What separates New Zealand's two main islands?
What separates New Zealand's two main islands? New Zealand's two main islands, North and South Islands, are separated by the Cook Strait.
Is it expensive in New Zealand?
New Zealand is ranked 12th out of 79 countries regarding the cost of living, with a price index of 184. However, not all cities in the country are expensive. While not cheap by global standards, there are a number of cities that have a far lower cost of living.
How many days in New Zealand is enough?
5-10 days will mean you can take a tour with more time to explore and more 2 nights stops on one island 10-14 days will allow you to visit both the North and South Island starting on one and finishing on the other.
Is it better to visit the North or South Island of New Zealand?
Generally speaking, if you want to engage with city culture or explore Maori history, the North Island is for you. If you want to deep-dive into nature, the South Island has plenty of lakes, mountains, fjords, and glaciers to discover.
How rough is the Cook Strait?
Cook Strait can also be one of the world's roughest stretches of water. It's part of the westerly wind belt known as the Roaring Forties. As the only gap between the mountainous main islands of the country, the strait acts like a huge wind tunnel.
Can you swim between North and South Island New Zealand?
A Scot has set a new world record for the fastest swim across the Cook Strait - the waters between New Zealand's North and South Islands. Andy Donaldson, 31, swam through the night to complete the 23km route in four hours and 33 minutes. It was the third leg of seven comprising the Oceans Seven challenge.
Are the two islands of New Zealand connected?
Because there is no bridge or tunnel between the islands, you'll either have to catch a flight or take the ferry. When planning your itinerary, you'll need to factor in the main regions you want to cover and the time frame available. If you're in a hurry, the best option is to go by air.
How long does it take to visit both islands in New Zealand?
One of the best ways to tour New Zealand is from behind the wheel of a car (or a campervan). This itinerary is designed as a 3 week road trip, starting in Auckland on the North Island and ending at Queenstown on the South Island.
Why is New Zealand split in two?
New Zealand sits on two tectonic plates - the Pacific and the Australian. Fifteen of these gigantic moving chunks of crust make up the Earth's surface. The North Island and some parts of the South Island sit on the Australian Plate, while the rest of the South Island sits on the Pacific.
What are the best months to go to New Zealand?
The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of December to March. Expect long, bright, sunny days and temperatures between 61°F and 75°F. It's an ideal time to visit the lovely beaches or enjoy the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and mountain biking.
Which country is most beautiful Australia or New Zealand?
New Zealand, by contrast, is sprinkled with turquoise lakes and soaring peaks, dramatic fiords and winding valleys, golden beaches and luscious forests, and acres more spectacular scenery that makes it the most gorgeous country on earth.
Why is there no bridge between New Zealand islands?
It would be engineeringly impossible to build a bridge or tunnel between the North and South Islands of NZ using current engineering technology. Cook Strait is very deep and the several earthquake fault lines would preclude a tunnel.