I have planned a 10 days trip to New Zealand (mid June 2012). 3 nights in Auckland, 2 in Rotorua, 2 in Queenstown, 2 in Te Anu. Fly between Auckland and Queenstown and explore rest by driving. Any suggestions about the most sought after places to see around these locations?

The "most sought after places to see" around Queenstown and Te Anau = Milford Sound. It's a two hour drive from Te Anau (each way).

Do be aware that weather can be an issue in June. It doesn't happen often, but the road to Milford is occasionally closed due to avalanche danger and/or high winds. It's usually reopened pretty quickly, after blasting and clearing.

Glenorchy is also a beautiful spot - it's only a 40 minute drive from QT.

Then you've got the lakes and loads of other activities in/around QT, plus Arrowtown, but with only two days you'll be pretty limited.

Thanks Melinq8 for quick response! Do you suggest I reduce the number days in Te Anau and spend more time in queenstown? (right now I have 3 days in Te Anau and not 2 as I mentioned earlier)

I'd suggest losing a night in Auckland.

Well, since you asked....I'd lose the North Island altogether.

Three full days in Te Anau, or three partial days? If three full days, yeah, I'd probably add one of them to QT, unless you're interested in exploring the walking tracks, keeping in mind that tracks present their own challenges during the winter months - closures due to track damage, etc.

Truly though, with so little time, I'd skip the NI altogether and plant mayself around the QT area. Basing onself in one spot in NZ doesn't generally work well, BUT QT is the notable exception as there's so much around it that's relatively easy to ge to. If you based yourself in QT, you could visit Milford Sound, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Glenorchy, Te Anau, etc. It makes a pretty good base and would limit all that extra flying, unpacking, packing, time wasted in airports, dropping off and collecting rental cars, etc.

Just a thought.

Thanks Melnq8. I will add an extra day at Queenstown.

Sandip, having spent a couple of weeks in South Island in February, we'd wholeheartedly agree with Melnq8. In fact, we received so much valuable help from Melnq8, who has traveled to SI several times, that we'd encourage anyone planning a trip to NZ to follow the suggestions given by Melnq8. Our trip report was posted on March 25. We had great experiences in SI.

Wishing you a good trip!

I spend a week in QT back in March of 2011. When asking this forum how much time to spend In Auckland and on North Island in general, the chief response was "only long enough to catch a plane to Queenstown". Let me tell you they were right on. QT is breathtakingly beutiful and the small towns that are within easy drive of it are simply wonderful. If you like scenery, rivers, bridges, mountains, quaint little towns and Pinot Noir, the south Island is for you.
I dont know about the weather when you are going, but it was perfect when I was there. I really hated to leave, and wouldn't have if I hadn't had a flight to Fiji.
Have a wonderful time --- wish I were going with you.
shrink

Agree to skip north island - there is too much to do and such diverse scenery on the south island. Queens town is great. I never thought I would do this but I tried bungee jumping and is one of the best stories I had from the trip (where it all originated from). QT is beautiful.