The folks over at the Hostelbookers blog have pitted New Zealand’s North Island against the South Island in a tourism battle Royale.
Here’s an excerpt:
Because New Zealand is divided into North Island and South Island, many feel they need to choose between the two. But how to decide? Our handy North Island v South Island guide will help you pick what you want to get out of your New Zealand trip. There’s plenty of one-upmanship going on. South Island skiing wins hands down, but with major cities like Wellington and Auckland North Island will appeal to the culture vultures.
There’s also a lot of crossover. Marlborough on the South Island might be the largest wine region in New Zealand but Hawkes Bay and Gisbourne on the North Island come in at a very respectful second place. The North Island is generally more popular because Auckland is the primary international airport for New Zealand.