to visit new zealand for the first time for 7days , should i go to the north island or south island .?

Question

which airport should i fly to

Answer 1

South Island – it’s much nicer. I lived there for many years
If you are flying from international you would more than likely fly into Christchurch in the South Island. (if you chose to go that way)
But I think it would be nice to fly into Nelson, which is at the top of the south Island then work your way down…..


Nelson, the sunniest place in NZ! – http://www.nelsonnz.com Abel Tasman National Park, http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/PlaceProfile.aspx?id=38455 Golden sand beaches, Awaroa Lodge, http://www.awaroalodge.co.nz swim with the seals, http://www.sealswim.com You can hike down one way and take an aqua taxi back or even kayak.
The Marlborough Sounds and Picton http://www.destinationmarlborough.com/ is gorgeous. You can take the ferry from Wellington (North Island) into Picton – top of the south island if you fly into Wellington.

Must sees:::
Whale watching is in Kaikoura. http://www.kaikoura.co.nz
http://www.whalewatch.co.nz

Christchurch, the garden city - http://www.christchurchnz.net/visitchch
The Gondola is great - http://www.gondola.co.nz
Christchurch's International Antarctic Centre - http://www.iceberg.co.nz

Franz Joseph Glacier - http://www.franzjosefglacier.com

Wanaka – Lake Wanaka - http://www.lakewanaka.co.nz/index.cfm/Home

Queenstown http://www.queenstown-nz.co.nz is the adventure capital of NZ – especially for EXTREME adventure – must do’s Bungy jumping, AJ Hackett - http://www.ajhackett.co.nz The world famous Shotover Jet doing full 360º spins! http://shotoverjet.co.nz
And The Milford Sounds, http://www.fiordland.org.nz
If you are into skiing – go to http://www.snow.co.nz/areas/area_index.asp to check out all the ski fields in NZ.

Have fun!

Answer 2

The South Island has more rugged scenery than the North Island. It has rugged peaks, glaciers and fjords. The North Island is gentle and green, with a few mountains. It also has thermal areas with geysers and stuff.

In Lord of the Rings terms (the films were shot in NZ), the North Island is the Shire, and the South Island is everywhere else.

For the South Island fly into Christchurch. For the North Island, Auckland or Wellington.

Answer 3

You are cutting yourself too short trying to see both within 7 days. Just see one Island, either one, and see the other when you came back at a later date.
Fly into Auckland if you a visiting the North Island and, if you can, leave by Wellington (or vice versa).
If you want to see the South Island, you will have to fly in and out of Christchurch, or you can go in and out of Auckland and take the 1 hour transfer flight to Christchurch.
You can hire a car or a camper from the airports, or you can relax and take a Newmans Coach Tour for your 7 days.
Have fun!
Driver T

Answer 4

I've just returned from a week in NZ on the North Island. There is a great deal to see and explore. Read as many tourist brochures as you can in advance and plan your trip. Places that you really should see include Hobbiton at Matamata if you are a Lord of the Rings fan. It costs $75 for the tour but it is worth it. The glowworm caves at Waitomo are a must. The volcanoes in Tongariro National Park including Mt Ruapehu are well worth the visit. They are stunning. Rotarua, of course, the Coromandel Peninsula and much much more. I was only touring for three days and saw all of that but I wish I had had longer. One thing you will find out in NZ is that road signs point to villages that are not on the maps and maps have towns and villages that are not on the road signs. If you are offered GPS with your rental car, get it. I was going from Hobbiton to Rotorua and ended up at Waitomo using road signs and maps and had to ask for directions in Hamilton. New Zealand people are lovely and friendly and all their tour guides are called Steve. (That's with a data base of three guides). It is a stunningly beautiful country. Organise your finances before you go. Get a travel card from your bank and put a load of money on it. You only pay the conversion charge once. If you use your ordinary ATM card, which you can, you pay currency conversion charges with every transaction. Talk to your bank.

Answer 5

Fly to Dunedin. You'll spend less time in Customs and people are friendly here! South Island is way nicer! I agree with Dune, but we're extremely biased!

Answer 6

If your into winter sports the South Island is the place to go. Fly into Dunedin.

Answer 7

Either North or South you will still have to go through customs so beware as they are strict to the point of pettiness.Make sure your shoes are clean even the ones in your case. DONT take any kind of food with you and be sure there are no spiders hiding in your baggage. Last of all take some extra cash with you as they will find a way to fine you for even the smallest thing. I am not kidding but do have a nice holiday

Answer 8

south island its got way better senery and probly christchurch

Answer 9

try this website for info
http://www.travelinfocentre.com/destination/new-zealand/overview.html

Answer 10

If Australia was part of NZ (which its not and we are two different Country) or if we were close and we are not (Thousands of kl apart) I would be in a better position to give you the correct information. Waltz.