New Zealand

[entelekia]

Hi all,

My husband and I were planning on a trip to Europe this summer, but with the Euro being as high as it is, we are thinking of changing our destination to New Zealand.

We were hoping to get input from the kiwi members of the board. What places to visit, airfare/hotel recommendations, etc.

We thought New Zealand might be better visited during the US fall (Sep-Nov). Does this matter?

Thanks in advance!

 

[gmacleod]

Summer in New Zealand is December - February, and generally the best time to visit I'd pick February, personally. Springtime (which is when you were thinking of going) can sometimes be a bit wet.

Depending on exactly what you're interested in seeing, and how long you're likely to be there - I'd suggest that 70% of your trip be in the South Island. And a website that might help you out a bit with decisions is http://www.newzealand.com/travel/USA/

 

[entelekia]

Springtime (which is when you were thinking of going) can sometimes be a bit wet.

See, I was afraid of that. That would just mean postponing our trip even more.

Thanks for the website! Will definitely be taking a look.

 

[entelekia]

Also, I should probably be more specific as to what we are looking for.

We will probably want to stop and visit a couple of friends that work at Weta Workshop in Wellington, but other than that, we'll be looking for hiking, photographic and culinary experiences. We love to experience the local culture/customs and try to avoid overly touristy things.

We are thinking of a 2 week trip. Possibly 3 weeks.

 

[gmacleod]

Definitely South Island then Auckland because that's where you'll probably arrive. Rotorua for the obligatory tourist trap/cultural experience. Wellington for the food and your friends. Then skip straight on south. With two weeks, you might manage a tour right round it.

Good spots:
Nelson/Blenheim (top of South Island) is wine country - particularly good if you're into whites. Fairly spectacular scenery also, and a large National Park (Abel Tasman). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abel_Tasman_National_Park
Heading south...
West Coast of the South Island - lots of wildlife in the coastal areas. Mid-way along there are the Fox & Franz Josef glaciers. Only place in the world (or at least, that I know of) that you can go from glacier through rain forest to sea in less than a mile and a half. You can take a guided tour onto the glaciers, or do it the easy way with a helicopter (even spend the day up there snowboarding if you want). A bit about Franz here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Josef_Glacier
Queenstown/Wanaka/Haast - very spectacular scenery. It's touristy, but there are lots of adventure sports also if you're into that. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queenstown,_New_Zealand
Milford or Doubtful sounds - this is fiordland and naturally, full of fiords. Great for photography. The area is very popular with hikers too. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milford_Track
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milford_Sound

The East coast is a bit less exciting, but there's Dunedin city to vist, Christchurch about midway up the east side - where you can catch a flight back to the US if it suits you. Or if you head back to the North Island, you go through Kaikoura - which is a pretty boring spot except for whale watching/swimming with dolphins/seals, etc

 

[Slobberchops]

Being a Kiwi,I had to put in my 2 cents worth.
Perhaps you could check whether you can fly into Christchurch,the South Island definitely would be the better choice,not that there's anything wrong with the North Island.But with limited time,I wouldn't rush the trip.
Rotorua{Nth Island}is a real tourist trap,if you can put up with the very strong smell of sulphur:eek:
Yes,gmacleod is right about the weather,if you want stunning scenery,I'd go to NZ in Feb/March/April.You'll probably still see snow on the ranges,the Canterbury Plains are really something to see from the air too.
Any of the Marlborough wines are excellent,particularly Sauvignon Blanc
Hope this helps