Quote:
Originally Posted by RetiredFTS
80,
Heading to NZ next March and just had a conversation with the wife 5 minutes ago and she felt we couldn't do both S and N islands in 11 days. Is she right? We are not extreme outdoorsy types but would like to see both.
If we are limited to just one, which would you recommend?
Thanks, FTS.
We spent 3 days in Auckland, then flew to Christchurch and rented a camper van for 12 more days which I felt was about right for the South Island loop. Never felt too rushed, but everyday there were things that we would have stopped to see or do if we had more time. The whole place is really set up well for tourism, and the country and people embrace it.
Thing to remember is that their "highway" is more like a two lane road with shoulders so when you look at a map, plan on about double the driving time you might have spent in the US for the same distance.
Personally, if I had only 12 days or less, I'd just tour the south island (the Alps of the Southern Hemisphere), even if your not "outdoorsy" then maybe you'd go faster. Glaciers coming down to sea level to walk in to, fiords to cruise through (milford sound must see), glow worm cave to tour (outstanding on lake Tanau), visiting the beaches down by Invercargill and watching a flock of penguins just mosey up on the beach, hitting the hot springs with an amazing view in Tekapo, and short hike into the Blue pools on the Haast river, each day had some sort of natural amazement and I had three young kids in tow.
I've been all over the world with the Navy, including all over Australia, and nothing compares to New Zealand for me personally. Truly astounding. I'm jealous just thinking about it!