Visiting New Zealand

[Apathetic]

My brother, myself and a friend are starting to layout some plans to visit New Zealand this year (probably in August) and I have some questions:

What are the main differences (if any) between the north and south islands?
What's the best city to fly into?
Can anyone tell me anything about Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch?

My brother and I are certified divers and our friend will be certified by the time we leave so we'll certainly be doing a lot of diving. We also like to hike in the countryside and explore new cities to find a new pub to hang out in during the evenings.

We'll be there at least two weeks - probably three. Anyone have any thoughts?

Dave

 

[Brigandier]

Meh

 

[Apathetic]

Originally posted by: Brigandier
Meh

Thank you for that useful information. :disgust:

Dave

 

[Brigandier]

Originally posted by: Apathetic

Originally posted by: Brigandier
Meh

Thank you for that useful information. :disgust:

Dave

You don't exactly inspire enthusiasm.

 

[dainthomas]

I'm assuming, going in winter, you'll be skiing. That's on the south island. I'm not sure what's on the north island besides sheep.

 

[Zee]

try crossposting in tripadvisor.

i dont think we have regular world travelers here.

 

[erub]

That's the winter time over there (duh). We were there last year in early May, and most of the tourist infrastructure was closing down, except for ski resorts. Really depends on what you want to do.

We didn't spend much time at all in Auckland or Wellington. Christchurch is a nice city, we did a walking tour around that one day. I recommend Queenstown, their adventure capital. Did some hang gliding and this crazy thing called "Fly by Wire", fun stuff. link The skiing there is awesome I'm sure.

Flying from USA, you will almost certainly have to land in Auckland, but then can change planes I guess. They have no security on their domestic flights, its weird

Are you sure you can go diving that time of year?

 

[speg]

I spent 4 weeks there last summer and it was AMAZING. I was with a student volunteer group so they had everything planned.

We flew into Auckland and volunteered a couple hours away for 2 weeks. Then we flew from Auckland to Queenstown and began a two week adventure back up to Auckland.

I can't remember the names of most of the towns, but could look them up for you if you really want them:
Queenstown - spent 3 or 4 days there. Awesome place. This is where you'll do your skiiing/snowboarding if you're into that stuff. Also Jeff Hackit bungy operates out of here so this is where you're going to do that. Full of bars/pubs, it's quite the resort town. Lots of LOTR stuff - I went on a horseback trail through some of the LOTR locations. Neat stuff.

Moving north, next stop was Franz Josef glacier. Hiked up the glacier all day - breathtaking. The town itself was basically a camp site, the glacier tour shop, a couple hostel/motel places and 2 pubs. Very small and very fun.

Nelson, a good place to go skydiving. I went kayaking. Also some big forest thing and some fords? If you're into that sort of thing.

Hopped on the ferry and went to Wellington. Big city, lots of city things to do. The museum there was awesome, I can't believe I almost skipped it. Lots of bars and clubs.

Hot springs, I forget the name of this town (north island is more native, and has crazy names). Hot springs were ok. Smelly. The place we went to was kinda lame, but it was crappy weather too.

Last place we went to was Wiyatimo (or something) and is where the caves with glow-worms are. EPIC. So awesome, we went black-water rafting (basically rappelling down and traveling through underground rivers in these caves - which are lined with glowworms. ) An experience you don't want to miss. Though don't be a pussy - it's going to be mighty cold down there in August (same time I went). Suck it up and do it!

I left some parts out, we were supposed to go white water rafting at this wicked cool small lodge but the water was too high so we just stayed in and drank. Also, random things along the way like the International Rubber Boot throwing arena.

Also - the country is just friggin' beautiful! From south to north it's just beautiful green rolling hills just like out of a movie...

Oh man, I miss it

 

[KMFJD]

Originally posted by: Brigandier
Meh

Awesome reply +1 would read again

 

[kyzen]

Originally posted by: Brigandier
Meh

Postcount++?

As for your trip, I was planning to go in December '07, but a medical emergency ruined my plans... still hoping to get back out there. I believe my plan was to fly into Auckland, then spend most of my time on the north island.

www.m-why.com is the travel blog of a lucky (ex? current?) ATOT'er who traveled around the world for a year, he spent awhile in New Zealand near the start of his journey, his stories and pictures of his trip are amazing. Give it a look.