Please ignore my original post for NZ Attractions. Somehow I requested hotel info twice.

What attraction would you recommend we not miss in the below cites?

Christchurch -Omarama -Dunedin - Te Anau - Queenstown - Fox Glacier - Greymouth - Blenheim - Wellington - Rotorua - Auckland

Any info would be greatly appreciated

Deb [email protected]

Deb, They are a lot of questions to ask when we don't know your interests.
If you do some reading, and searches on this forum, you'll come up with lots of great information. And you'll soon see what other travellers itineraries included.
There are certain things that seem to crop up in everyone's plans. Things like Thermal springs in Rotorua, Penguins outside of Dunedin.

Enter the different towns in the search area. Make notes and then do more searched on the actual sights to see and things to do. IF something really appeals to you...and if you do a search for it to see what others feel....then ask more specific questions.

Good luck with your plans.

Our interest are scenery, wildlife, wineries, museums, and anything old (buildings/cars/antiques).

I know about most of the big attractions but was wanting recommendation for any hidden gems that that is not well know, like don't miss the church in such and such town, etc.

Deb
[email protected]

Thanks, Deb - knowing something about your interests helps!

Wellington - Te Papa Museum is a must-see. Go up to the top of Mt. Victoria for a lovely view of the city and harbor.

Rotorua - go to Ohinemutu, on the shore of Lake Rotorua, and visit St. Faith's Anglican Church with its pretty woodwork and beautiful etched glass window of Jesus in a Maori chief's feather cloak. It looks as if He is walking on the waters of the lake. There are some cool above-ground tombs there and a Maori craft shop as well.

Auckland - We enjoyed the Auckland Museum, but we didn't get to spend much time there. We also took a ferry ride to Devonport and did a walking tour past a number of Victorian houses.

There are wineries in Blenheim, in the Martinborough area outside Wellington, and around Auckland, but we didn't visit any of them. Next trip, maybe!

Lee Ann

HI Deb, Lee Ann gave you some really good ideas... here area some of my 'hidden' gems!
When we were in Franz Josef, I took a tour that I loved, while my friend was climbing the glacier. I went on a tour to see the nesting White Herons. To get to them we went on a jet boat ride through fantastic scenery, then walked through rain forest and then arrived at the nesting area of the Great White Herons.
The site is www.whiteherontours.co.nz

If you are passing through Taupo on your way south, stop for something to eat at Bakers Delight, just off Highway 5 on Spa Street. WE saw people lined up ther and wondered why. We soon found out why. Teh twist breads are wonderful!

If you are driving into Wellington, drive up Paekakariki Hill and down again. It's worth the drive up for a beautiful view.

DO, think about hiring dotty's husband ( on this board) to give you a tour of Wellington. You'll see so much more and you'll have a wonderful time.

If you happen to be going to the west coast from Picton via Highway 63, it's a beautiful drive. We stopped at Nelson Lakes National park and took a short hike. Then carry on and stop for lunch in Murchison at Rivers Cafe.

South of Franz Josef, going down the west coast, DO stop at Blue Pools . It's definately worth the hike in. STunning!
Also stop at Billy Rock Falls. It's a beautiful short hike through forest.

These were some of my favourite things that aren't usually mentioned.
Good luck.

Kodi -

I printed your tips about Blue Pools and Billy Rock Falls, as we've yet to do these - always looking for more ideas on what to see and do.

We leave on Friday for the South Island.

MelnQ8, those two things we never would have known about, except for the sign on the road. But a friend had told us not to miss them...and I'm so glad he had told us. Especially Blue Pools.

Have a great time!

I was in NZ for a month in Feb. -- here are some highlights a bit off the beaten track:

Dunedin -- great botanical garden and aviary
Queenstown -- hiking in Glenorchy is really beautiful; several short hikes to great views; get the DOC map
Fox Glacier -- about 20 miles north of Franz Joseph glacier is Okarito Lagoon, a very pretty area full of birds, including white herons; there is hiking here, as well as peaceful kayaking -- really out of the way and very rewarding; also, South of Fox Glacier is a great walk to Munro Beach through beautiful subtropical ferns
Christchurch -- Mona Vale -- beautiful gardens (and free); also very nice beaches in small towns just north of Christchurch; outside of the city, Sumner is very nice, as are the views from Summit Drive

xxxxx -

Exploring Okarito and the lagoon is our main reason for staying in Franz Josef this year. Sounds like a great place.

I agree that the walk to Monro Beach is a good one.

WildRedDeb - The Monro Beach turn off is very near Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the beach, which is a breeding area for Fiordland crested penguins. We've never been there at the right time of year to actually see the penguins though (July-Nov).

Have a great trip!

Hi Deb,
If you going spend some time in Christchurch may I suggest visiting the museum, it is small but well worth a look.
Next to the museum is the Botanical Gardens, they are amongst the top ten in the world.
Adjacent to the museum and the gardens is the Art's Centre with some wonderful stalls.
Just a few metres along from the museum is Christ's College which its historical buildings.
Half a kilometre or so past the gardens are the boat sheds where you can have a gentle row passed the hospital grounds through the gardens, where you can stop and have a wonderful picnic on the river bank.
If you catch the tram ask the conductor where our old Provincial Buildings are located. They have been preserved very well and also you can wander through them without charge.
Hope this helps.
Richard.

Thanks for all the post. I am building myself a little data base with tips on each town so then if we got the time we will look up all the wonderful places you have suggested.

Deb
[email protected]

Since you like old buildings, the train station in Dunedin is worth a look inside (and it is free). The local museums in Dunedin often have interesting special exhibits since it's a college town.
I'm not a big fan of Queenstown, but I did like the Earnslaw cruise.
Wineries for the famous pinot noir in the Otago area around Alexandra.

Hi Deb,

At Omarama, you can drive to the Clay Cliffs. In your driving direction, the Clay Cliffs are on a right turn from the highway before hitting Omarama town. You will need to drive on gravel for about 15 - 20 mins.

Driving from Omarama to Dunedin, you can make a detour at Duntroon to visit the Earthquakes, Elephant Rocks, Anatini and Moari Rock Cave drawings. check at Vanish Fossil Trail Centre in Duntroon.

you can read about my travel here:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...8&start=50