north island
The North Island is very rich in varied landscapes. There are magnificent beaches in the north, caves with glowworms and magnificent waterfalls in the center and large lakes everywhere. If you are passing through New Zealand it is important to set aside a few days to explore several parts of the island.
I wish I had time to visit Wellington in the south of the island, but you can really enjoy the country without going there. After arriving in Auckland by plane, you can spend a few days at Coromandel and enjoy its natural reserve. Then leave for Rotorua, stopping for the half-day at Hobbiton then leave for Taupo to admire the Volcano, the waterfalls etc.
My recommendations:
- Visit the cellars of Waipu Caves (free) or Waitomo (paid).
- Admire the scenery of The Lord of the Rings in Hobbiton .
- If you have good weather, go to Lake Taupo or visit Craters of the Moon and its sulfur craters.
Auckland
I worked 6 months in Auckland, in an international company which imports foreign wines. I was a salesman so I had to constantly meet clients in the region, which allowed me to visit the region and the different neighborhoods that make up the city. Auckland is a collection of very urban and residential areas and very rural areas in the middle of nature .
Around Auckland, there are also very beautiful beaches like Piha with its rock and its caves. You can also go for a day hike on Rangitoto Island (not recommended if it's raining).
My recommendations:
- Observe the large tribe of penguins at the Auckland Aquarium.
- Spend the day at Piha beach.
- Stroll in the district of Devenport 2omin from Auckland or Ponsonbi in the city center.
south island
East Coast
In New Zealand, one must visit the South Island. Much more natural, the towns are mainly coastal or in the mountains. On the east coast, there are mainly towns by the sea, offering a lot of water activities or meeting with animals.
In summer, the coast is very pleasant to rest in quiet villages. Arriving in Christchurch, you can visit the city which suffered a severe earthquake a few years ago. If you are not very comfortable with English, go to Akaroa which was the first city colonized by the French. Then go visit Dunedin with its very gothic architecture and enjoy Queenstown to ski to enjoy nautical activities.
My recommendations:
- Take a private tour to meet the penguins in Akaroa.
- Go dress up in period clothing at the Whitestone City Museum in Oamaru.
- Try to spot all the street art in Dunedin by going to the most leaning street in the world ( Baldwin Street ).
south island
Western coast
The West Coast is made for the adventurous and extreme sports enthusiasts . From Queenstown, you will have the opportunity to parachute, bungee, hang-glide or just hit the ski slopes. Very natural and sparsely populated, the west coast includes a long road bordered by glaciers and the sea.
If you are a fan of road trip you can walk this road and sleep in Tekapo in a campsite to embark on one of the hikes to Mount Cook! There are some very nice panoramic views to observe on the road.
My recommendations:
- Take advantage of Queenstown several days to go skiing or a 128m bungee jump.
- Take a hike in the glaciers to discover Mount Cook in Tekapo.
- Make a stop at the Hokitika Gorges and enjoy the surrounding tranquility .
