Planning for New Zealand

[Horneius_Maximus]

Wife and I are planning a trip to NZ. We are considering to go down there in May or June.

Hoping to do a good deal of hiking (tramping?), kayaking and any sort of outdoor stuff.

Any advice? recommendation?

The only thing which makes this complicated is that I am going to be in Japan on work mid May, so we were thinking that she would join me in Japan, spend a weekend there, then head down to NZ, then fly back to the San Francisco from Japan. Anyone know of any good package deals or something?

Thanks in advance

 

[YoLaDu]

Congratulations! New Zealand is a beautiful country.

Remember that May and June is the winter time there, so it will be cold. But it is the early part of the winter, so it might be OK. It won't be bitter cold.

The South Island is the more scenic of the two main islands, although the weather will be colder. The North Island is still pretty fantastic, but the South is less populated and known more for outdoor activities.

I would recommend sea kayaking in the Tasman Sea, near Nelson. Lots of companies to hook up with there.

Queenstown is a must visit, and you can do alot of fun things while there. It is basically a resort town, but very very laid back.

If you like trekking, you can base from Queenstown. The Milford Trek is amazing. But i think you need to book in advance. It is a 5 day or 7 day trek i think

Milford Sound is spectacular. Not easy to get to, but you really must go. Take the 3 hour boat ride through the Sound. It is unreal.

Mount Cook is also very beautiful, with several gorgeous day hikes available, but i am not sure if they are open in the winter.

The two glaciers on the west coast of the South Island are fantastic too, just a little remote, but worth the trip if you have the time.

Rent a car and do it yourself. All the attractions in New Zealand are very close in proximity. And driving on the left side of the road is not as scary as it might sound.

Hope that helps.

 

[Horneius_Maximus]

Thanks a lot,

I would love to do the 5-7 day treks, but I don't think my wife would appreciate it. Looks like we will need to settle for the day hikes.

Excellent, I am pumped about this.

 

[Guerin]

I'll second Queenstown; its magnificent. You can snow ski in that area, or go white water rafting, or engage in most any other outdoor recreational activity you can think of. And don't be afraid to drive--I picked it up in a matter of minutes (and after only one close call in a round-a-bout).

 

[bigup2dahorns]

i had my first driving on the left hand side experience in NZ. it was fun. all in the north part of the north island though, not too many cars on the road. just beautiful country. the bay of islands is awesome. played a little golf at kauri cliffs, easily one of the best courses in the world, if you like golf. auckland is a suprisingly fun town as well for a day or two. but as others have said, the south island is where it's at.

 

[YoLaDu]

When do you guys visit NZ? My wife and I went in December/January a few years back and they weather was PERFECT. But of course, airfare is at its most expensive around this that time of the year.

How cold exactly are the winter months? Did it dampen your experience in any way? How about fall or spring? My wife and i would like to go again but would love to avoid the high season airfare.

 

[Horneius_Maximus]

From what I read online, it doesnt look like you can go wrong in terms of when to visit. The May/June weather seems to be similar to San Francisco in the winter.

But, I guess it would also depend on what you want to do. I really wanted to get some good hikes in and I guess in the winter months you don't want to be at 8000-9000 feet without proper equipment or experience.

 

[longhrnfan]

North is great for sight seeing, South is great for Adventure.


I LOVED NZ. Better than the places in Australia that I've been.

 

[YoLaDu]

For my sensibilities, NZ is one of those places I could imagine just picking up and moving to/retiring to. Just a beautiful country with temperate weather, wonderful people, high standard of living, and an endless abundance of outdoor activities to pursue.