Things to do in New Zealand

[tradrook]

My wife and I are headed to NZ with another couple in March. To anyone who has been, I'm looking for things to do and see. We have a few days to sight see before we hunt.
We will use a travel agent, but wanted to hear some first hand experiences from anyone willing to share.
Thanks in advane!

[timoub007]

The south island is where much of the Lord of the Rings movies wee filmed. We hired a tour guide to take us around for a day in the mountains viewing filming sites and just naturally georgeous scenery.

We did that in place of taking the fjiord tour we had already booked that was cancelled due to weather. I really wish we could have taken that tour.

On the north island definitely check out the native Maori culture. There is a village that has interpretive experiences that was interesting. Also a trip to see the black sand on one of the beaches was something that we have never seen before.

Really want to go back!

T

[simek]

Jet boat tour is awesome, as is the fjord trip. My wife and I took a river tubing trip underground. Water was cold as hell, and you wore set suits, but it was epic. At one point, the guide threw you backwards down a ten foot waterfall as you hung on to your tube and landed *** first below...all in complete darkness. Great way to see glow worms.

Lots of great wine country as well. Fly fishing is first class. Take some time to tour Auckland. Consider making a trip to Golden Bay.

[MIHunter]

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[tradrook]

Keep it going! Some great suggestions so far

[TKK]

we spent 3 weeks on the south island. Went to Queenstown and Christchurch - Queenstown was our favorite. Trip to Milford Sound was awesome - you drive it, ride a bus shuttle or they have helicopters that take folks there - google Milford Sound

Also a small town on the ocean called Akora was a highlight - fish and chips on the water and an awesome harbor town.

The river boat rides are always worth it -

Other suggestion is to consider stopping on the way for couple of days in Fiji - we did - broker the long trip up and it is one beautiful island

We have traveled many many places around the world and NZ was our top trip - enjoy!

[TheHammer]

The south island is where much of the Lord of the Rings movies wee filmed. We hired a tour guide to take us around for a day in the mountains viewing filming sites and just naturally georgeous scenery.

We did that in place of taking the fjiord tour we had already booked that was cancelled due to weather. I really wish we could have taken that tour.

On the north island definitely check out the native Maori culture. There is a village that has interpretive experiences that was interesting. Also a trip to see the black sand on one of the beaches was something that we have never seen before.

Really want to go back!

T

As a fan of the Hobbit and Lord of the rings. I would got this in somehow. I plan to go to Hobbiton as well as seeing where lord of the rings was filmed.