If I only had 10 days to see parts of New Zealand (self drive), do you think I should focus most of the time on the South Island...or are there some parts of the North Island which should not be missed?
I am mainly interested in seeing natural scenery, mountains and coastlines...not so much the big cities.
Thanks
2007-01-28 15:39:45 · 5 answers · asked by Petra_au 7 in Travel ➔ Australia ➔ Other - Australia
South Island is definitely my favourite... as I'm sure you know, there are stunning mountains, coastlines, glaciers, fjords, etc, as well as wonderful wildlife (penguins, dolphins, whales, birds etc). Don't discount North Island, as the central volcanic region is stunning in a different way, and the geothermal region around Rotorua is unbelievable.
In 10 days, you definitely don't want to try and do too much, or you'll spend the whole time driving, so I'd focus on one island.
2007-01-29 05:57:58 · answer #1 · answered by Phil 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi there,
We just came back from the south island. We stayed in Christchurch as well as 8 days in Queenstown. Unfortunately we did not visit the North island. We did not see a need to at the time. But i would definitely recommend the south island.
We are not real city people and found Queenstown breathtaking! Every where you looked you sort of said to yourself "WOW"! I mean the place is surrounded by mountains (the Remarkables) as well as the Southern Alps! There is also a beautiful Lake (Lake Wakatipu) along the town. There is also plenty to do for singles, couples or families.
Christchurch was good as well. It is a small city compared to other cities around such as Sydney or Brisbane. So it is refreshing especially with all the pretty flowers that seem to be everywhere! There is also plenty to do there as well.
Sadly, we did not have time to visit Dunedin: Therefore I missed out of the Chocolate Factory! :(
I hope this helps.
2007-01-30 19:18:47 · answer #2 · answered by Roshell 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Personaly, I would choose the south island. It has mountains, lakes, oceans and more pure beauty. The north island is beautiful in its own way, though. Here is what the lonley planet suggests:
N. Island: Northland, Rotorua & Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Waitomo Caves, Auckland and Wellington
S. Island: Kaikoura, Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers, Mt Cook, Queenstown, Nelson Region, Fiordland, Otago Peninsula and the Catlins
I would certainly suggest that you do your best to spend more than 10 days here. You will regret not doing so. 2 weeks per island is barely enough. With the amount of money you will be spending on the flights, you most likely won't be able to come back any time soon, so why not do it right the first time?
2007-01-29 15:31:20 · answer #3 · answered by Maggie B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say go to the south Island, but the north Island does have all the volcanic activities, and very nice beaches
2007-01-29 03:25:05 · answer #4 · answered by Douglass B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a friend that went to New Zealand a couple of years ago and she said something about a cave with glow in the dark worms. Sounded interesting to me but I don't remember where it was. You might search it on the Internet.
2007-01-28 23:57:10 · answer #5 · answered by Jane 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋