SunshineGirl

We're thinking of a holiday in New Zealand and wondered what the best itinerary would be for a two week visit. Would consider a self-drive, motorhome trip.

Any suggestions as to 'must see' areas? We're not into clubs or nightlife but are definitely interested in nature and stunning scenery.

rebnatoli

Hi, haven't got time to write much but these are some of the highlights from a 3 week trip we had to both North and South Islands:

Moeraki Boulders

Also somewhere we saw King Penguins - they were amazing! Also saw albatrosses.

Franz Josef/Fox Glaciers - can't remember which was best but we did a walk followed by a boat ride, managed to take our 2 & 4 year olds with us

Doubtful sound and fjords - rest of family went on helicopter ride over mountains - James Bond type stuff

Loved Wellington & Christchurch - car + apartments/motels ok on North Island, Campervan a must on South Island.

Rotorua on North Island was good + all the volcanoes

To be honest there's loads more and I can't wait to go back and see more.

The Bloke

Maybe a good place to visit would be the New Zealand forum, not the Australian one????

bobbyftm

Queenstown ! It absolutely rocks!

Mrs Kiwi

If you are in Auckland take a ferry to Waiheke Island - great beaches and vineyards half an hour from Auckland.

And I agree - Queenstown rocks!!

Olias

Take a look at the Kiwi experience bus website, Although it tends to be for the younger backpackers, it will give you a good idea of the 'best' tourist sites to see. If you want a bus tour, i believe 'magic' bus caters for a slightly more mature clientelle visiting the same sort of areas.

I only toured for two weeks, but in that time saw an amazing amount of scenery of both islands and never felt I was rushed.

Pollyana

Might be better if I move this one over a bit

Him and Me

North Island
Bay of Islands, get to see/swim with dolphins, you can do a coach trip up to the very top of the island were you can see the tasmin sea and pacific oceans meet,
Rotura: A must just for the geothermic activarty
i'd also recommend seeing Auckland and Wellington they're cities but not like cities in the UK and have some little gems to offer up

South Island:
Milford sounds just spectacular
Queenstown, so much to see and do there in terms of adventure sports, and the scenery is quite special
Mount Cook and surrounding area:
Kiakora(think thats how you spell it) for Whale watching
Dunedin is where you'll see the albartros
Lake Te Anu is very pretty, you can also do a trip to see the glow worm caves

These are just the places we particulary enjoyed but i'm sure there will be many more suggestions

SunshineGirl

Ah yes, didn't think about that. Thanks for the replies everyone, I'll have a look at the suggestions.

RobClubley

Two weeks isn't that long, so it depends where you're flying into and how much travelling you want to do!
Our blog (linked below) has lots of pictures of places in NZ that we've been. Have a browse

Eastbound

Hi
Definatly would try and check out these places if touring

North Island
Bay of Plenty - Russell- where the Maori / Pakeha treaty was signed
Rotuorua- great scenary especially the Huka Falls
Wellington -Great to see the Parliament building for culture vultures the harbours pretty to .Try and take a trip on the cable car the view from Mount Victoria is awesome on a clear day

South Island
Wanaka is a fav place so pretty
Milford Sound
Queenstown -Glenorchy the beauty of the place has to be seen to be believed highly recommemd a river safari from here awesome