New Zealand trip

I have the opportunity to bum around the north island and the top of the south island by myself for 3 weeks.  I plan to rent a car and camp/hostel/squat from dive sight to good food to anything interesting.  I fly into Wellington, fly out of Auckland to Christchurch. 

If you've been, what do you recommend I not miss? 

Thanks,
Nate

No experience but Taku (outdoor chef) had couple of videos of vlog there that might be of help to you.

I love NZ. I backpacked there long time ago for almost half a year.
It’ll be the springtime now. I would recommend Bay of Islands, Ninety Mile Beach, and the Cape Reinga areas. Those are all north of Auckland. Definitely don’t miss surf casting. But really the entire country is amazing. Get a guidebook (old fashion; I know)  if you don’t have time for research. It’ll save you money and point you to the right places.
Have fun!

What a coincidence, I'm going to New Zealand with my wife and 2 sons (21 and 23) for 2 weeks this winter so I'm very interested in what people have to say.

What a coincidence, I'm going to New Zealand with my wife and 2 sons (21 and 23) for 2 weeks this winter so I'm very interested in what people have to say.

Nice! I dream to take my kids there one day

New Zealand is the best! Such a great place. Be sure to spend some time on the south island. Do you dive at all? There's good diving for paua (abalone) and crayfish (spiny lobster) on the east coast of the South Island. Other places, too, but I'm most familiar with the coastline around Kaikoura and Akaroa.

Bring a fly rod or spinning rod. Lots of big trout cruising the lakes and rivers. Feel free to PM me if you want some more detailed info. I love talking NZ!
-Andrew

Also, skip the packaged adventure sports crap - skydiving, bungee jumping, parasailing, etc. Make your own adventures.

I grew up in Marlborough When is your trip? Upcoming (winter)? Or later in the year? (Spring/Summer)

There are plenty of things that could be added. Depending on if you want more of food/camping/fishing/sight seeing. But here are a few focused on top of the South:

- The Marlborough Sounds are very nice, e.g. drive out to French Pass or Punga Cove. There are various campsites out there. Or various boat tours  (or even drop-offs)

- St. Arnaud / Lake Rotoiti is also worth a visit. A hike around the Lake is possible as a (longish) day trip (if you are fit). Or you can walk up Mt Robert for some nice views (warning: you need to be prepared if you want to walk in the mountains in NZ). The visitor center in St Arnard will also be able to offer some advice.

- Over the hill, Nelson region is also worth a visit. Takaka and Golden Bay are nice and scenic. And Abel Tasman national park is popular for kayaking.


There are also plenty more places to see in the South Island: West Coast (scenic), Central and Otago (good red wine, central lakes and scenery), Queenstown (adventure sports) and Milford Sound (scenic).

For the North Island, I haven't traveled as much. Around Tonagario National Park is nice. And the beaches around Northland can be amazing. Not sure how much time you plan to spend in the North Island.

Feel free to ask questions

Coromandel Peninsula.  A spearo's paradise and the friendliest people on the planet.

We spent s month there a few years ago.   Rented a car and started in Queenstown.   Shotover Jet is fun day.   Porpoise Bay, you can swim and surf with porpoise.   Abalone, limit 10-20, depending on variety.  Food is expensive.    If renting a car South Island, you drop it off in Picton, and pickup another at other end of ferry ride to North Island.   NZ hand pies are the bomb.   Rotorua is very interesting geologically.   Take a shorty wetsuit at least.   Different temperatures of waters.

Seen a lot of cool videos of NZ recently and want to plan a trip someday.