new zealand

[rcbux]

i'm going to new zealand in march traveling from christchurch to auckland not into white water stuff etc. any suggestions of must see places to visit on the way

[Epiphany74]

I went to NZ last year and travelled round North Island. It's wonderful ... and don't let them convince you the South Island is better ... they have a wee inferiority complex! Anyway, Rotura and Lake Taupo are great for spas and relaxing, and make sure to see the Hukka Falls and the Craters of the Moon. There are really enjoyable winery tours on the west coast. And even if you didn't like the LOTR film go to see the Hobbiton set - the tour and the story of the way the film was made in such secrecy are great. I'm not into adventure stuff either, but loved jet boating and black water rafting in the ??? Caves (can't remember the name) where they put you in a big inner tube and you float through caves to see amazing glo worms. Auckland is a brilliant city too - the Skytower has a glass observation floor that revolves. And the yacht tours of the marina are a good way to spend an afternoon. Awwww, I wanna go back now.

[dot.hawkes]

http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/
I have relatives near Hawkes Bay and they send some stunning pics, there is great Wine, scenery and the area is amazing apparently.

[Snowy Owl]

Take the Trans-Alpine train across the Southern Alps, and back if you like! On the west coast of SI try to get to the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, down to Franz Josef/Fox glacier and if funds permit, a helicopter ride over Mount Cook/Mount Tasman and the glaciers. Around Blenheim visit the vineyards.

North Island..would agree with Epiphany about his suggestions, but would add Orakei Korako,( between Taupo and Rotorua). It`s off the beaten track, but excellent for volcanic features and far quieter than Rotorua.

If you`re in to Art Deco, then you`ve got to go to Napier, rebuilt after an earthquake in the 30s. Also the wine areas of the east coast of NI.

I could go on, but I`d still be here tomorrow! You can tell we had a brilliant time over there. So much depends on what you are interested in.

[Gef]

I'm just back from 5 weeks in NZ. I managed to see a lot of both islands and would not like to choose betwwen them. I had a fantastic time and the highlights are too many to mention here. If you would like more info post your email address and I will reply to you privately.