How far apart are North and South Island? 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).
What is the gap between North and South Island of New Zealand?
Cook Strait, strait separating the North and South islands of New Zealand, extending northwest to southeast from the Tasman Sea to the south Pacific Ocean. About 14 miles (23 km) wide at its narrowest point, it averages 420 feet (128 m) in depth.
Can you drive between North and South Island NZ?
Yes, you can drive from the North Island to the South Island of New Zealand by taking the ferry. There is no bridge or tunnel so the ferry is the only way to travel between the islands.
What separates New Zealand’s two main islands?
Cook Strait
Cook Strait is the strait between the North and South Islands of New Zealand. It connects the Tasman Sea on the northwest with the South Pacific Ocean on the southeast, and runs next to the capital city, Wellington.
How do you travel between two islands in New Zealand?
Traveling between the two islands is easily done by flying or by taking a ferry across the Cook Strait. Flying is the fastest way to get between the North and the South islands, but taking a ferry is one of the most scenic journeys you will ever go on.
How long is the ferry ride from North to South Island New Zealand?
around 3.5 hours
New Zealand’s most famous and beautiful ferry route is between Wellington in the North Island and Picton in the South Island. The journey between the two islands is commonly referred to as ‘crossing the Cook Strait’. The sailing time is around 3.5 hours (weather dependent).
How long does it take to drive around the South Island of New Zealand?
How long does it take to drive the length of New Zealand? In theory you could drive the North Island from tip to toe in around 14 hours and the South Island in around 12 non-stop.
Which is better North or South Island NZ?
The North Island experiences more of a warmer climate so you can enjoy warmer weather activities such as sunbaking on the beach, whereas the South Island is a bit colder, perfect for snow activities such as skiing and snowboarding.
Can you swim between NZ islands?
The Cook Strait lies between the North Island and South Island of New Zealand, connecting the Tasman Sea with the South Pacific Ocean. The strait is 22 km across at its narrowest point (between Cape Terawhiti and Arapawa Island), but “swims” a bit longer due to cross-currents.
What is the nicest city in New Zealand?
Best places to live in New Zealand: the verdict
- Hawke’s Bay: Best for food and drink.
- Waikato: Best for rural escapes.
- West Coast: Best for affordable property.
- Queenstown: Best for culture.
- Whangarei: Best for climate.
- Auckland: Best for career opportunities.
How long does it take to cross the Cook Strait?
three-and-a-half hours
The Cook Strait ferry crossing is 93 kilometers (58 miles) and takes three-and-a-half hours. Two-thirds of that journey is a scenic spectacle, with the ferry looping around Wellington Harbour and drifting through the fjord-like channels and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds.
How long does it take to swim the Cook Strait?
A minimum of two weeks.
Is there a ferry from North Island to South Island New Zealand?
Ferry From North Island and South Island
Travel between the ‘coolest little capital’ city of Wellington and the scenic town of Picton. There are two ferry companies to choose from: Interislander Ferry and Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry. It takes around three hours to go from the North Island to the South Island by ferry.
Which New Zealand island is better for tourists?
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.
How many days is enough for New Zealand?
The short answer is 14 days as a minimum time frame for visiting both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand. That’s roughly one week’s travel time for both islands and is just long enough for any visitor to experience the best of the country.
How much does it cost to cross the Cook Strait?
Cross Cook Strait on a Bluebridge ferry and enjoy some real Kiwi hospitality. We carry passengers and vehicles between Wellington and Picton up to four times daily and offer a range of fares to suit your budget.
Pricing and Conditions.
| Adult | $54.00 – $73.00 |
|---|---|
| Child (16 year(s) and under) | $26.00 – $35.00 |
Can you swim from North Island to South Island NZ?
Marathon swimming
Cook Strait is between the North and South islands and is 22.5 kilometres across. The first modern-day swimmers tried to cross the strait in 1929. Barrie Devenport was the first person to successfully swim the strait, on 20 November 1962.
How many days do you need in South Island New Zealand?
New Zealand is a relatively compact country, so you can see most of the country’s highlights in two weeks. To explore more of the regions and get off the beaten track, you could easily spend three weeks or more exploring.
How much does it cost to take a car from Wellington to Picton?
The starting price for 2 people with a car is approximately NZ$185 / €115. With an average sized motorhome the trip will cost at least NZ$330 / €205.
Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in New Zealand?
This is a mistake that many first-time travellers to New Zealand make. You simply cannot park and sleep in your campervan just anywhere. There are rules about where you can and can’t (freedom) camp in New Zealand. New legislation was introduced in August 2011 around freedom camping in New Zealand.
Is driving in New Zealand difficult?
NOT TOO DIFFICULT – New Zealand is not really difficult. Roads are sinuous, especially in North Island but always large enough and in good conditions. My main difficulties were in the vicinity of Auckland. TAKE YOUR TIME – The landscapes are beautiful! be careful where you stop, not to block other cars.