New Zealand – North or South Island – Where to Call Home?
If you’re planning to move to New Zealand, you should know about the climate, cost of living, and Maori culture before making the decision. If you’re unsure, read this article to learn more about the climate and the Maori culture in New Zealand’s North and South islands. Whether you’re looking for a tropical climate, a temperate climate, or a more temperate one, this article will help you decide.
Location
Getting around in New Zealand requires some geography knowledge. To begin, you’ll want to know which island is the North Island and which is the South Island. Because both islands are mountainous, they have very different landscapes. The South Island is mountainous and has extensive farming operations, while the North Island has low-lying terrain and a dense dairy industry. In addition, the Northland region is where you’ll find cities with rich Maori heritage and culture such as Whangarei, Waipu, Mangawhai, Kerikeri and many more. On the other hand, Invercargill is the southernmost city in New Zealand and is also the world’s southernmost. It’s located on the north shore of Tasman Bay. The South Island is home to the main tourist attraction, Queenstown, which is about ten thousand people. However, this population spikes in the peak tourist season. Invercargill has a relatively small population of about fifty-seven thousand and is perfect for settling in the quiet life.
Climate
The North Island of New Zealand has a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons. The strong ocean influence keeps temperatures mild all year long. The summer months are warm, with average temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees celsius and a late-spring character. On the other hand, summer nights in Christchurch are cool, with temperatures of eleven to twelve degC. It’s a good idea to pack a light jacket if you’re going to spend any time outdoors.
The climate of the North Island is warmer than that of the South, there is moderate to heavy frost in the mountain areas with low winter temperatures reaching minus 10 degrees celsius in the Southern Alps. If you’re a snow lover, expect winter in New Zealand to have some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the southern hemisphere.
Cost of Living
If you want to live in New Zealand but are on a tight budget, consider renting a small apartment. Average rent in Auckland is approximately $2,000 a month, which is on the higher side compared to other New Zealand cities. The cost of renting an apartment varies throughout the country. One bedroom apartments in Auckland will cost $400 per week which allows you to eat out at least once a week, enjoy a gym membership, and travel locally for weekends. While in Hamilton, it can be as low as $308 per week, if you are looking to stretch your dollar further and experiencing the unique culture of New Zealand, it may be a good idea to talk to reputable Hamilton movers. However, if you need the convenience of the larger cities, there are still affordable rentals on the outskirts of Christchurch and Auckland.
When planning to move to New Zealand, keep in mind that if you have a family, you will need to plan accordingly. You will have to set aside extra money for food, vehicles and a comfortable home for everyone. Make sure you have a budget in advance to cover these costs. You should also budget for visa application fees and other fees, set aside a certain amount of money each month for these additional expenses.
Maori Culture
While visiting New Zealand, be sure to take a tour of the Maori culture. The North Island has twice as many Maori people as the South Island, which makes it an ideal place to learn about Maori culture. You can visit cultural hotspots in Auckland and Wellington, such as the Te Papa museum, which exhibits Maori artifacts and works of art on a regular basis. Other cultural centers in New Zealand are the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the Maori Museum and the Ngati Kuri Village.
Visitors should also consider the fact that Maori people live in urban areas and have a low population density. Until the 1920s, the Maori mostly lived in rural areas, so their housing today usually reflects the type of housing of urban New Zealanders. Traditionally, the Maori depended on canoes for transportation, including large double-hulled canoes and single-hulled boats. They also used large war canoes known as Waka taua, which are large vessels powered by paddles and sails.
Recreational Activities
When planning a vacation to New Zealand, you must decide which island to visit first – the North or South Island? The North Island has highland and coastal areas, whereas the South Island is a place of lush farmland and snow-capped mountains. Both islands are stunning, so deciding which is right for you depends on your preferences. If you enjoy hiking, skiing and scuba diving, you will find plenty of opportunities here.
While visiting the North Island, try to focus on a city and its amenities. If you like exploring nature, you can visit the famous Glowworm Grotto and wait for the nocturnal creatures to come out at night. Otherwise, you can spend your time in the capital cities of Auckland and Wellington. Whether you choose the North or South Island, you will surely have a blast exploring New Zealand’s countryside.
Job Opportunities
If you’re looking for a career in New Zealand, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Whether you’d prefer the North or South Island, there are plenty of job opportunities waiting for you. Agriculture is the country’s biggest industry, so there are plenty of jobs available for those with good communication and people skills. The tourism industry also play a vital role, whilst more investments are being made in technology and innovation, it is a great time for job opportunities in New Zealand.