I can't seem to find any travel forum information on New Zealand. We are a retired couple planning a 2 week (though we aren't tied to 2 weeks; we could expand it slightly) trip there and would love recommendations:
My favorite things: Tiritiri Matangi Nature Reserve reachable from Auckland, Hobbiton in the Rotorua area, Maori things in the Rotorua area Queenstown including a Lord of the Rings tour. We loved our small group Globus tour which also included Australia-I imagine they also have tours of New Zealand only.
We did a self driving tour of New Zealand. It was organized for us by Fine Tours New Zealand. They have a variety of tours, of varying lengths. It simplified the process for us. We did both islands.
Take a look at their website.
NZ comes up a lot here, see
I would not use a cruise but then never do.
North Island is also scenic.
We spent 3 weeks driving around the South Island, staying in motels. We also avoided cities and agree that the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise was a highlight. Since we went to Australia first, we flew to Wellington for a few days, then took the ferry to Picton. We stayed at Lochmara Lodge (loved it), then rented a car in Picton. Other highlights were Abel Tasman NP, Wharariki Beach, Mt Cook, and Cathedral Cave, We spent the last few nights in Akaroa (loved the Giants House and enjoyed a boat tour) and dropped the car off at the Christchurch airport. We did not go into Christchurch or Queenstown (spent a few nights in Arrowtown which was plenty)
I have not been to the South Island, but I spent three weeks on the north island, and definitely would not skip it. I spent very little time in any large city. I have relatives there, though, so my touring was done by car with someone else driving. Hobbiton was not yet constructed, but a friend was recently there and really enjoyed the site. Highlights for me were the glow worm caves, the Rotorua area with all its bubbling mud pools, geysers, and mineral water baths. Walking through a lush forest to see one very large kauri tree named Tana Mahuta. Driving up 90 mile beach (though you probably can’t do that with a rental car), and visiting a Māori cultural center, and also attending a traditional Hangi. Two weeks is not enough to see both islands, so I would suggest picking one or the other, or adding time if you can, but don’t discount the North island if you think it is all about cities and nightlife because it isn’t. New Zealanders are very active, outdoors people, and love their parks and nature. You will find lots to interest you wherever you go.
You asked about New Zealand forums. TripAdvisor has a very active New Zealand forum that I suggest you check out.
Several years ago we spent one week on the north island and two weeks on the south island. If all you have is two weeks, then I suggest just concentrating on the south island.
I have done some extensive research as well. We have plans to spend 1 week on the South Island.
Day 1 fly to Invercargill from Christchurch, rent
SUV, have lunch at Batch, check out the Burt Munro exhibit at the hardware store then head to Te Anau. On the way we'll stop at Te Waewae and McCracken's Rest for unparalleled beauty.
Day2 an overnight Doubtful Sound cruise
Day3 maybe a short drive up the SH94 and then to check out the bird sanctuary (Punangu Manu)
Day4 drive the SH94 to Milford Sound stopping along the way for a quick look at the departure point for the Milford Track, Mirror Lakes for the short 5-minute walk, The Divide to have a sit at the shelter (maybe walk the trail for a few), stop T Pop's view, and another stop at the Homer Tunnel. After the cruise, we'll head to Invercargill maybe stopping at the Croydon Aviation Heritage Center. I hope to shop at The Lost Gypsy Gallery.
Day5 we'll spend exploring the Catlins: MacLean Falls, Purakauni Falls, and hopefully Nugget Point Lighthouse
Day 6 fly to Christchurch, rent car, drive Arthur's Pass, visit the Hopkitika George, and stay in Hopkitika
Day7 up to Punakaiki for the Pancake Rocks and Poroari Track. Well stop to eat at Stella Cafe then stop at Castle Rocks, Porter's Pass, and maybe Lake Pearson. We return the car and head for home next morning.
Any suggestions for me?
We were on the MoaTrek 21 day Kakapo tour March/April of this year and had a great time. The tour is pretty evenly split between the North and South Islands. There is also a 17 day tour if 21 is too long. https://www.moatrek.com/ The tours fill up fast. We booked ours almost a year in advance. Our group was an interesting mix-18 people that included 8 Canadians and 2 Australians.
I would spend all the time on the South Island, which is considered more beautiful than the North Island. The Trip Advisor New Zealand forum is very active, and the folks there are very helpful.
We have friends who took a cruise around the South Island and North Island this past February. While they enjoyed the cruise, and saw a lot of sea animals, they did say that one drawback to the cruise is that they never really got inland. For example, the didn't visit Aoraki Mt. Cook. The Hooker Valley Track is one of the highlights of our trip. Although I just read somewhere that the track is closed at the second suspension bridge. I think, but I'm not sure that you can go past the first suspension bridge, but that's as far as you can go. Perhaps others will know if the entire track is closed. The new second suspension bridge won't be finished until sometime in 2026.
My husband did all of the driving, and he was fine with it. You drive on the left. He had driven previously in Scotland so he was not worried about driving on the left.
