New Zealand-What would you recommend?

[axisbuck24]

I am planning a trip to New Zealand and was wanting to hear from you all that have been on what are the must see and do places and what should I avoid?

I am planning on spending a few weeks there and would like to hear about places and activities on the north and south islands.

Thanks!

[RdRdrFan]

Red stag hunt!!!

[shunter14]

x2 on the stag hunt!

[Hackleman]

CAUTION!
My dad just got back from NZ. Went for vacation but also had a few hunts lined up. Long story short ended up the outfitter was a cult. He compared it to Laredo, TX and what happened with that group of Mormans. Ive seen pictures of 10-12 ear old boys who were in charge of milking cows. It was sad. I will get the name of the guys who were suppose to take him out. he wanted a stag and a few sheep but couldnt do it.... said he didnt want the reminder of giving more money the the all ready filthy rich cult when he looked at his stag.

[rjet]

I have never been, but when I do go the number one thing on my list is to ride the shotover boats.

http://www.shotoverjet.co.nz/

[Cajun Blake]

Jo

send bowhuntermac a PM

he is the man you need to talk to

Mac books hunters in NZ for a variety of species

[axisbuck24]

Thanks everyone! I forgot to mention that I do have a red stag hunt already booked and looking forward to it. Anyone else been to New Zealand?

I was also thinking about spending some time in Australia. Any suggestions for Australia?

[axisbuck24]

I have never been, but when I do go the number one thing on my list is to ride the shotover boats.

http://www.shotoverjet.co.nz/

That looks cool but very scary! One wrong turn and ...

[axisbuck24]

CAUTION!
My dad just got back from NZ. Went for vacation but also had a few hunts lined up. Long story short ended up the outfitter was a cult. He compared it to Laredo, TX and what happened with that group of Mormans. Ive seen pictures of 10-12 ear old boys who were in charge of milking cows. It was sad. I will get the name of the guys who were suppose to take him out. he wanted a stag and a few sheep but couldnt do it.... said he didnt want the reminder of giving more money the the all ready filthy rich cult when he looked at his stag.

Please let me know? I booked mine through the LSBA and really looking forward to it.

[axisbuck24]

Jo

send bowhuntermac a PM

he is the man you need to talk to

Mac books hunters in NZ for a variety of species

Thanks Cajun Blake!

[Dejashoot]

I went a couple of years ago in December on business but took some personal time also. Let me know if you have any specific questions. I didn't get to hunt but still had a good time. It’s strange to see fake snow sprayed on the windows when its 90 outside. Santa's dressed up in shorts at the mall will make you gag - Santa’s helpers dressed in a 2 piece will make up for it.. It’s worth a trip to drive to the south end of the north island. I have cool pictures of the sun setting behind the south island from the southernmost tip of the north island. I wish I would have had more time to explore. Stewart Island would have been a cool place but I didn't make it there.

Long plane ride - I flew Houston to LA to Auckland to Wellington. I was there for a week and then flew Wellington to Auckland to Brisbane AUS and was there for a week and then did Sydney for a day then to LA to Houston. Flying from NZ to the East coast of AUS is like a 4 hour flight. Sydney opera house is breath taking (great architecture).

The good:
Beaches are beautiful in both countries. Great barrier reef from land and air I will never forget. Black sand beaches in NZ. Cool things to learn about.
People are downright nice. Reminds you of being in the south.
Ocean kayaking rocks.
Qantas business class - can’t say enough good about it.
Kangaroo's in AUS hopping down the side of the road (like you see deer in the hill country) is cool.
McDonalds is McDonalds is McDonalds.. Oh and Subway is Subway.

The Bad:
Be careful of the speed cameras. You can't turn your rental car in w/o paying the fines.
Round about suck - I hate them.
Driving on the left side of the road in a sub-sub-compact 5 speed takes some getting used to. Stick shift is on your left side but the peddles are the same as on our vehicles.
Flight from Sydney to LA 15 hours
Keep in mind also to drive from Auckland to Wellington (175 miles) takes 10 hours.

[axisbuck24]

Dejashoot,
Thanks for all the information. I definitely need to talk with you about NZ.

Keep all the great information coming, I am trying to finalize plans. Anyone have experiences with Jetstar airlines or the trains excursions in NZ?

[simek]

Axisbuck, my wife (who is actually from Conroe) and I went there a few years ago. You will have a great time. Auckland is very cool, definitely hit it up. Try to get a Maori village trip in, if you can. It's cool to see them perform their ceremonies . . . kind of intimidating. We also spent time in Queensland . . . .definitely a "do not miss." Lots of adventure stuff . .jetboats, underground river tubing, bungie jumping, etc. PM me if you want to discuss more. I can probably send pics, if I can find them.

[bowhuntermac]

Auckland harbor at night is a MUST see...giant prawns and local wine while watching the sailboats bob will be a HUGE hit with the missus.
If you go to Christchurch, make sure to hit up the downtown historic areas. There are some SWEET old churches and buildings down there that make good photo targets.
Some other areas to consider taking in the scenery: Fairlie (south Isand) - looks like it fell out of a Norman Rockwell Painting. Queenstown - nicest locas you will ever meet in your life. If you get adventureous, head to the west coast - the "westies" are a sort all to themselves!

If you decide to hit Australia, Brisbane is a cool city with a lot of history itself, and there is actualy a beach IN the middle of the city and you are just a quick hop from the Gold Coast...different type of photo targets
If the beach is not your scene, you are not far south of the Great Dividing Range Mtns. Pretty area and I have whacked a few critters there.

If you fly into Adelaide, rent a car and drive down the coast...amazing views, pretty country, and long stretches of nothing but countryside.

[axisbuck24]

Thanks bowhuntermac! I am looking forward to my red stag hunt with Scott, if I am fortunate to harvest a stag that will just add the icing to the rest of the trip.

Is there anything to see in Timaru?