New Zealand Suggestions

[JohnnyB]

Yeah, same feelings about Waitomo Caves. Definitely memorable.

Surprised to hear good things about Christchurch though. I thought it was kind of a dumpy town. Beautiful areas around it, but my memory of it was as a place better to just pass through on the way to other things. What did you like about it?

[sleepingmoose]

Really, not much as a city, but mostly just the interest in how they dealt with the earthquake, learning the history and what happened, and just witnessing the destruction of some pretty significant buildings there (like the cathedral). I found it interesting, but probably not everyone’s cup of tea - it was also within a year of it occurring, so it was all still pretty raw and fresh.

It wouldn’t be in the top 10 for NZ, but since I flew in there anyway, it was worth a look around.

[JohnnyB]

Originally Posted by sleepingmoose

Really, not much as a city, but mostly just the interest in how they dealt with the earthquake, learning the history and what happened, and just witnessing the destruction of some pretty significant buildings there (like the cathedral). I found it interesting, but probably not everyone’s cup of tea - it was also within a year of it occurring, so it was all still pretty raw and fresh.

It wouldn’t be in the top 10 for NZ, but since I flew in there anyway, it was worth a look around.

That makes sense. I was actually there during a big earthquake, so I got to see how they dealt with it from that perspective, but it didn't feel so much like a sight seeing experience haha

It was impressive how everything just kept going the next day and how adapted people were to it.

[powderjunkie]

We spent 2 months there ~15 years ago. About 5 weeks on South Island, 3 weeks on North...and actually a few nights backpacking on Stewart Island, too!

If I were to go again I'd spend all of my time on South Island:

Abel Tasman - day hikes and kayaking (can do multi-nights)

Marlborough - wine (generally white wine on south island, red on the north). It's an awesome laid back and welcoming tasting culture

Golden Bay area was memorable

Wanaka/Queenstown are fun even if you aren't extreme

Akaroa - cool little town

Lots of cool stuff in between like Moraki Boulders and Franz Josef Glacier and the steepest paved street in the world.

We didn't even make it to Milford Sound (because of weather delays for me to fall out of an airplane and we'd already driven over 5000 kms) - glad to have a reason to go back!


North Island is good, too, but more touristy, more populated, and more...volcanic. I think I could easily pass 2 full months on the South before wanting to head north...though better weather might be a good enticement.

[SebC]

My actual favorite thing in NZ was the Skyline Luge in Rotorua, but it's kind of an adrenaline thing and they have it in Calgary too now.