Generally, the south island is considered to be more impressive and more dramatic. However, this is a matter of opinion. The north island has it's beauties (Tongariro crossing, Rotorua, Hobitton, Cape reinga, Coromandel, and many more...) and should not be skipped so easily.

If the northern island had been located somewhere else in the world (and not near his "southern brother"), for sure, it would have been one of the most beautiful countries in the world!

This is a matter of opinion and different people will probably give different answers. Here is a list of our subjective opinion (starting from the most impressive in our opinion)

1. Tongariro Crossing (this is a MUST)
2. Mount taranaki (New plymouth)
3. Rotorua
4. Hobbiton movie Set
5. Taupo (if you want to relatively cheap skydive)
6. Bay of islands
7. Lake Waikaremoana - great walk
8. Whanganui river - great walk
9. Cape reinga
10. Coromabdel and Hotwater beach

This is a matter of opinion and different people will probably give different answers. Here is a list of our subjective opinion

1. Great walks - Milford, Kepler, Routeburn, Abel tasman
2. Southern scenic route (took me several days, was amazing!)
3. Queen Charlotte Track
4. Mount cook (Aoraki)
5. Lake Tekapo and lake Pukaki
6. Matukituki valley (Wanaka)
7. Rob roy (Wanaka)
8. Nelson lakes
9. Kaikoura
10. West coast
11. Hokitika gorge
12. Queenstown
13. Arthur's pass
14. Franz Josef, Fox glaciers, Matheson lake

Driving in New Zealand is on the left side (just as in Australia, UK,...etc). This can be very perplexing in the beginning and many tourists drive on the opposite side, as they are used to at home. Many accidents in NZ are caused as a result. Note, when you rent a car your insurance does not cover accidents that are resulted if you drive on the opposite side of the road.

New Zealand is located in the south hemisphere. The winter is in June-August and summer is in December-February.

Yes. The weather can be sometimes very extreme and changeable. It is said that you can experience "4 seasons in one day" in New Zealand. The weather can be very different in several parts of the country. It can also be very different within the same day in the same region. We strongly advice to check MetService frequently.

There is no "correct answer" for this question. It mainly depends on you and how much do you want to see. Some travelers might want to spend several weeks whereas others might want to stay for 6-8 months or even more.

As a rule of thumb, 1/3 of the time for the north island and 2/3. However, for travelers that have not a lot of time (1 month or less) it might be more common to spend more time in the southern island.

No. New Zealand has no wild animals/snakes. You are safe and can enjoy the nature.

Visitors from more than 50 countries get an automatic visa if they spend less than 3 months in New Zealand. Before arriving to New Zealand, you should find out if your country is listed as one of them. For more information please refer to New Zealand immigration website.

Medical services in NZ are not free. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you purchase a medical insurane in your country prior to your travel.

Tipping in NZ is not common and no one expects you to tip. However, it is always welcomed if you tip for a good service.

DOC stands for Department of Conservation. It is the main government organisation charged with conserving the natural and historic heritage of New Zealand. For example, you will use DOC website when booking tracks or great walks.

DOC offices are located all over the country. The workers are very friendly and very professional. They can give you a lot of useful information about hikes, nature, national parks, hazards, current weather dangers and more.

Additional option is the visitor information centers (i-sites) which are located all over the country. The friendly workers will be glad to give you information and book various activities/accomodation for you.

First option is to catch a flight.
Second option is to take a ferry from Wellington (north island) to Piction (south island) or vice versa. When traveling by ferry, it is possible (for an additional fee) to ship your vehicle on the ferry as well.

You can see here the exactly amount set by NZ police.