🌄 Welcome to the South Island of New Zealand: Your Gateway to Adventure!

In the heart of the South Pacific, the South Island of New Zealand is a call to adventure. It's a place where nature shines, with towering peaks, pristine fjords, and ancient glaciers. Imagine hiking through rainforests, taking road trips along the wild coast, or cruising among icebergs on serene waters. 🏞️

Helpful tips:

• When hiking, pack waterproof gear for unpredictable weather.

• Don’t be scared to go alone! There are a lot of solo travellers who are looking for a travel buddy. Try to connect with them through Facebook groups or apps like TripBff

• For road trips, explore the Great Coast Road for stunning views.

• The hiking paths are often really well done and there are often even toilets one the way. So don't miss out on those beautiful hikes since there is no excuse!

• Be careful with wild camping. You are normally not allowed to wild camp if your campervan is not self contained and there are also just a lot of areas where you are not allowed to camp. They are really strict about it and give out big fines

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 cardigan

North or South New Zealand in the summer?

North Island is the place to be in the Summer. Beautiful beaches and harbors are suited to the wonderfully warm weather.

South Island: even in the summer it won't be your typical beach holiday but you are not restriced in doing any hikes because of the snow and can experience everything!

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.

North Island: If you are not a big winter sport fan the north island will be a better choice for you in the winter since it doesn't get as cold there.

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 South Island

New Zealand's South Island is a year-round destination, but the ideal time to visit varies based on your preferences and the type of experiences you're seeking.

1. Summer (December to February) ☀️:

Summer is a popular time to visit, offering warm temperatures and longer daylight hours. It's perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking, water sports, and exploring the stunning national parks.

2. Autumn (March to May) 🍂:

Autumn brings a tapestry of colors as the landscape transforms. It's a great time for wine tasting in the Marlborough region, enjoying fewer crowds, and exploring the charming towns.

3. Winter (June to August) ❄️:

While winter is the least crowded season, it's ideal for snow sports enthusiasts. The South Island boasts world-renowned ski resorts, making it a mecca for those seeking downhill thrills.

4. Spring (September to November) 🌸:

Spring is another wonderful time to visit, as the landscape comes alive with blossoms and vibrant greenery. It's great for nature hikes, road trips, and exploring the stunning West Coast.

The South Island of New Zealand offers a diverse range of experiences, with each season bringing its unique charm. Whether you're chasing winter adventures, enjoying a colorful autumn escape, savoring the beauty of spring, or basking in the summer sun, the South Island has something to offer year-round.

Average temperature and rainfall

If you want to know more

• 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)