Rainbow in Queenstown - first snow in winter
I have done a number of Top 5 or Top 10 articles but have never done an overview of the places and attractions in New Zealand. Let’s be fair and round up both North Island and South Island.
Sunset in Wellington, New Zealand
So, here is a list of places that if you are short for time, at least visit these places :
North Island
- Pahia, Bay of Islands – Hole in the Rock Cruise, Russell or Hahei – Cathedral Cove kayaking
- Auckland – skyjump or skywalk from Sky Tower
- Rotorua – tour the sulfurous landscape, raft the Kaituna River
- Lake Taupo – Huka Fall, jet boat, raft the Rangitaiki River
- Wellington – Te papa Museum, city landscape
Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown
South Island
- Christchurch – Cathedral Square
- Fiordland – Milford Sound cruise
- Lake Tekapo – Church of the Good Shepard
- Queenstown – rafting, bungy, hiking
- Fox Glacier – walking on glaciers, Lake Matteson
I have covered Queenstown, Milford Sound and a bit of Fox Glacier earlier.
For a first time visitor in New Zealand, the above places are suggestions to give you an overall sight of the country. You can do more later on the next visit and I feel sure you would want to come back!
Milford Sound boat cruise
If you have less than 7 days, I suggest concentrate on just either North or South Island.
South Island Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 : Christchurch
Day 2 – 4 : Queenstown
Day 5 : Fox Glacier/Franz Josef Glacier
Day 6 : Christchurch.
After your arrival in Christchurch, take a walk to Cathedral Square to see the church or simply shop around. Spend quiet times at the Botanic Garden to unwind from the long flight. Next day, head to Queenstown. The drive there is spectacular as you pass by breathtaking scenery. Stop at Lake Tekapo for pictures of the beautiful landscape and the Church of the Good Shepard. Nearby is Mt Cook Village. Get a closer look at the mountains and learn the history of the place. Upon arrival in Queenstown, head to the boardwalk for a closer view of Lake Wakatipu. Take the cable car and enjoy the aeriel view of Queentown. Why not have lunch or dinner there. There are a number of hiking trails starting from the gondola. Most tours run along this itinerary with at least 2 nights in Queenstown with one day at Milford Sound. If you have a free day here, choose a combination of activities to save time and cost. Try rafting, a boat cruise on the TSS Earnslaw, skydiving – the choice is limitless. Next visit is either to Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Glacier. I prefer Fox Glacier as there is Lake Matteson. You will come back full circle to Christchurch.
Lake Matheson - Fox Glacier, New Zealand
For North Island, try this itinerary.
Day 1 : Auckland
Day 2 : Pahia or Hahei
Day 3 : Taupo
Day 4 – 5 : Rotorua
Day 6 : Auckland or if you have time – Wellington.
If you flight arrival is in Auckland, this will be your starting point. Go shopping or for that adrenaline kick, skyjump from the Sky Tower. Some tours skip Pahia or Hahei so there is enough time for a visit to Wellington. If you have time, on the second day head to Pahia and join a boat cruise. The highlight – passing through a rock in the middle of the ocean – very cool! Alternatively, head to Hahei. Stroll to Cathedral Cove beach or even better go kayaking – real fun on the water. At Lake Taupo, hike to the Huka Falls or jetboat there. If staying an additional night, you have time for rafting the Rangitaiki River or hike the Tongariro Crossing. Don’t miss Rotorua. It is the equivalent of Queenstown for North Island. Plenty of choice pickings here. I would highly recommend rafting the Kaituna River – what a thrill jumping over the waterfall. Visit the various sulferous landscape next and catch a Moari show. Last, but not least, chill out at Wellington. Shop here or take the cable for an aeriel view of the city.
The choice is yours whether to join a group tour, backpack or free and easy driving on your own.
Christchurch Catheral
Links
- Bay of Islands
- Auckland
- Hahei
- Rotorua
- Taupo
- Wellington
- Christchurch
- Milford Sound
- Tekapo
- Queenstown
- Glacier Country
Pictures for your viewing pleasure. Till next time, have a wonderful day!
Panorama Lake Pukaki, New Zealand
Panorama - cows at sunset
Queenstown night view
Lake Tekapo
Huka Falls, Taupo
Hole in the Rock
Rotorua
Waterfall Milford Sound
Rafting or drowning?
HASAYANG'S TRAVEL AND PHOTOS 
Galen Leeds Photography
October 7, 2011 at 2:20 pm
Nice top five, but I have to admit that for myself the far north- Cape Reinga area for example seemed pretty awe inspiring. Also a visit to Tane or some of the other giant Kauri trees is a must. No other tree like them in the world.
hasayang
October 7, 2011 at 7:57 pm
I plan to return to New Zealand maybe next year. Some of those places you mention are among my wishlist. Here’s to wishes coming true. 🙂