A friend and I have eight days and are trying to limit cost by doing only one island. Any advice? We want to take a tour, any idea how we can do both? Basically, if you only had eight days, what would you do?

Go south, young lady, go south.

Besides the cost of traveling back and forth between the islands, it just isn't practical IMO to try to do both in eight days.

Mr. Pickle and I spent 10 days on the North Island last April and had a wonderful time, but depending on your interests, the South Island may be a better choice for you. You can see our pictures at http://community.webshots.com/user/ElendilPickle to get an idea of how we spent our time.

It's pretty easy to get around New Zealand by renting a car and staying in motels or youth hostels. Many motels are self-catering, so you can save some money on eating out as well.

Lee Ann

The South Island is the one. A recent UK TV programme ranked "The top 50 place to see before you die" and the North Island ranked 25 with the South Island at 5.
Thanks, Glenn
www.newzealandatoz.com

Personally I would do the South Island- if it isn't possible to do both; but it is a difficult choice to choose one over the other.

Places I would definately recommend are:
Dunedin- gorgeous buildings
Christchurch- very pretty, and lovely gardens

Highlights of the trip for us:

Te Anau- very pretty town
Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
Queenstown- very pretty town
Walking the track at Kaikoura to see the seals- It was a gorgeous day, and the views and the seals were just amazing!
Zoo at Christchurch! - Fantastic

Hope this helps,
R

I think the South Island is pretty spectacular. But then - I've scarcely been north - so - 10 days there next month.

Queenstown, the glaciers, Haast Pass - just brilliant.

I tend to agree that you should head south. I am from the North Island and think it's wonderful. But if I was travelling and had to choose between the two, I'd say that the south has more to offer. But it does depend - it's beaches in the north and mountains and spectacular scenery in the south.

I agree with the other posters - South Island (and I'm a dyed-in-the-wool Wellingtonian!), although it could depend on what time of the year you will be visiting, and whether you are a "beaches" or "snow and ice" type of person.
There are coachlines that offer various tours around, but I'm sure once you determine when and which island you will be able to put your own itinerary together. Check through this forum for some wonderful ideas.
Margo, when are you coming over?

South Island, without an iota of doubt.