Spent 2 weeks in New Zealand: 5 days in the north island and 10 days in the south.
North Island: Arrived in Auckland, and spent nearly a full day on the island of Waiheke.
Waiheke notes: For the ferry over, look at Fullers vs Island direct, as the hop on and off bus can be included in the fare. Ferry ride is roughly 45 minutes. Blue bus route may be a better option to investigate wineries and it stops at many locations and is cheaper. A number of very good wineries, so worth getting a winery map and routing a tour. Weather was mixed, so, not able to enjoy the wineries as much as we wanted. Most wines can only be purchased on the island, as they are very small and low producers. Many are pricey. 9000 people live on the island and that expands to 34,000 during the summer.
Visited Hobbiton: Worth a visit, as it was a great experience, very informational and a good time!
Mitai Maori Village: This is a village located near Rotorua. The Maori are the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand. You will experience an education of the culture, tour of the grounds, war canoe paddle down the Wai-o-whiro stream, fiery war dance and a authentic hangi dinner which was very good. A little touristy, but, and interesting experience.
Visited the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland springs which was a easy walk through the park featuring a number of unique hot springs and geyser. Then we made our way down to Waitomo glow warm cave, which featured a short tour of the caves, boat ride to see the glow worms (exist only in Australia and New Zealand), which was very cool! Can not take pictures in the cave and pricey.
South Island: We landed in Christchurch and did a 2000 mile road trip circling the island. Did a lot during that tour, so, here are the highlights:
Headed west out of Christchurch through Arthur’s pass with a stop at Castle Hill and the Devil’s Punchbowl. Made a detour north once we hit the coast to visit Pancake Rock (about a 2 hour detour), until heading south to Hokitika. Free glow worm site there, so, could avoid doing Waitomo, and Hokitika gorge worth hiking. Stayed at Punga Grove a nice motel near the Josef glacier, Our heli-hike of the glacier was cancel due to weather, as we were there near the start of winter (weather is colder and rainier at that time). Good hikes in the area to see both the Josef and Fox glaciers. Lake Matheson is a good hike and nice gift store. Next stop was Wanaka, which was a long drive, but, the scenery and waterfalls were amazing. Especially in the valley just past Haast. When in Wanaka, check out one of the most photographed tree in the lake. From there we made our way to Te Anau, as our base for Milford Sound. Amazing drive to the sound and cruise. Spend at least a couple of days in the area. Then back through Queenstown, where we visited Glenorchy (Lord of the Rings filmed there), some great wineries around the area, the original bungy jump site, and plenty of shopping. Then onto Mt Cook, where we stayed at the Hermitage Hotel (recommended), amazing scenery and hike. Finishing in Lake Tekapo, before heading back to Christchurch for trip to Melbourne. Amazing country with only 5m inhabitants, a must do on your bucket list!!