I'm in the *very* beginning stages of planning a vacation to New Zealand.....as in just thinking about it. What I do know is that I'll most likely have 2 weeks, will want to go during NZ's "summer" and I want to go to just one of the islands. I would prefer to spend my time getting to know one more extensively, rather than running around at a breakneck pace. My question is.....for you native Kiwis or those who have vacationed there and have been to both islands.....which did you prefer and why? Thanks so much in advance for any replies!

Hi Lynn <BR>Have just seen your letter. Both Islands are great and so different. I live in the South Island so read the letters that have replied to one wanting Christchurch to Queenstown. The answers are all there. Nelson at the top of the South Island is also well worth going to. If you would like to write to me for more information please do so. <BR>Driving is so easy in our country even if it is on the left hand side. <BR>Christine <BR>

Lynn, <BR>My wife and spent a week in New Zealand this past November. We intentionally planned the entire trip(except for a few hours in Auckland to catch a flight back to the States) on South Island. <BR> <BR>It was absolutely fabulous...incredible scenery and very friendly people. <BR>The natural beauty of South Island is spectacular. We were very glad that we confined our limited time entirely to South Island.

But what about Rotorua and Auckland? Both not to be missed and both in the North Island!!

Hello Lynn <BR>Split a week in both - but do not try to do too much in each island - so as to really enjoy what you do - if this is the trip of a life time then do both island. <BR>Both island as beautiflu -so totally different they compliment each other, <BR>do contact me on [email protected] and I will give some detailed ideas to you / activities, places & accommodation. <BR>Kind Regards <BR>Sharon

Definitely go to both islands. I had 10 days and did almost everything I wanted to do. We did fly between cities but also spent a few days driving. Flying is not as bad as it seems. Most airports are small and you can park the car and board the plane in 15 minutes. The flights are short. We got on the plane in the morning and were where we wanted to be by 10am and had the whole day to see stuff. We took the trans-alpine train and drove down the west coast of the south island. Queenstown was our favorite city. We spent 3 days there and could have used more. Definitely do the jet boats on the shotover river. Rotorua was worth the trip, we went to the hot springs spa. Have a good time.

Lynn- <BR>From the POV of a local-you might be right 2 weeks is not long enough for both islands. I live in the North Isl but I must admit in terms of scenic bang for your bucks the Sth Isl is the way to go. Having said that, if you are coming in our summer-which is now by the way so you'd better be quick- there's alot to be said for checking out the North island. The Bay of Islands and Coromandel are at their best at this time and it leaves you with scope to trek the central volcanoes without needing ice equipment. Rotorua and the central plateau are good regardless of the time of year-Hawkes Bay is brilliant in summer-long hot dry days and vineyards; perfect to try the NZ white wines... <BR> <BR>The South Island I would think would be better in Autumn (fall) or Spring when it's not quite so snowy-unless skiing is your thing-and easier to get around, things aren't so crowded and Otago has got a bit more green to it's hills. The number of Fiordland sandflies drops from insanely maddening to mildly frustrating in number. The west coast will be green (and raining) whenever you come and the Northern South Island (Nelson, Able Tasman, etc would possibly be the best in summer/autumn) It all depends if you're planning on coming back. If this is a once only trip (shame on you) do the South-if it's one of many save the summer for the North Isl. <BR> <BR>Feel free to email me if you have any other Qs <BR> <BR>Matt

Dear Lynn: <BR> <BR>My wife and I returned to Tennessee Thanksgiving night after 10 days in New Zealand. <BR> <BR>We went from Queenstown to Auckland by motor coach, train and air. <BR> <BR>You might call it a scouting trip since we are already planning our return trip. <BR> <BR>Our favorite place? Which do you like better, an apple or an orange? <BR> <BR>Both the South Island and the North Island had their own individual beauty. <BR> <BR>You will enjoy where ever you go in NZ. <BR> <BR>John <BR>

You've answered your own question with "a vacation of a lifetime". Can you imagine going to Paris and only seeing the left bank or only the right?? Both islands are fascinating and although you can't do either in depth, I say do both. Confine North Island to 2 nights in Aukland, assuming you arrive there, 1 or 2 nights in Rotorua, and 1 or 2 in the Bay of Islands. We loved Wellington, but then we had more time -- four weeks total in NZ. Fly to South Island in the morning for an afernoon and night at Christchurch, then head to Queenstown and Milford Sound. We spent a couple of nights at a wonderful remote small lodge on the West coast where we hiked to a remote beach and sat with the seals, saw the night sky and the glowworms on a night hike and kayaked a wonderful small lake. That was the highlight of our trip. Email me for specifics if you like, i'd have to look them up in my journal.

Dear Iynn: All the hype wants you to go to the South Island. If you're interested in New Zealand Culture, beautiful scenery , adventure activities like sailing, kayaking, golf , fishing , swimming with the dolphins , check out the Bay of Islands. Its also the warmest spot in New Zealand. regards John

We have a week to see a little of the South Island in Oct. What will the weather be like then? From Christchurch we think we'll do the train over to the coast. Then what? Please give us some suggestions. Married couple, 50ish. Thanks for help.

Both islands are great with the South Island being the more majestic. <BR> <BR>The North Island is more fascinating with such a variety of things to do. <BR> <BR>There are vineyards in Martinbourough, Hawkes Bay, Gisborne and Auckland, geothermal activity and Maori culture in Rotorua, art deco and gannets in Napier, Te Papa Museum in Wellington, dolphins and deep sea fishing in the Bay of Islands and WONDERFUL food everywhere. <BR> <BR>We stayed at Stafford Villa in Auckland, The Springs B & B in Rotorua and Hawthorne Country House in Hastings, just south of Napier on the Wellington road. <BR> <BR>Do have fun and enjoy.