NEW ZEALAND

What is the Best Island to Visit in New Zealand?

Q: How to Experience North Island?

Boat out to the marine sanctuary of Poor Knights Islands for snorkeling and kayaking, explore seaside Russell, New Zealand’s first European settlement, and sample an array of fresh cuisine and fine wines from the region.

The Differences Between South Island & North Island

Whether you’re after a deep dive into the North Island or South Island, or a hiking adventure across both, we’ve designed our itineraries to highlight the best of these spectacular—but distinct—regions. Both islands are packed with every kind of landscape imaginable, with differences in geography, geology, scenery, and climates.

Formed by the collision of tectonic plates, the South Island is marked by its 12,000-foot Southern Alps, dividing the region into temperate and alpine climates. The North Island, meanwhile, was formed by volcanic activity, leading to landscapes reminiscent of Maui’s Haleakala or Wyoming’s Yellowstone. “On the South Island it’s easy to forget you are on an island in the South Pacific as you could be in the European Alps but the North Island has a far greater Polynesian presence and the sea is ever present,” says Trip Leader Jon Imhoof.

south ISLAND

north ISLAND

Aerial view of a mountainous landscape with a central lake, surrounded by rugged peaks. A waterfall flows from the lake, descending through lush greenery. This breathtaking scene captures the essence of New Zealand, a must-visit destination on any traveler's list.

Explore the South Island: From Nelson to Stewart Island

An incredible collection of natural superlatives—with adventures to match

The Southern Alps, which run the length of the island, form a barrier to weather from the Tasman Sea, creating a wetter, temperate western side defined by glaciers and rainforest, and a drier, milder eastern side with stunning beaches and quaint towns. The generally cooler climate led to fewer Maori settling on South Island and it was largely populated by Europeans, the Scottish in particular, in the early 19th century.

Highlights of South Island

Few other islands offer the sheer diversity of landscape as South Island, where you can go from hiking below snow-capped peaks and through rainforests to paddling along rugged coastlines and roaring rivers. The island is also home to seven of New Zealand’s ten Great Walks, allowing hikers easy access to its varied bounty and remote corners.

How to Experience South Island

On our Ultimate South Island adventure, we experience the South Island’s most sought after destinations alongside its remote corners. Head to the island’s northeast for Canterbury’s rolling hills that spill onto golden beaches; to the east for a rugged, volcano-made coastline dotted with beautiful bays; to the west for glacier-dotted rainforest; and to the south for spotting rare penguins and the native Stewart Island kiwi in the wild.

Two hikers stand on a rocky terrain, overlooking a mountainous landscape reminiscent of New Zealand's best islands, where snow patches and small turquoise lakes lie under a clear blue sky, inviting you to visit this natural wonder.

Explore the North Island: From Wellington to Northland

A spectacular region of volcanic formations and Maori spirit

Defined by thriving Maori culture and a subtropical climate, the North Island is as culturally rich as it’s beautiful. Whether we’re exploring stunning coastal trails along sea cliffs, white-sand beaches, bays sheltering native forest, or the hot springs and geysers of dramatic volcanic terrain, our journeys capture the region’s breadth in all its glory.

Highlights of North Island

From the vibrant city of Auckland,“City of Sails,” to the otherworldly volcanic and geothermal landscapes of its center, the North Island is a unique destination. The north is home to three of the country’s ten Great Walks, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (part of the greater Te Araroa Trail), considered the best single-day hike in New Zealand. The breathtaking Tongariro trail winds through a striking volcanic landscape that also has significant Maori spiritual significance.

How to Experience North Island

Its northernmost part of the island, known as Northland, there is a distinctive South Pacific character and a strong Maori culture. On our Hidden Treasures of the Far North adventure to this fascinating corner, we boat out to the marine sanctuary of Poor Knights Islands for snorkeling and kayaking, explore seaside Russell, New Zealand’s first European settlement, and sample an array of fresh cuisine and fine wines from the region.

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Talk to an Expert

Our Pacific Specialists know every detail about our New Zealand Tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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