First Time in New Zealand
 

Where should a first time traveler to New Zealand go if spending 6-8 nights at the end of June/beginning of July? Thoughts. Suggestions.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Well that is a very open ended question. Given that it will be the middle of winter in NZ what type of environment/activity are you hoping for (e.g. skiing, trekking, beaches, adrenaline rushes, museums, art, wine, etc.). NZ is not huge is size but can be extremely diverse so if you can provide more detail, the posters on this forum can give you better advice.

I am looking for a combination of activities: urban sightseeing, museums, art, food, wine, nature, Maori culture, some hiking, etc. While I do not mind some snow (I come from Chicago), I prefer warmer weather.

If you want some warm weather I would head to Northland.
http://www.newzealandatoz.com/index....=398#northland
This area has Maori Culture Warm weather and walks.

If you are looking for bright and sunny yet crisp winter days I would head for Hawkes Bay. I grew up in The Bay and can honestly say out of all the many places I have lived in NZ - the Hawkes Bay winter climate is the best in the country.
Good food and wine, lovely tramps -in snow clad mountain ranges, rugged coastal beaches. Hawkes Bay would be my number one winter destination.

/www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealand/about-new-zealand/regions/hawkes-bay/regional-information.html
http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/

Being closer to the Equator, the North Island will be warmer. It is also much more settled and populated than the South Island. The South Island has stunningly beautiful and wild scenery, and offers excellent hiking and fun driving. That said, these are some suggestions for the North Isalnd: The city of Rotarua is filled with Maori culture. There are several folk shows in the evening. There are also thermal pools and geysers in the area, and the city is seen as a spa where people can take "the cure." Napier is my favorite "artsy" city on the North Island; after it was destroyed in an earthquake, it was rebuilt in Art Deco style. Tongariro National Park has an active volcano, Mount Ruapehu. There is also downhill skiing near there. I hope this helps you. New Zealand is a fabulous vacation - you can't go wrong whatever you decide to do.

Thank you all for your help. It looks like we should focus on the North Island and leave the South Island for another trip.

I went to NZ last July and the weather in the Northland area was actually quite nice -- I especially enjoyed the Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga/90-mile beach area, stopping to visit all the huge Kauri trees along the way. Waitangi in the Bay of Islands also has a lot of NZ history and culture (sort of the NZ equivalent of Philadelphia's Constitution Hall).

The South Island, otoh, was freezing and it was snowing like crazy in the Queenstown area. So I'd stick with the Northland if you don't want to freeze.

While it's true that the SI can be a bit chilly during the winter months, it gets nowhere as cold as Chicago. I enjoy visiting the SI in the winter months - and yes, we hike that time of year - snowcapped mountains, cold crisp mornings, warm afternoons - it can be absolutely beautiful.

But if it's warm weather you're after, you'd do best to stay north.