lizy_s23
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depends what your looking for, queenstowns is definatly the place if you want to do some of the extreme sports that new zealand is famous for (bungy jumping etc) it also has a busy nightlife as it is full of people on holiday. queenstown is also near milford sound which is a must see destination. Christchurch is much quieter, it has a museum, art gallery, botanical gardens (which are beautiful summer), an antarctic center where you can experience the conditions in the antarctic and a wildlife park. Chirstchurch is a short drive from Hamner springs (a thermal resort - very nice for a relax) and kikora where you can swim in the ocean with wild dolphins (amazing!) and go whale watching. have a good time! |
yankiwi
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I guess it depends on your motives to visit. I'd suggest that you forget both cities and instead check out the country--unless of course you are planning your stay around partying and nightlife.
When my US friends were here we took them cross country. Places like Queenstown and Milford Sound, in my opinion, are totally overrated. Sure, maybe Queenstown is a party town boasting of adventure sports, etc., but it has been overdeveloped and lost its charm.
Yes, it is a spectacular drive to Milford Sound, but once you get there, aside from the few walking tracks, there is very little to do besides pay to take a boat trip or an airplane or helicopter ride around the sound. Plus there are always busloads of tourists pushing their way through, trying to get the best photo.
I'd suggest doing a tour of the wild West Coast; see the glaciers and drive across Arthur's Pass or Lewis Pass, then mosey over to Kaikoura to go whale watching or swim with the dolphins.
Come on down the East Coast, check out Christchurch if you please. But keep on heading South, stop by Moeraki, and drive down the coastline, check out all the lovely beaches.
Then head to Dunedin--there are plenty of clubs and University students, if you want to party, Lots of natural wildlife, too--penguins, sea lions, & albatross as well as several beaches within a half an hour from the town. The view from Larnach's Castle is magnificent, and no one should visit NZ without seeing the Catlins, and Southland--each individually beautiful areas.
No way to do it justice in 5 days, and if it was my 5 days I wouldn't go to either Christchurch or Queenstown. I don't mean to be critical of those other places, but I have watched them grow and change - mainly become highly commercialized...
Just a suggestion from someone who's been there and done that.
I love living here on the South Island. If you are into walking, hiking, climbing, horseback riding, surfing, swimming, sailing, skiing, snowboarding, camping, or paragliding... then come on down.
:) |
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