How are the two islands of New Zealand different?

While both islands have beaches, the North Island has more of the traditional white-sand beaches that are perfect for swimming. New Zealand’s South Island is larger than the North Island and generally considered more beautiful. Generally, the North Island is warmer, as its northernmost regions are subtropical.

Where is the best climate in New Zealand?

Kaitaia and Whangarei top the list with an annual average of almost 16C. Auckland is also up there, with an average of just over 15C. Wellington is known as the country’s windy city, and is among the windiest in the world.

What is the distance between the north and South Island in New Zealand?

So what connects the North and South Islands? Nothing, but the Cook Strait separates them. At the narrowest point, there is a distance of 22km (13.67 miles).

How hot is New Zealand in summer?

New Zealand Temperatures The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20 – 30ºC and in winter between 10 – 15ºC.

What is the climate like in New Zealand?

While the country as a whole has a generally wet and temperate maritime climate, the temperature gets colder the further south you travel due to the country being in the Southern Hemisphere. Generally, the North Island is warmer, as its northernmost regions are subtropical.

What are the two main geographic features of New Zealand?

New Zealand’s long narrow shape is dominated by two main geographic features—the proximity of the sea, and mountains (the most famous of the latter are the Southern Alps which traverse almost the entire length of the South Island). The North and South Islands have quite different geographic features and this is reflected in the climate as well.

What is the difference between North and South New Zealand?

New Zealand’s South Island is larger than the North Island and generally considered more beautiful. It also has 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.

What are the two main islands of New Zealand?

Lying in the south-west Pacific, New Zealand consists of two main islands – the North Island and the South Island. Stewart Island and many smaller islands lie offshore. The North Island of New Zealand has a ‘spine’ of mountain ranges running through the middle, with gentle rolling farmland on both sides.