My wife and I are planning to spend 2 weeks driving around New Zealand, 1 week on the South Island, and 1 week on the North Island, although that is not set in stone if we choose to spend more time on one island than the other. We would appreciat any and all input.
2006-12-22 06:12:52 · 6 answers · asked by Soggy Bottom Boy 1 in Travel ➔ Australia ➔ Other - Australia
All of the above are great. Also, you should stop at the hot water rivers - one is 20km south of Rotorua enroute to Taupo, another off spa rd in in Taupo just past the bungy. Sitting under a small waterfall at 38deg celcius, quite a mindtrip! Milford sound, if you have the time, not to be missed irregardless of the weather - spectacular in the rain or the sun. During the rain 1000s of waterfalls spring to life of the surrounding peaks, stunning. U dont have a lot of time, hope its not all driving! Enjoy your trip
2006-12-24 07:29:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're going to be busy. I hope you like driving. A lot of the things that give you the deepest thrill are not on the tourist map. I am not talking about official tourist attractions, but about sights and places that take sinking in. NZ is a magic place, and there is enough of it for a lifetime of daily, new discoveries. I have been living on a peninsula measuring 12 miles by 4 miles for a year now, and even though I have been doing my best to get t know it, I am still discovering new places on it that take me totally by surprise.
My recommendation for your special case is this:
See Milford Sound and the West Coast on the South Island, spend a night in Queenstown, maybe even two, and take a good, long look at the Otago Peninsula near Dunedin. Cruise through the Canterbury Plains and have a night out in Christchurch. Do a few of the vinyards between Blenheim and Nelson, then cross over to the North Island. Once there, take in Wellington, and cruise as much as you can around the big mountains.
There is no such thing as a mediocre attraction in NZ. They're all worth seeing. Maybe save some for another visit and remember to also relax a little this time.
have fun!
2006-12-22 21:03:37 · answer #2 · answered by Tahini Classic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live at the mouth of the Waiau River. You can see Stewart Island from our house. Believe it or not, there are probably more scenic attractions down here than anywhere else in the country. Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, the Southern Scenic Route around the bottom of the South Island. The Southern Scenic Route takes in fur seals, yellow-eyed penguins, dolphins, a petrified forest, Cathedral Caves and spectacular coastal scenery. If you come down this way, ask for Pete and Bev.
2006-12-22 14:20:46 · answer #3 · answered by zee_prime 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The geothermal area around Rotorua (North Island) is not to be missed - out of this world. Our impressions of a few areas below:
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Coromandel on the North Island is also spectacular
2006-12-22 07:27:29 · answer #4 · answered by seetheglobey 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hotwater beach (Hahei) on the Coromandel peninsula where you scoop a hole in the sand and sit in the hot water which fills it. Come over to a town called Whakatane (50 miles from Rotorua) and visit our active volcano island called White Island. You can also swim with the dolphins.
2006-12-24 19:45:57 · answer #5 · answered by barefoot 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try checking out the Sky Tower. I visited New Zealand a few years ago; my homestay family in Auckland took me there and it's amazing. The Sky Tower is a huge tower [obviously], and visitors can travel to the top and from the top you can view all of Auckland.
Have a fantastic time!
2006-12-22 15:02:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋