We are planning a trip to New Zealand in the near future. We'll probably stay at least 2 months because we like to travel slow!1 For those of you who live there or have been, what are the must sees in your opinion?

Hi Mariesatz,

We've been to New Zealand twice in the past two years (well I have--he's only been once), most recently last month--and going again this summer (their winter) in July.
I think NZ is one of those places that just gets better and better. Having spent several weeks on both islands our first trip I most fondly remember the South Island but a few weeks on the North Island this last trip, as well as again in July--hmmmm...hard call.

I'm not so sure our take is on must-see's--we're more a kind of heading in a certain direction and stopping where it seems a good idea. Camper vans are very big for touring NZ--and not a bad idea--and we did this my last trip but with three tiny children and three adults--maybe not such a great idea. This next trip we are self catering--a luxurious post travel day/night in Auckland, a week in Russell (with that same bunch of little ones), then into the mountains near Hawkes Bay for walking and riding and back to New Plymouth/Stratford via the Forgotten Highway.

If it were summer I would make very different plans-- when are you going? What do you like to do when traveling? Sounds like with two months you could devote one to each island--but you'd still have lots to see and do. The US-NZ dollar exchange rate is very good for us right now (very bad for them) so even though generally
prices are steep-they are far less so for us.

And on an aside--some of our very favorite family holidays have been on Emerald Isle--lucky you!

Two months, lucky you. Are you a family or a couple? What activities do you enjoy? Are you wine & food types or backpacking/hiking types? People will be able to provide more helpful suggestions if you provide more guidance on your criteria.

Being in rural NZ with small towns and farmland is like going back in time; Auckland is a sophisticated city with great food and a huge cafe culture. Just driving through the countryside is enough for me sometimes, it's like being in a postcard, it's so beautiful.

- Janie

Hello Mariesatz

My partner and I spent two months in New Zealand, but that was a number of years ago. We divided the time between the North and South Islands equally.

Depending on what you like both islands offer a fair bit. There are plenty of neat and interesting places to see and visit, so it really difficult to suggest one place over another.

Maybe you could provide some your preferences on what you like to do, see, etc?

G

Personally, we found the South Island much nicer (a bit like Tasmania in places)

We took the option of renting a car and staying at motels and B&Bs. They are very cheap and we never booked ahead.(max cost $110 NZ, min cost $50 NZ per night)

When you arrive at the airport, there are a number of free accommodation books available. They are printed under the name of Jason's..... Listing are divided between the islands and then alphabetically by town names. Prices are also quoted with a description of the motel, situation etc.

Every town has a tourist information centre and the people are most helpful. The US dollar will see you with a cheap holiday.

Enjoy......

Elly

If you are going in summer, then I would highly recommend Mt. Cook National Park. Fantastic drive through to the entrance, and spectacular walks - worth staying 2 or 3 days there.

If you want a bit more of a challange, there is always the Milford Track. The drive into Milford Sound is also spectacular.

Oh, and the central Otago region has some great cheeses and Pinot Noirs...