You’ve settled on New Zealand as your destination; now it’s time to choose whether to call the North or South Island home.
For those relocating from overseas to New Zealand and making a home for themselves in the Land of the Long White Cloud, there’s a lot to look forward to. From the friendly locals and incredible history to the breathtaking landscape and plethora of agricultural opportunities, there really is something for everyone here. That being said, the two islands vary greatly in the lifestyle they offer, so it’s important to consider your options before deciding on where to settle. Here, we’ve put together some of the key considerations to bear in mind when choosing between living in North or South Island New Zealand. Consider this to be the first box to tick off on your moving checklist!
Population
The South Island is larger than its northern counterpart, covering over 150,000 square kilometres of land, while the North Island sits at almost 114,000 square kilometres. It could come as a surprise, however, to find out that North Island NZ has a population of over 4 million people, while just 1.2 million people call the more expansive south home.
Lifestyle
It’s safe to say that, looking at the population difference between the two islands, the North Island is a busier place to be, while the south boasts a more tranquil feel.
City style
New Zealand has roughly 15 official cities, and most of these are located on the North Island. Throughout the country, however, you’ll stumble across countless towns and villages bursting with character. With the capital city of Wellington located right at the bottom of the island, and the ever-popular Auckland closer to the top, the city lifestyle is what attracts a lot of people to New Zealand’s North Island. Living here, you can expect to see more developed infrastructure thanks to the higher population density, so if city living is what you’re after, then the bustling urban areas of the North Island might be for you.
The great outdoors
South Island New Zealand, on the other hand, has a more sprawling landscape. Mountains, lakes, and glacier-carved fiords lend themselves to the perfect expanse for those who crave time spent in nature. Hiking, camping, skiing, and swimming are all activities that attract outdoor enthusiasts to this part of the country, and could be part of your everyday life if you choose to live locally.
Not all of New Zealand’s natural beauty is buried in the south, though, as the North Island’s cities give way to more rural spots, with awe-inspiring volcanoes, warm beaches, and hot springs where you can kick back and relax.
Cost of Living Comparison
As with any country, the cost of living will depend largely on how urban or rural you’re wanting to settle. The further you go from the city, the lower the rental prices, and so on. Generally speaking, North Island New Zealand has a higher cost of living than the South.
For the sake of this comparison, let’s take a look at one North Island city, Wellington, and one South Island city, Christchurch. These two cities have similar populations, both at roughly 400,00 residents, as of January 2024.
In the North’s Wellington, renters can expect to pay on average around $600 per week for a two bedroom home. Christchurch comes in at a considerably lower price point of about $450 rent each week for the same.
Fuel prices follow a similar pattern, being consistently higher in the North than the South, although this can, at times, be only by a small percentage.
Many Kiwis choose to move from Wellington to Christchurch, and the cost of living difference may just be a hint at why.
Whatever the Weather
A little bit of rain never hurt anyone, but if it’s the sunshine that you’re chasing on your New Zealand move, then the weather is probably something you’ll want to think about.
New Zealand’s more tropical North Island records warmer temperatures than the south, but comes with higher levels of rain, whereas the South may be chillier, but gets more sun.
The average daily temperature in January up North sits just below 20°C, with the South having a cooler average of about 15°C. During the colder winter months, you can expect to see a similar discrepancy of about 5°C between North and South.
While you may crave a warmer climate during the summertime, the colder winter in the South creates the perfect setting for winter sports in the region's various national parks and ski resorts.
Decision Time
Each island in New Zealand has its own unique allure, but whichever you choose, there’s no doubt that you’ll be welcomed with open arms by your new Kiwi neighbours. There really is no ‘wrong’ place to settle in this remarkable country, given the ruggedly beautiful landscape, and the booming quality of life. Even if you want a taste of each island, you can always make an inter-island move before settling on your final decision.
When you’ve weighed up your options and are ready to pack up and move, contact the Allied NZ team to start making your dream a reality, with the help of our professional local movers.