Topic: Planning a backpacking trip...

Hello from California. I am planning a backpacking trip possible with a buddy of mine. I have never been to New Zealand and am planning on visiting. Only, I don't know where to go or what to see. I will not be renting a car and am planning on staying in hostles. I plan to just see what I can and come home when I run out of money (about three weeks or so). Any suggestions on where to go or what to see?

Apparently I don't seem to be all that popular here. Are there any rooms I might get more help?

Just think it's a quiet place.
Cant offer any valuable info on your trip.
I'm stuck in Wisconsin
Best of luck with your trip.

Peace,
Medic.

Hi Calif408,
I guess it's the huge reply that would be required to satisfy your questions regarding your backpack trip

NZ would certainly lend itself to hitching around the country.
We have plenty of hostels here.
If you made your start in Auckland, the city has quite a few hostels, and it does become a stepping stone by either meeting others that are travelling or by finding the best destinations for backpackers.

There are few roads that head north/south so the chance of getting a ride is pretty good. You just can't hitch on the motorways, so initially getting out of the city can be done by standing at an on-ramp.

As to where to go, check out google, just put "nz backpackers" in search and you will be presented with many backpacker lodges.

The cost of living here should make your dollars last you a while.

Hope that helps.

Originally Posted by Calif408

Any suggestions on where to go or what to see?

There is no shortage of things to see and do. The do things usually cost money, the See things are generally free.

Rotorua is a good place to visit if you wish to get a feel for the culture in NZ. Thermal hot pools, mud pools, gysers.

Trout fishing in Taupo (you'll need a license to fish in fresh water in NZ)
You have missed the ski season, but Mt Ruapehu still offers climbing and one hell of a view from the top.
Surfing on the west coast is good.
Scuba dive or snorkel at many of our marine parks.
Bungy jumps, jet boats, canoeing, white water rafting.
And thats just the north island.

The thing about the south island is that the distances between towns/cities is quite large, It is a very beautiful location all the same, with a huge mountain range down the middle.
Usually colder than the north island.

This is just a very short list of what you will find in NZ.
Well worth a visit.