melissa

Hi all,<BR>We will be traveling to NZ at the end of June, and I am trying to figure out where to go. I have read that the North Island might be better temperature-wise, but that the South Island is much more scenic. <BR><BR>We are not into skiing, but we do enjoy other outdoor activities. <BR><BR>We will have between 10-14 days, so we may even be able to do both (but have to fly round trip to Auckland).<BR><BR>Any advice is appreciated.<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Melissa

Alan

Melissa, New Zealand is such a compact place and so easy to get around in, you will be able to see both islands. Driving is easy, and they appear not to have heard of traffic jams. You have heard right about the south island.... even though it will certainly be colder than the north, I would have to say that going to New Zealand without seeing the south island is a bit like going to Niagara and not bothering to look at the falls. That said, I must add that a couple of the very best spots in the south island, such as Milford Sound, may not be accessible by road at that time of year, so don't put all your eggs in one basket. But down south you will see New Zealand's nicest city (Christchurch), a couple of glaciers, and some of the best scenery in the world, so I don't think you'd think you'd wasted a week driving around there.

Jane

I agree that you should try to go to both islands. We went in June-July and roads were passable. However we ended up taking a small plane to Milford Sound to save lots of driving time and saw the glaciers from a different perspective. North Island highlights-Rotorua, Bay of Islands, Waitomo Caves, Napier and of course, Auckland. South Island highlights-Greymouth Pancake Rocks, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Dunedin and Christchurch. Let me know if you want help planning.

melissa

Thanks for the replies. I am definitely leaning toward going to both islands (maybe a week in each?). <BR><BR>Jane: I would LOVE some help with planning. I have the Frommers book, which suggests a week-long itinerary for each island, but it seems to be geared toward the summer traveler. Any suggestions that you can offer would be greatly appreciated.<BR><BR>Melissa

melissa

Here is the Frommers itinerary. Anything to change for winter travel?:<BR><BR>Touring Plans--If You Have 1 Week<BR><BR>Touring the North Island Only--Day 1--Arrive in Auckland in early morning; rest before sightseeing in the afternoon.<BR><BR>Day 2--Take a day trip to Waiheke Island and stay overnight.<BR><BR>Day 3--Return to Auckland in the early morning and drive to Rotorua via Hamilton and Cambridge.<BR><BR>Day 4--Rise early and start taking in the best that Rotorua has to offer, finishing with a Maori concert and hangi (earth-oven feast) in the evening.<BR><BR>Day 5--Head up to Tauranga and Mount Maunganui for lunch, then move on up the east coast of Coromandel Peninsula, spending the night at Whitianga.<BR><BR>Day 6--Take a full day to wander over the Coromandel Peninsula, down the west coast to Thames. From here, follow the rest of the Pacific Coast Highway back to Auckland, stopping off at the Seabird Coast. Spend your last night in Auckland at a fancy restaurant and a smart hotel or B&B.<BR><BR>Day 7--Spend the day taking in some more of Auckland's charms before an early-evening departure for your overseas destination.<BR><BR>Touring the South Island Only--Day 1--Fly directly into Christchurch if you can; otherwise, schedule an early-morning arrival in Auckland, and make a connection to Christchurch. Take a rest before sightseeing in the late afternoon and early evening.<BR><BR>Day 2--Sightsee in Christchurch in the morning and take an afternoon drive to Akaroa (1-hr. trip) on the Banks Peninsula in the afternoon. Enjoy a night on the town and dine well.<BR><BR>Day 3--Take the TranzAlpine scenic rail trip to Greymouth via Arthur's Pass National Park; pick up a rental car in Greymouth and drive south to Franz Josef village. Take a helicopter flight over the twin glaciers before curling up in bed.<BR><BR>Day 4--Rise early for the stunning drive through Haast Pass to Wanaka. Lunch here before continuing on to spend the night in Queenstown. Spend the afternoon taking the gondola to the top of Bob's Peak.<BR><BR>Day 5--Either spend a leisurely day ambling around Arrowtown and the wineries, or drive 45 minutes to gorgeous Glenorchy and join one of the Dart River soft-option rafting, jet-boating, or kayaking adventures. Return to dine in Queenstown and spend another night checking out the nightlife.<BR><BR>Day 6--If your budget allows, fly to Milford Sound and take a cruise on one of the boats. Fly back to Queenstown in the afternoon and drive to Dunedin, where you'll spend the night. If you'd rather investigate wildlife on Otago Peninsula, skip Milford Sound and head straight for Dunedin.<BR><BR>Day 7--Leave Dunedin early and drive to Christchurch. Catch your flight to Auckland for your overseas departure.<BR><BR>If You Have 2 Weeks--That's easy--just combine the above two itineraries for an overview of some of the best destinations.<BR><BR>

KEC

Hi everyone,<BR>I have the same basic question as Melissa. I will have 2 weeks in NZ at the end of June. We are starting in Auckland (2 nights at the Copthorne Harbour) and we will be flying from Auckland to Sydney after 2 weeks in NZ.<BR><BR>We would like to spend maybe a week on each island. I thought of driving throughout the North and then to the South and then flying back to Auckland before departing for Sydney.<BR><BR>Any more itinerary suggestions for winter?<BR><BR>Thank you for your help-<BR><BR>Keri

kec

just topping this question to see if there are any more suggestions.<BR><BR>Thanks