new zealnd sights

[g9ern]

My wife and I are going to NZ in Jan 2009. Has anyone been and can recommend must see places?

[Reverandfunk]

Too many too list, just pick a up a guide from the library which will break it down by islands and then regions

[jno]

Depends what sort of things you like to see; but there are many. For adrenalin sports, Queenstown (bungees, white water and so on). For thermal activity - geysers and hot pools - Rotorua. Towns, Napier (art deco buildings put up after an eqrthquaske int he 30s) and Wellington (beautiful harbour) are my favourites. For trekking, just about anywhere. Scenery: Bay of Islands, Southern Alps, but again just about anywhere. Whales: Kaikoura. Wine: Marlborough.

The trickiest thing is working out what to see then building an itinerary round it; it's a long, thin country on at least two islands but without all that many roads (compared to Britain). A friend of mine has just returned, having flown into Auckland and out of Christchurch, which is a good way of doing it.


http://www.newzealand.com/travel/UK-Ireland/

[matt_london]

Yes I've been and loved it. I can thoroughy recommend holidaying in a campervan. Its a great way to see the country and also to meet the locals (especially in January as thats when they are all on their annual holiday). They are a friendly bunch. There are plenty of places where you can free camp in little clearings in the middle of the countryside or by a lake or behind the beach etc.

Buy the lonely planet and have a look at their suggested itineries at the front. You can then tailor one to suit you and your wife.

Its a stunning, beautifull country with some amazing things to do.