Should You Explore the North Island, South Island or Both?

Q: Should You Explore the North Island, South Island or Both?

What Can You See on a North Island Self-Drive Holiday?North Island itineraries combine Māori culture, geothermal landscapes, film locations, forests, beaches and wine regions. Popular routes feature Waitomo, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Taupō, Tongariro National Park, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington.What Can You See on a South Island Self-Drive Holiday?South Island journeys showcase alpine lakes, glaciers, national parks, wildlife-rich coastlines and dramatic mountain roads. Depending on the route, you may visit Aoraki/Mt Cook, Queenstown, Fiordland, the West Coast, Abel Tasman, Kaikōura, Dunedin and Stewart Island.How Much Time Is Needed to Visit Both Islands?Allow at least 10 to 14 days for a focused two-island itinerary, although 18 to 21 days provides a more comfortable pace. Interisland travel may include the Wellington–Picton ferry, and some itineraries also use scenic rail journeys or domestic flights.

In Self-Drive

What Can You See on a North Island Self-Drive Holiday?

North Island itineraries combine Māori culture, geothermal landscapes, film locations, forests, beaches and wine regions. Popular routes feature Waitomo, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Taupō, Tongariro National Park, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington.

What Can You See on a South Island Self-Drive Holiday?

South Island journeys showcase alpine lakes, glaciers, national parks, wildlife-rich coastlines and dramatic mountain roads. Depending on the route, you may visit Aoraki/Mt Cook, Queenstown, Fiordland, the West Coast, Abel Tasman, Kaikōura, Dunedin and Stewart Island.

How Much Time Is Needed to Visit Both Islands?

Allow at least 10 to 14 days for a focused two-island itinerary, although 18 to 21 days provides a more comfortable pace. Interisland travel may include the Wellington–Picton ferry, and some itineraries also use scenic rail journeys or domestic flights.