New Zealand

[Prawn_86]

New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island) and numerous smaller islands, most notably Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. The indigenous Māori named New Zealand Aotearoa, commonly translated as The Land of the Long White Cloud. The Realm of New Zealand also includes the Cook Islands and Niue (self-governing but in free association); Tokelau; and the Ross Dependency (New Zealand's territorial claim in Antarctica).

[naked shorts]

Queenstown, NZ, is defiantly amazing.

Coming into land in the mountains is an experience, theres something about flying below the hills around the plane that does it for me (the runway is also known for being dangerous).

I found coronet peak a lot better then the remarkables. Too many rocks jump in your way at the remarkables. Coronet is just all snow.

Also, visit Winnies pizza, best pizza i have ever had was there. Many good times to be had there as well (turns from a pizzeria to a bar/club/pub at night). and if things really start to hot up in there, they open the roof, quite amazing.

[darley]

I always wanted to go here. Peter Jackson shot the Lord of the Rings trilogy there, and the scenery was just outstanding.

I really wouldn't expect them to have the best pizza, as you say. Haha... but if I ever go, I will definitely look into that.

[Prawn_86]

Do we have any NZ members yet?

My old man is from there originally so i have been there a couple times. Very scenic, but the weather isn't much to write home about

[trulkiwi]

Yes I am a kiwi and I am a member! I have just returned home after living in Aussie for 15 years. I am so pleased to be back in NZ! There is something about this place, that only this place could have. (no its not sheep)

The smell of the bush, the clean streets, the safety and the people... I had forgotten all of these things, and oh "Jelly Tips" and "Pascal Milk Bottles" hmmmmmm.

[Prawn_86]

Hi TK,

Welcome to ATF :)

Where in NZ are you located? I have only ever been to the North Island. Auckland, Hamilton, Rotarua and up through the northern parts.

My one major memory of New Zealand is catching an eel when out fishing. Something you dont get in the part of Aus im from.

[trulkiwi]

Hi TK,

Welcome to ATF :)

Where in NZ are you located? I have only ever been to the North Island. Auckland, Hamilton, Rotarua and up through the northern parts.

My one major memory of New Zealand is catching an eel when out fishing. Something you dont get in the part of Aus im from.

Hey Prawn,

I am currently living in Mt Maunganui, next to Tauranga. I remember it (the Mount) as a teenager, its wheer we used to flock too each Xmas and have all week beacj parties, and loads of summer fun!

I am an Auckland boy, growing up on the North Shore, and have been to virtually every corner of the country. Being that NZ is not a huge place, it is easy to get adventurous when you are young with a car and a bunch of like-minded mates!

[Girona Airport]

what about deep sea adventure opportunities .Is there any clubs which can guide or arrange such adventures.

[buddinghealth]

I'm planning a trip to NZ - only got two weeks any reccomendations on must see places? I want to keep it pretty chilled and cheap!

[woywegian]

Auckland as a city is very spread out but the central city is quite compact. By taking a guided Auckland Audio Tour (http://www.talk-n-tours.com/catalog/tour.php?tour=auckland) you can discover the city at your own pace.

It is also worthwhile taking a ferry across the harbour to Devonport Auckland's Maritime Village (http://www.talk-n-tours.com/catalog/tour.php?tour=devonport). This is a great place to explore, have a leisurely lunch, take a walk up to the top of an extinct volcano for panoramic views and only 10 minutes by ferry from the city.

[buddinghealth]

I've heard mixed reports about Auckland, is it worth a visit just to Aukland or is it better to just include as part of a trip - any suggestions?

[coliek]

I'm about to start planning a NZ trip. It will be a big family trip so should be fun. About to go and read through everyone's info.

[Prawn_86]

I'm about to start planning a NZ trip. It will be a big family trip so should be fun. About to go and read through everyone's info.

When you do go (or when you get back) make sure you write a trip journal here (http://www.aussietravellersforum.com.au/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16) and let us know your thoughts in this thread :)

[Michael Willem]

I really want to get to NZ. South Island sounds awesome!

[brclarke]

I really love NZ during the winter, around Queenstown there'll be plenty of mountain biking, night skiing, ice climbing, curling and snowshoeing(!) going on and you'll also have access to the usual adventure sports that are popular all-year round: skydiving, bungy jumping, white water rafting etc..

[kennas]

I've hardly seen NZ. Went there on a footy trip and can't remember a thing. Also stopped in Aukland for a couple of days as a stop over, but done nothing of the south island, which by all accounts is spectacular.

Can't wait to head over one day, hire a camper van, and drive right around over a month or so.

:)

[Prawn_86]

Our thoughts go out to all those affected by the most recent Christchurch earthquake.

So far 75 confirmed dead and 100 still missing. The building damage will also take many months to repair, a damaging blow to NZ thats for sure

[milleaner]

New Zealand is our passion and travel is our business so you'll understand why we can't wait to get to work each day and passionately promote New Zealand. Milford Sound Fiordland New Zealand.

[Travelling]

Hi, if you love walking, then I can recommend the Queen Charlotte Track, which is a 4-5 day walk in the Northern part of the South Island. It was a definite highlight for me. Amazing scenery.

[lemonlimebitter]

If you're into biking there is a really amazing bike trail somewhere in the south island. I think it takes a couple of days but it is made from an old train track. Spectacular views and it's quite flat so if you're not a strong biker then it's perfect. The south island is a beautiful escape, but if you are more (http://www.theiconic.com.au/) of a city slicker, then Wellington's where it's at for a holiday. It's true that Auckland has it's good and bad points but for a holiday, it's too goddamn big and spread out. With their public transport rated pretty poorly as well, it can be pretty hard to get around