I am asked which island I prefer, the North or the South Island, the asker assuming I'll say the South. Sure, the South Island is home of the some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth, but to just skip the North Island completely would be an absolute shame. The North Island has its own drama - different from the South's, sure - but no less enrapturing. 

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Here on the North, the hills roll a little more gently than the dramatic peaks of the south, but the abundance of greenery, the stunning, sunny beaches, and the friendly people make a journey to the North Island memorable in innumerable ways. No matter how many times I will return to New Zealand, a trip to the Coromandel Peninsula will always be on my agenda. And each trip brings a bit more exploration, and more recommendations, and more adventures to lure me back for just one more trip sometime at a future date. Yes, explore the South Island, but do not skip the North - if you look closely, you might just find your own paradise awaiting.

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