If you want wine, you are on the wrong island. The northernmost part of the South Island is where you find the famed Marlborough region with its excellent sauvignon blancs.  I'm sure others will be able to direct you to the scattered wineries of the North Island, but the best and highest concentration of wineries remains in Marlborough.

That said, I did spend a week traveling from Auckland to Wellington and here are a few of my highlights that I enjoyed immensely.

Go north to the Bay of Islands for an overnight. You can base yourself in Pahia to explore the lovely islands and get a dash of culture at nearby Waitangi where the British treaty with the Maori was first signed.

Many people will suggest going south to Rotorua to enjoy the geothermal pools. True, it is a bit touristy (which for New Zealand, "touristy" is a very mild term. It's not like being in Times Square, NY by any means), but you can enjoy good food, unique geothermal parks, and the baths are amazing. Definately go to one of the bathhouses but also take a drive to the random hot rivers (like Kerosene Creek) to get a different hot springs experience. Similarly, Rotorua is the place where you should partake in a Maori hangi dinner. After much research, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Mitai tribe's hangi as the pinnacle www.mitai.co.nz . When I experienced this wonderful place, their cheif was the current Maori Cultural Ambassador to the NZ Government. I still crave the kumara potato.  Here's a hint: if they ask for a volunteer to be the "cheif" of the guest, do it. It'll make your experience.

If you have any interest in the game of rugby a quick few hour stop at the New Zealand Rugby Museum in Palmerston North is well worth your time. This quaint building has just an awe-inspiring collection of rugby history. If rugby isn't your interests than just continue toward Wellington.

I am a big fan of Wellington.  It is similar to San Francisco on a smaller scale. Definately carve out some time to properly explore the city, from the incredible Te Papa museum, to catching a flick at the stunning Embassy Theater, to hiking all the wonderful parks and hills.

Safe journey,

Charles Eldridge

Posted May 26, 2011

I lived in New Zealand a few different times now, the last time for 5 months from Oct - March, and have traveled most of the north island, and a great deal of the South Island. 

As Charles mentioned, the south island is really the place to go for wine. That being said, Waiheke Island has quite a few wineries on it - take a ferry from Auckland over for the day to check those out. The Bay of Islands is beautiful but a few hours north of Auckland... if you only have a week I would suggest the Bay of Plenty, which is beautiful and on the way south to Wellington. 

If mountains or hiking interesting you, I highly recommend Tongariro National Park. The park contains two of the most active volcanoes in the world, and has one of the most famous one day hikes in New Zealand - the Tongariro Crossing. I took a few days to drive from Wellington to Auckland and stayed in the area, which is beautiful, but unfortunately didn't get a chance to do the crossing. I was traveling alone and didn't want to do the hike alone. Friends who have done the crossing rave about it, though.

Lake Taupo is gorgeous and there are a lot of water activities to do, depending on the time of year you are going. Huka Falls is absolutely breath-taking, and is just a short stop near Lake Taupo. 

Cheers, 

Jes

Posted May 27, 2011

If wine is your thing, there are 2 not-to-miss North Island sites:

1. Hawke's Bay (Napier and Hastings).  On the east coast, about half-way down.  Best known for Chardonnay and other whites.  Many renowned wineries in the area.  Napier is also quite charming, priding itself as an art deco style seaside resort.


2. Martinborough.  Small town just north of Wellington.  Up and coming Pinot Noir region.  Te Kairanga is probably the best known, there are lots of smaller houses with really good stuff.  The town is small and boutique-y, reminds me a bit of Sonoma.

Posted May 30, 2011

Hi Paul, I live in Auckland (am a Kiwi) and will recommend one wine place in the North Island - Waiheke Island. Go there before you leave Auckland, it's about a 40min ferry ride away from the City and has numerous vineyards. The views are sensational too. Check out http://waiheke.aucklandnz.com/things-to-do/vineyards-and-wineries.html.

Feel free to message me if you want to know more about where to go in NZ.

Cheers, Guy.

Posted May 30, 2011