls.



  Waitomo

The Waitomo district attracts many visitors to visit the limestone caves, glowworms and adventure caving activities. Bus tours available from Auckland & Rotorua.



  Rotorua

Rotorua attractions include Maori culture, amazing geothermal activity, relaxing spa treatments, New Zealand wildlife and adventure activities.



  Taupo

Adrenaline-junkie, fitness enthusiast, sun worshiper, sailor, fisherman or keen photographer, the Lake Taupo region has a huge range of activities and natural phenomenon to see.



  Mount Ruapehu

Active volcanoes, ancient native bush, deserts and rivers, with an endless range of all year round activities.



  Gisborne

The most easterly city in the world and the first to welcome the sunrise each and everyday.  



  Hawkes Bay & Napier

With over 2200 hours of sunshine, Hawke’s Bay is a year-round holiday destination with an eclectic mix of visual and sensory experiences.



  Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city. Wellington has national treasures, galleries, museums, and a superb cafe and restaurant culture.

South Island

The South Island of New Zealand comes with a reputation as a unique land packed with magnificent, raw scenery: craggy coastlines, primeval forests, snow-capped alpine mountains, fast flowing rivers and glacier-fed lakes, all beneath a brilliant blue sky.

The South Island kicks off with the world-renowned wineries of Marlborough and appealing Nelson.  From here you will encounter the famous Southern Alps which form the backbone of the South Island and have numerous glaciers in the Fox and Franz Josef regions.

Christchurch known as the ‘Garden City’ is the South Island’s largest.  From here heading South on the inland route you will leave the Canterbury Plains and pass by Mount Cook/Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest mountain.

Onto Queenstown ‘the adventure capital of New Zealand a resort town like no other offering year round activities including; bungy jumping, rafting, jet-boating and of course skiing in the winter.

This area is also the gateway to the World Heritage Fiordland National Park which has the internationally famous Milford Sound and Milford Track.

The South Island of New Zealand offers a great range of scenic experiences in a still unspoilt, sparsely populated environment.  



Your South Island tourist destinations:

  Nelson

The highest sunshine hours in New Zealand and blue skies all year round, beaches, bush and mountains side by side..... this is Nelson!





  Blenheim

70 wineries, scenic parks, walkways, gardens and art/craft trails are only some of Blenheims attractions.



  Kaikoura

Kaikoura’s unique combination of alpine and ocean scenery, including resident sperm whales, never fails to inspire.



  Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve is a natural area of hot springs developed into a relaxing and revitalising spa complex.



  Christchurch

The river Avon winds through the city with punts drifting up and down, weeping willow trees stand at the riverbank and restored Trams cross the stone bridges.



  Akaroa

French, Bristish, Maori and whaling history all blend together in Akaroa, Canterburys oldest village.



  Methven

The central Canterbury village is a playground for all seasons mixing skiing in winter and a plethora of outdoor activities in Summer including jet boating, ballooning.



  Aoraki Mount Cook

New Zealand's Highest Mountain and a World Heritage park preserved in its natural state for the benefit and enjoyment of all people.



  Greymouth

Greymouth was a gold rush town, and has expanded it's attributes to include jade, outdoor activites and the famous TranzAlpine Express.



  Franz Josef Glacier

Few sights equal the spectacle of this giant tongue of  ice grinding down through temperate rainforest to just 250 metres above sea level.



  Fox Glacier

Tucked into the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, the glacier and the stunning reflections of lake Matheson are the main attractions.



  Queenstown

Queenstown - the adventure capital of New Zealand. Here are the hottest Queenstown activities and attractions...



  Milford Sound

Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, is one of New Zealand's must-visit destinations.



  Glenorchy

Glenorchy, a tiny, charming village bordered by a World Heritage Area is totally surrounded by mountains, the scenery is majestic and powerful.



  Wanaka

Lake Wanaka is an inspiring place of tranquillity and beauty with lake, river and alpine based activities and the Mount Aspiring National Park World Heritage area.



  Te Anau

On the shores of beautiful Lake Te Anau with a spectacular backdrop of Mount Luxmore and the Murchison Mountains range, the township of Te Anau is an attractive resort town.



  Dunedin

Memorable for its historical architecture and renowned for its proximity to incredible wildlife.

Answer 3

Kia Ora - Greetings from New Zealand.

The North Island has a great variety of things to see and do.

Auckland is the largest city in NZ and is great for shopping, relaxing on a beach, taking a cruise around the harbour or maybe to one of the many small islands within 30 minutes of Downtown, sightseeing, and lots more.

Rotorua is 3 hours drive from Auckland and is a great cultural, geothermal and outdoor adventure destination. Great tourism, shops and accommodation too. Its HOT!!!! If you are coming to the north island then definitely try and fit in Rotorua.

In fact there are lots of places worth visiting in the north island.  You can easily drive yourself around or take a bus tour.

The South Island is more wild, focusing on outdoor activities.  Adventure tourism is at its best in the south.  Beautiful tall mountains and countryside to see, walking tracks through huge native forests, lots of lakes and rivers. Queenstown is the hot spot in the south island for tourism.

I guess if you like variety and city life then do the North Island.

If you prefer wild, outdoor pursuits and nature then so south.

Either way you will have a great time here. Enjoy your visit.

Answer 4

Like xjx says, the South Island is more scenic. But if you want to have a more cultural experience of New Zealand, then the North is the place to be. And Mareer summed it up for you. North or South either way, I'm sure you will enjoy our beautiful country.

Answer 5

Fly into Wellington . stay a couple of days then get the ferry over to South island to Picton about 3 hours sailing through the Marlborough Sounds and about $65 then pick up a rental car drive down the West Coast through Nelson have a day or 2 there and explore the Able Tasman National Park Kaiteriteri then drive on down through westport ,Franz joseph. Fox Glacier and other little towns . you will arrive in ChristChurch and fly out of ChristChurch. You probably wont have time to go anywhere else

Answer 6

Hi

Just to point out its the North Island and South Island...unless you actually mean northland and southland......!!

The South Island is perhaps better known for begin prettier than the North Island.....the latter having 3/4 of NZ's population so there are bigger cities ( eg Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington).....and while Auckland, Rotorua ( and the surrounding area eg Tongariro National Park) as well as lots of beaches are worth looking at, in the time you have available, I think if you REALLY wanted to see some great places ( and see them so you don;t have to rush)....I would suggest the South Island......It dpeneds on what you like tho...there is lots of scenery in the South Island...I will give you a couple of websites that you may find useful and there are some proposed journey planners too.

Answer 7

Both Islands have heaps to offer so your pretty much spoilt for choice.  Just to add to everyone elses advice, North Island for city living, cultural experiences, beaches, warm(er) weather.  South Island for the most stunning scenic views, adventure tourism and snow.

Good Luck with your choice,but no matter what you decide, I guarantee you will love our country

Nga mihi maioha kia koe ( Good luck in Maori)

Answer 8

south island is way better lol coz im here!! but really th north island has quite alot more 2 offer, like in wellington there r heaps of places2 visit... wen u come in2 nz at the airport they have heaps of attractions

Answer 9

It depends entirely what you want.

North Island is mainly city life

South Island is mainly adventure tourism

N.I Attractions:

Zorbing (http://www.zorb.com/)

Hot Pools etc

Sky Tower

Rainbow's End (Theme Park)

Te Papa(Museum)

S.I Attractions:

Glaciers

Hanmar Springs

Bungee Jumping

White Water Rafting