I'm going to New Zealand for 2 weeks at the end of my four month travels. Can any one recommend the must see places that could be visited in this time. Any Advice would be great!
Posts: 2 | Location: london | Registered: June 24, 2005
With just two weeks I'd definitely go to the South Island, The North is unmissable if you have the time but the South Island is a must see.
Start in Christchurch and travel clockwise around the Island, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford sound, Franz Joseph, Greymouth and back to Christchurch via Arthurs pass, maybe a detour up north to Kaikoura on the off chance you can see a whale- very weather dependent. Other places of interest are Dunedin and Invercargill (ferry to Stewart Island), but they tend to get mixed reviews.
When doing the trip to Milford sound stay the night before in Te Anau and savour the drive next day, it's beautiful. Make sure you have a full tank of fuel!
Consider a Helihike on Franz glacier, it's fantastic.
When in Queenstown take a trip to Arrowtown, pretty little place.
Mount Cook accomodation is pretty well monopolised by the Hermitage. Ignore the guide reviews which slag it off, the place is amazing and has something for most budgets.
Accomodation in general is in good supply so you can usually turn up somewhere early evening and find a room if it's not peak season.
One of the "must see" is taking the ferry from Wellington to Picton, then the train to Christchurch. You get to see the awesome beauty of our Southern Alps from the train & the lovely waterway through the "sounds" from the ferry.
Posts: 10 | Location: Whakatane New Zealand | Registered: February 25, 2005
I would tackle the South Island if you only have two weeks. Go to Kaikoura to swim with the dolphins or seals. Takaka is wonderful - laid back vibe and great beaches near Farewell Spit. Mount Cook and Arthurs Pass have wonderful day hikes. They were building another backpackers in Mount Cook village when I was there last (March 2005). Milford Sound is beautiful, but if you have a few days to spare, try to go on the multi-day kayak trip in Doubtful Sound instead. You can book the tour through most any tourist centre. It was the highlight of my trip to New Zealand.
