I've got 3 weeks to travel around New Zealand. What/where are the "not to be missed" sights/activities?

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Chonny

Have a map handy - this route is like a circle...

From Auckland you should head over to the Coromandel for beautiful beaches, then down the East Coast of the North Island for some more stunning beaches. Wellington is worth a day trip for culture, shopping and art. Then cross on the ferry over to Picton, go down the South Islands East Coast through to Dunedin then across the middle of the island to Wanaka and Queenstown, here you will see alps and lakes which are really beautiful (try go to Milford Sound if you can but miss if not enough time). Then head back up the West Coast of the South Island through the most amazing scenery you will ever see (glaciers, hot springs and desolate beaches) back to Picton, cross the ferry and then drive through to Taranaki, trust me its worth the trip (try the west coast surf!) then up through Rotorua via the Desert Road it smells a bit in Rotorua cos of the sulphur but you get used to it! From here go through Auckland and see the tip of the North Island Kaitaia. Then back to Aucks for your likely fly out... phew. It should take no longer than 2 weeks if tight for time so 3 will be plenty you can just stay in the places you like. Have fun!

feebee

I'd have a maximum of a week in the north and at least two in the south. I would probably have a day in Auckland, go to Rotorua, then down past Lake Taupo to Wellington. I'd get the ferry to Picton, then go to Nelson and the Marlborough sounds, Kaikora (whaleswatching), Christchurch, Queenstown, Wanaka, Milford Sounds, Franz Joseph, Mount Cook etc. If you can fly into the north and out of the south it is easier and saves time. It's a fab place and to enjoy it properly you need three months.

Penfold

The geysers in Rotorua are worth seeing. As are the glow worms in the Waitomo caves (you can go black water rafting if you wish or just catch the boat). The Coromandel peninsula has some beautiful scenery and good beaches. The Bay of Isles is a nice place to spend a couple of days. All these are in the North Island.

If you enjoy hiking and walking, there is a national park near Nelson in the north west of the South Island. This has some excellent walks. Visit Fox Glacier (one of two glaciers) on the west coast of the south island. Christchurch is also a great city to visit.

event_4_star

you must go to the south island as see Fiordland.Beautiful place.

Phil

Don't try and do too much. You've probably got time to go to both islands, but make sure you spend enough time in places between travelling. Where you go and what you do otherwise depends to some extent on what kind of things you enjoy, but I'd make sure you see some of the mountains in South Island, including the glaciers on the west coast. Fiordland is my favourite area if you have time, but the volcanic region of North Island is also a must.

The bay of islands in the n.island.lovely.worth the run up from auckland.stewart island is'nt worth the trip,as you are time limited,try to see a couple of places properly otherwise you will go away with something you could have gleaned from a book/e.site.i went to visit and ended up staying 2 yrs.LOVED THE PLACE.NORTH & SOUTH.I would have stayed but was travelling.

catherine w

wots not 2be missed?i'd have to say new zealand,yes there are places everyone enjoys,but theres lots of little things/places in new zealand that are individual to you n your trip.you dont say how you're travelling or whether you're with others,i suggest you get on a bus,it takes the hassle out of travelling when therte isnt much time.i travelled alone n got on the stray bus round the south island i highly recomend it!

VodkaAngel

Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd are set in the most beatiful area, look up the Lake to Mount Cook - awesome!

KylieB

Don't miss a trip to Wanaka or Queenstown down in the South Island. Scenery there cannot be beaten and the weather is gorgeous this time of year. Try bungee jumping or a trip on the shotover jet in Queenstown.......

josiedreamsofoz

I would advise doing a tour, i did a Contiki tour (sort of like an 18-30's if your from Britain) its was amazing a must do is... throwing yourself out of an aeroplane at 12,000ft its the best thing I've ever done and i met some good friends along the way. Its a great and fun way to see your destination, as long as you don't mind a bit of coach travelling you'll love it = )

Deborah C

Bay of Islands for unique coastal beauty. Central North Island for undulating, green agricultural land and thermal activity. Wellington for great art, museum, etc. Marlborough (and Hawke's Bay) for amazing wine. West Coast of the South Island for coastal rock formations, glaciers, etc. Queenstown for amazing mountains and exciting adventures like jet boating. There's many more details that are worth seeing, but those are a few highlights.

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