New Zealand Tour Dec 07

[Trixibelle]

Hi, just wondered if anyone out there had any recommendations for top photo opps/destinations around New Zealand? I'm going out for 3 weeks in December and will be travelling both South and North Island.

Also any recommendations on places to stay in Abel Tasman would be appreciated - camping or hostels are fine.

Thank you

[cherryripe]

Hi Fiona
If you've got 3 weeks, you can't do all of New Zealand but here' some ideas:
North Island
Auckland - Skytower and the view of the bay
Coromandel - lovely forests and beautiful beaches
Rotorua - thermal activity like Waiatapu and Waimangu (the colours are unusual)
Tongariro National Park (do the hike)
South Island
Abel Tasman National Park - wild seascape
Arthurs' Pass & Wanaka (stunning mountain scenery)
Queenstown - view from the summit of the gondola)
Milford Sound & Doubtful Sound (fjords)
Lake Tekapo - the lupins around the lake are so colourful
Anyway, for more ideas, check out the photos of New Zealand on TE.
Regards
Nikki

[vizion]

Here is a suggestion:

Skip the North Island (sorry northern islanders, but all there is here is some smelly pools and volcanoes:), rush to the South Island and spend as much time as possible on the west coast where the fjords and the Southern Alps is. But be sure to have some insect repellent with you when visiting the fjords and rainforests on the west coast. You will remember this advice when you are there, I guarantee :) The Sandfly..., ohh that little bugger. It will make the mosquito look like a friendly little ladybird in comparison.
-Anyway as Nikki did mention Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound is a must do thing. You should be able to come in close contact with the infamous mountain parrot, the Kea.

The rugged coastline from The Catlins to Dunedin is worth a visit, because of its wildlife. Hookers Sea Lion, Yellow-Eyed Penguins and Albatrosses just to name the most famous of them.

Have nice trip,
Christian