Exploring the North Island of New Zealand: A Journey Through Nature's Playground

Imagine a journey where pristine beaches meet volcanic wonders, and vibrant cities resonate with Maori culture. The North Island of New Zealand beckons year-round, offering a rich tapestry of experiences.

From sun-soaked summer beach getaways to the allure of autumn's wine-tasting tours, the North Island paints a vibrant picture. As you explore, you'll encounter rain forests, geothermal marvels, and serene lakes, each with a unique story to tell.

highlights await at every corner. 🏖️🌋🍷

Helpful tips:

• Don't spent a lot of time in Auckland. It is not really a beautiful city. I personally didn't like it as well as most people I meet who have been there

• If you are looking for a bigger city (in the North Island) to stay long term I would recommend Wellington

• Food is generally more expensive than in Europe. This is why I would recommend to shop in pack n save which is the cheapest supermarket. You also have some on the South Island but way less than in the north.

  
  

  Pack n save is also a good place to get gas a bit cheaper (gas is something which is cheaper than in

  Europe at least atm)

• The sun can be strong in New Zealand so I would consider using sun scream everyday

• Most people live in the north island so this is the part of New Zealand which has more bigger cities and better infrastructure.

• I travelled in late autumn which is a quieter time. I really enjoyed that I didn’t have to book anything in advance. I booked most hostels a night before and as well as the activities. I don’t think you can do this in the summer.

  
  

  The north island is also warmer than the south island so I could even spend some time on the beac in a bikini in late autumn

Main differences between the North and South Islands

South Island

New Zealand’s South Island is larger than the North Island and generally considered more beautiful. It also has a gorgeous coastline, but it is best known for the many mountains and fjords that define its inland. This is where you’ll find the Southern Alps, which includes glaciers and the country’s largest mountain, Aoraki/Mt. Cook

North Island

The North Island boasts stunning bays and harbors, including Auckland's twin harbors, the Hauraki Gulf, the Bay of Plenty, and the Bay of Islands, where you'll encounter significant Maori centers like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Along the coastline, the Coromandel Peninsula stands out as one of the world's most breathtaking and unspoiled spots. Heading inland, Rotorua awaits, showcasing the geothermal marvels of Te Puia—think bubbling mud pools, steaming hot springs, and iconic geysers like Pohutu Geyser. Venture a bit further north, and you'll discover Matamata, home to the Hobbiton Movie Set, a key filming location for The Lord of the Rings.

Which is warmer, North or South New Zealand?

North Island: Definitley warmer so bring sun cream

South Island: It's a bit colder here so maybe bring a cardiga

North or South New Zealand in the summer?

If you want to have a beach holiday with warm weather North Island is the place to be in the Summer. Beautiful beaches and harbours are suited to the wonderfully warm weather. The South Island is also perfect in summer if you want to go hiking.

North or South New Zealand in the winter?

South Island in the winter. Skiing is at its best in the mountains. You can even enjoy a dip in the natural hot pools afterwards at Lake Tekapo or Hanmer Springs.

Best way to travel

1. Car

In my opinion the best way to travel is with a car (a van in the summer)

I went solo travelling and hires a car on my own but ended up never driving alone since it was relatively easy finding people over Facebook or apps like TripBff who would join me.

1. Bus

If you really don’t want to hire a car you can also do it per bus.  

The bus is called the Kiwi experience. It gives you quite a few different options. You can do parts of the north island, parts of the South Island or even both islands.

The problem I saw with the bus is that you don’t have a way of transport once you are at the destination. The bus will only drive you to the hostel you needed to choose in advance and pick you back up on the date you can choose in advance.

Once you are at the destination you will rely on public transport, your feet or other people in the hostel who have a car. This can sometimes work out fine but you might miss out on experiences since you can simply not get there or you have to pay way more for them to pick you up.

It is also something you can’t do completely spontaneous since you always have to choose your stops and hostels in advance (and they can also sell out)

Best Time to Visit the North Island:

New Zealand's North Island boasts a mild, temperate climate that makes it a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit largely depends on your preferences and the type of activities you'd like to enjoy.

1. Summer (December to February) ☀️:

Summer is a popular time to visit, with warm temperatures and extended daylight hours. It's ideal for outdoor adventures, beach outings, and exploring the region's stunning national parks.

2. Autumn (March to May) 🍂:

If you prefer fewer crowds and milder weather, consider visiting in autumn. The landscapes are painted with rich colors, and it's the perfect season for wine tasting in Hawke's Bay or exploring the vibrant city of Wellington.

3. Winter (June to August) ❄️:

Winter in the North Island is relatively mild, making it an excellent time for those interested in enjoying thermal springs in Rotorua or exploring the unique culture and arts scene in Auckland.

4. Spring (September to November) 🌸:

Spring is another wonderful season to explore. The landscapes come alive with blossoms and vibrant greenery. It's a great time to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or take a road trip through the scenic Coromandel Peninsula.

So, whether you're seeking a summer adventure, a colorful autumn experience, a mild winter escape, or a vibrant spring getaway, the North Island of New Zealand has something to offer year-round. Join us as we delve deeper into the magic of this stunning region in the upcoming posts.

• Visit my blog post about the Tongariro Crossing

• Visit my blog for an itinerary of the North Island

• Visit my blog for an itinerary of the South Island

• Visit my blog for day hikes in New Zealand (both islands)