[Nas]

OK folks, I really need your help.

With my partner I'm in the early stages of planning a trip to New Zealand and would love your suggestions on when, where and what shouldn't be missed.

The trip will hopefully be for 4 to 6 weeks
We prefer to avoid tourist "hotspots" unless it is out of season or it is a real MUST SEE.
Beaches/heat are not our thing
Natural landscapes are very much our thing
We are quite happy to suffer a bit to see things that are off the beaten track (hiking and off roading etc)
Our idea is to base ourselves in a different place each week and try to get the feel of a few places well rather than a fleeting glimpse of a lot of places.
And if anyone can recommend restaurants with decent vegetarian menus at realistic prices I will be eternally grateful.
Thanks folks

Nas

[kall]

South Island goodness sounds like it would be more your cup of tea than the North... though it *is* quite lacking in the 'heat' side of things at the moment.

SI has more 'vast, pristine landscape' but theres lots to see in the North too.

[Sparklechick]

South Island definitely sounds more your cuppa tea. Places to visit:

Queenstown - very popular touristy spot but it's a must see - I fall in love with Queenstown every time I go there ... you'd need to go on the Earnslaw trip (a REALLY old boat) out to the Sheep station. Brilliant trip.
Arrowtown - beautiful town just out of Queenstown.
West Coast of the South Island (see if you can get on a tour). Very rugged countryside with amazing scenery
Milford Sound
Marlborough Sounds ... extremely tranquil ... some places only accessible by kayak
Stewart Island (off the South Island) ...

There must be a Kiwi tourism website somewhere that you can check out with more information about some of these places.

[kall]

Originally Posted by Sparklechick

There must be a Kiwi tourism website somewhere that you can check out with more information about some of these places.

We should be that site!

[Nas]

Originally Posted by [B

Sparklechick[/b]] There must be a Kiwi tourism website somewhere that you can check out with more information about some of these places.

There are, and I've been reading them and guide books; but the opinion of someone who lives in and loves a country is always much more interesting.

Marlbourough and Milford sounds are pretty high on the wish list. I'm going to check out some West Coast tours too, many thanks for the suggestions Sparkle

[Sparklechick]

I used to work for an airline so have done quite a bit of travelling, especially around the South Island.

I can highly recommend the Trans-scenic train tour that runs from Christchurch to Greymouth. From there you can take a coach or rent a car to drive down the West Coast all the way to Queenstown. A recommended stop on the way would be Franz Josef glacier.

[Nas]

Franz Josef Wow, that is certainly some view!