We are currently planning a two week holiday in NZ. This includes 1 week in Omarama where we hope to do some skiing at Ohau.
The list of places we wanted to visit took us from Omarama north to visit Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers, Greymouth, Westport, Nelson, Christchurch & Adaroa. I know that Queenstown has a lot to offer and Milford Sound is a 'must see', but we're not really 'touristy' types, which I feel these places are...am I missing out?
Reply to this Yes. New Zealand is tourism...and a few cows and sheep and hobbits. People go there for the beauty. Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world so a different kind of tourist if you could even call them tourists. Be prepared to pay a lot for adventure.
If you are only spending two weeks in NZ and one of those weeks is in Omarama. You won't have time to visit the North Island, and it would bee tight to do a circle of the South Island...Milford Sound does require a lot of backtracking. But I liked that area much more than the north of the island.
Reply to this Hi Theresa,
Welcome to TravelBlog.
I live in Auckland, but I've been to both Queenstown and Milford Sound.
The North Island does have some really beautiful spots, but given your time restrictions I'd agree with Bob - spend your time in the South Island. And yes, if you're not really 'touristy' types I'd definitely recommend Milford Sound over Queenstown.
Here's a drive time calculator which might help;
www.aatravel.co.nz
www.wises.co.nz (maps)
Reply to this Thanks Bob, Linda & Jo...I think you're right, Milford Sound should be visited but deserves more time than we have...I think we'll stick to our current agenda of touring the centre and north of the South Island and next time spend quality time in the south of the South Island with the North Island being another trip...look out NZ, we'll be back!
Reply to this MJ here. I think you are making a good decision.
I've been to NZ twice. Both trips were 4 weeks long. (neither trip was long enough)
My 1st time I did a quick visit to Aukland and the Bay of Islands for diving and spent 3 weeks on the south island. Even 3 weeks on the south island can feel rushed.
New Zealand has unparalleled beauty and you will want to move slowly and enjoy it.
My 2nd time we spent 10 days on the North Island and 24 days on the south island. Milford Sound is one of our favorite locations. I hope you will explore there in the future.
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