What to do in New Zealand

[username]

Hey everyone,
I'm heading to NZ in a few weeks and was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions for things to do?

Thanks!

[Buzzard]

Sit in a room....surf CP

[Cole436]

Everything.

Seriously. I lived there for 7 months, there's always something to do.
Where are you going?

[V]

There's a lot of shepherding and weaving going on there I hear...

[killer_carlson]

I did a lot of nature observation and interaction with NZ wildlife.

In particular Kiwi birds are highly recommended. I would suggest downtown Auckland and Wellington in particular. Dunedin's college bars are another likely location.

[Locke]

The Sheep?

Wait, no, I think that might be Wales.....

Sorry, anyways, I've heard that they've got a thing for sheep over there.

[Ozy_Flame]

Check out Taupo / Rotorua for some fun outdoor activities, including waterfall hiking and skydiving (if you're into that sort of thing).

Want to do something uniquely New Zealand? Check out the Zorbing just outside of Rotarua. Also, I would check out the hot water beach in Coramandel. One of the best places to visit.

Also, the Te Paki sand dunes are definitely worth checking out. Sandboarding is sweet.

[Ducay]

I really suggest spending a day Waiheke island (just a quick ferry ride from Auckland). You get there and its this tiny tropical island covered in vineyards and tropical forest. Rent a car and explore the cute little villages. Plus there are some really nice beaches with some decent waves for bodysurfing.

[4X4]

Don't forget to stock up on culture while you're down there.

[ma-skis.com]

in rotarua (or near there) we did a skydive/white water rafting / down hill box car race car thingy. pretty awesome, the downhill race car was pretty much a little go cart racing down a giant hill with a couple hairpin turns, at times it felt a lot like mario kart.

zorbing is pretty awesome apparently. in the north they have a hotspring under a beach where you can shovel out a big hole and mix ocean water with hot spring water for a natural hot tub.

in auckland I am sure everyone who has been to the ACB bar has a decent story or two to tell

[ma-skis.com]

here is a description of what Im talking about, surprisingly fun if you got some buddies to race against.

[surferguy]

I have been twice now, my last trip was for 5 months. The first thing that is a must do is the go karts in Rotorua. Very enjoyable, do not cheap out, buy the 5 trip pass, anything else is worthless.

Tell us you basic Itinerary and I can hit you up with suggestions for every place you plan on seeing. How long you going for?

[SebC]

Things I'd recommend (I haven't done all these, but they sound cool):
- Go swimming with dolphins at the Bay of Islands
- Go "blackwater tubing" in caves with glowworms
- Go downhill luging in Rotorua

[surferguy]

^^^ Done all except the dolphins in bay of islands, I did mine in Mahia pennisula.

[username]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

So far the plan is to land in Auckland, head up to the northern tip of the north island (a friend's wedding) and then it's pretty much up in the air. I was thinking of heading to the sound island for a few days (yes/no)? What cities/towns should i visit?
What are some of the good spots to learn to surf?
Is the Lord of the Rings tour worth it? I figured it might be since there's such stunning scenery in the movies.
What cities should I try to visit keeping in mind I only have 16 days down there.

Thanks!

[topfiverecords]

[bugsy]

Depending on what you'd like from a city, it's tough to recommend any particular one here. They all have some appeal, ie. here in Auckland with beaches and regional parks, Wellington with the Te Papa Museum and Cuba Street. The smaller towns as well. Try the Bay of Plenty and East Cape highway.

The south island is not only worth exploring, it's a very different experience in its own right. Heading to somewhere like Wanaka, I think you'd find that you'd be on your own LotR tour, so maybe no need to shell out for an official one. The Hobbiton set at Matamata in the north island is probably the only site where construction will remain as a tourist attraction, but they're still filming so not sure about access.

Christchurch would love to have some visitors, and has some things worth looking at, the Akaroa peninsula, etc. The downtown area obviously is largely closed to the public.

Could recommend a number of good walks/hikes, but that's really a timing issue depending on where you'll be.

Enjoy!

[SoulOfTheFlame]

Two chicks at the same time man.

[saskflames69]

Film Lord of the Rings.

[Two Fivenagame]

Rent a car. It's cheap and the best way to see and experience the most in a short amount of time. Best advise someone gave me before I went.

If you prefer tropical over mountains, stay north. When I went, the further south I traveled the more New Zealand really started to look like B.C.

Go to http://www.waitomo.co.nz/ This is a must.

Go diving at The Poor Knights near Tutukaka http://diving.co.nz/

Take a ferry over to Waiheke island and rent a scooter for the day and check out all the wineries. (Make sure you see Mudbrick! http://www.mudbrick.co.nz/ )

Go north from Auckland and travel to Paihia. Stay at http://www.mousetrap.co.nz/

Climb "the mount" at http://www.mountmaunganui.org.nz/ and enjoy an amazing view!

Check out a little surfing village called Waipu.

Visit Cape Reinga. The tour buses are sweet and they take you sand-boarding!