New Zealand Itinerary Help
 

I am lucky enough to be going on a business trip to New Zealand next month from the US. I am able to spend a week after my meetings sightseeing. Given the distance I'm traveling, I'd like to see a lot, however, I don't want to run around so much that I spend my whole trip in transit. I hope to be back in NZ in the future.

I am traveling by myself and don't want to rent a car. I like outdoor activities (hiking, etc) but I am not interested in anything that is likely to send me home in more than piece (e.g., bungy jumping or the like). I have signed up to go on an group tour of the Hollyford Track. Although I was advised I don't need to do a group tour for this, for the convenience and other reasons, I decided to go with the group. Unfortunately, the only date I could get on the trip during my time in NZ is the day I have listed below.

Below is my itinerary and I am hoping you can offer some suggestions.

Day 1 - fly to New Zealand

Day 2- enroute

Day 3 - arrive Auckland, go to Rotorua, sightsee in afternoon. probably tired from flight

Day 4-6 - work in Rotorua

Day 7 - sightsee in Rotorua

Day 8 - fly to Queenstown in am and sightsee

Day 9-10 - sightsee in Queenstown

Day 11, 12, 13 - Hollyford Trek guided trip

Day 14 - fly home

Will I find three days in Queenstown too much ? Is there anywhere you suggest I go between my time in Rotorua and QT. Any other tips?

Queenstown proper might be too much, but there is plenty to do or see within easy reach. You can book tours from Queenstown if you don't want to rent a car. The Info Center in town is very helpful. You could do a side trip to Glenorchy, winetasting in Gibbston Valley, day trip to Milford Sound (from Te Anau or Queenstown). The TS Earnslaw steamship is fun. I don't really think Arrowtown is worth more than a few hours, other than the golf course, but it's easy to reach and has some good restaurants.

Three days in Queenstown too much? No way! As mlgb said there are many sides trips available. With three days wou won't be able to do them all.
Check out the trip to Skippers Canyon. IMO Arrowtown is worth more than a few hours.
You are wise to not try fitting in to many areas on a trip of this length.
What a great opportunity you are getting with a conference in Rotorua. If you get a chance to wander around Rotorua, check out Kuirau Park of Ranolf Street.

>>If you get a chance to wander around Rotorua, check out Kuirau Park of Ranolf Street.<<

Mr. Pickle took some pretty neat early morning pictures in the Government Gardens and Kuirau Park. You can see them at http://community.webshots.com/user/ElendilPickle

We enjoyed visiting Wai-o-tapu Geothermal Park and Ohinemutu while we were in Rotorua, and had a fun evening at the Mai Ora concert and hangi at Te Whakarewarewa.

Lee Ann

Waimangu Valley is interesting too (Rotorua area) and the Buried Village. You should be able to find a day tour around Rotorua that takes you to several of the outlying sites. There is decent public and tourist bus service to the Whaka park, which also has the Maori Carving /Cultural activities. I like the stinky water outdoor pools at the Polynesian Spa (it may go by some other name these days).