Can anyone help me plan a vacation in New Zealand?

Question

Me and my husband were thinking of going to NZ this summer. My husband LOVES green sites so the greener and more natural the better! Milford Sound should be in there somewhere because I have to see it. What airline should we take? What hotels do you recommend we book in? What places should we not miss? How long should we stay there? Any general tips and advice for a couple of newcomers to NZ?

We were thinking of going to Japan for a couple of days afterwards, by the way.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I hope you remember that summer in the northern hemisphere is winter in NZ. The South Island is great for the outdoors/green life, but will be quite cold. Great for wildlife. Within 2 weeks on South Island I saw: penguins, albatross (in far south east) and whales (whale watching-trips from Kaikoura). Milford Sound very impressive. Queensland great town for outdoor adventures (white-water rafting, speed boating, paragliding, ski-ing), and quite a lively 'young' town on beautiful Lake Wakitipu. Of course, also locations for filming of Lord of the Rings. Didn't visit N. Island, but will be warmer.