New Zealand - 2-3 weeks
 

My husband and I are planning on flying from the US into Auckland (late February) and out of Christchurch. The only thing we know we want to do for sure is the 5 day Milford Trail hike. We'll rent a car, looking for suggestions on day hikes, pretty drives (we like car trips), wineries... Not interested in staying in cities. All help in putting together an itinerary will be greatly appreciated

Three Weeks, with a week spent in Fiordland does not leave much time for the North Island.

While the NI has same great attractions I think you would be rushed to experience both Islands and get in hiking. Being in a rental car would most likely prevent you from driving on gravel roads, which sadly would cause you to miss out on same great drives. Anyway.

Maybe skip the North Island, Fly to Nelson. Spend a day or two in and around the Abel Tasman National Park. Drive over to Nelson lakes and climb mount Robert for the day, or one of the other short hikes in the park.

Drive over to Blenheim, experience New Zealands premier wine region. Weather should be great late February.

Zoom down to Kaikouria, see the seals. A few neat walks, if the weather allows. A good day hike is up Mount Fyffe, about 8 hours return.

Then over to the Westcoast, zoom down to the glaciers.

Over Haast pass to central otago.

Down to Fiordland and complete the Milford track.

Fly back to Christchurch for your flight home.

Agree about focusing on the South Island. The Milford Track is wonderful, but I would suggest adding on the Routeburn Track at the end - an extra 3 nights. It compliments the Milford nicely as it more alpine than valley. We did the combined Milford/Routeburn ("Classic") walk in 2010. We took the guided walk option staying the lovely huts along the way. An unforgettable experience!

My trip report with links to pictures:

http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...s-nov-2010.cfm

Unfortunately, since we are using miles for our tickets, we are flying to Auckland and out of Christchurch, which means the NI is on, so I will need a couple of recommendations for NI - maybe 3-4 days and then head south.

My suggestion:
Auckland is 20-30 minutes drive to some very pretty beaches. If scenery's your thing (it's mine!) drive from Auckland to visit the beaches. Then head to Rotorua. Visit Waimangu Volcanic Park there for some seriously unearthly beauty. If you want to start easy and get over jet lag visit the Polynesian Spa. If a luau-type experience appeals to you, do a hangi. (It's essentially a Maori luau.)

Fly from Rotorua to Nelson and spend at least two nights in Marahau to access the gorgeous walking and kayaking in Abel Tasman. Water taxis drop you off at designated spots and you trek to the p/u points. Loved Abel Tasman enough to spend four days there -- twice!

Be sure to allot time for Queenstown area--including Copper Canyon and Mirror Lakes.

Enjoy!

Songdoc -

Please tell me about Copper Canyon and Mirror Lakes.

"I will need a couple of recommendations for NI - maybe 3-4 days and then head south."

I would suggest Taupo here. It's a pretty little town with a lovely lake, some nice quaint pubs and it would be preferable to Rotorua for me (no egg smell for a start). If you fancy a trip to the geothermal park in Rotorua or some zorbing it is only a short drive from Taupo.

Taupo is also the sky diving capital of the world so if you fancied doing one then here is a great place to do it. If you got really lucky with the weather, the Tongariro Crossing might be a nice warm up for what you are planning on the South Island.