Worth going to NZ's North Island for 1 week in winter?
 

We're debating whether to go to NZ's North Island for just 1 week in early June, or wait until we can take more time off and go to South Island in a better season?

We're interested in spectacular scenery--hiking, rafting, outdoor activities. We've traveled quite a bit in the world, so we want to make sure that NI is spectacular enough to worth the long flight there. I've read about some NI attractions such as the thermal pool, volcano, glow worm caves, the coast, etc. Are they much different from what you see in Yellowstone, Hawaii, CA coast, etc.?

Please advise.

Thanks!

I would wait until you have more time so that you can do both the North and the South islands together. The south is certainly a lot more spectacular in terms of scale and it would be a shame to not do both islands if you are coming from afar. Don't get me wrong the North Island is beautiful and certainly a lovely place to explore in summer. I'm a New Zealander and as much as I love lots of places in the North Island, in all honesty I wouldn't say it's "spectacular enough" to warrant the long flight for just one week.

Wait! The North Island is very special but it is no Yellowstone or Hawaii. In my opinion the South Island is that special and worth the long trip but wait and visit it in Spring or Summer. One week in early June, I would go back to Yellowstone and see the baby animals.

As much as I love New Zealand, I would wait until you have more time.

Lee Ann

Thanks, all. I guess we made the right decision to wait until a better time.

You have made the right decision. Try to accumulate at least three weeks.