New Zealand - what to do?

[T50_Omaha8]

I've only spent time on the South Island, but that's where the majority of NZ's stuff is from what I've heard.

You'll fly into Christchurch. No need to spend much time there.

Nearby Banks Penninsula makes an interesting daytrip from Christchurch. Akaroa is a nice little town, and the whole area is very picturesque.

To the north is Kaikoura. Interesting landscape and opportunities to see whales and dolphins en masse. Big mountains nearby.

Abel Tasman is on the north of the island. Sea kayaking.

Glacier climbing (Fox or Franz Joseph) is on the west coast (among other places), on the western side of the southern alps.

Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are on the southwestern corner in Fjordland. Definitely worth the trip.

Queenstown has adventure sports, bars, etc, and is very scenic. You can climb/hike up mountains too.

Lake Pukaki and Lake Tikapo are in the center, on the east side of the alps. Big, jagged mountains, nice hiking, etc. Not very developed at all.

You should download google earth and check out 3D images of these places, then start to pick the ones that look most interesting to you.

Hope that helps.

[Neko]

Boat trip through Milford sound is amazing. There is a hostel right at Milford sound that is pretty nice. Call ahead to make sure there is room available though, especially if you don't want to bunk with other people. It's also a bonus if you can do the boat tour in the rain because tonnes of spontaneous waterfalls appear all over the place.

[Neko]

also renting a campervan from Britz is the nuts if you want to drive around a lot and not have to worry about where you're going to stay for the night.

Ferry ride from North to South island is also pretty sweet imo.