drive by all the monuments after dark at least once. many are at least as beautiful at that time. good advice on the Tomb.

I've already suggested Doubtful Sound vs Milford. Locals told us that more than once. Drive to and from Milford for the spectacular views but see by boat Doubtful. The original Juriasic Park was to have been filmed there not Milford. It rained them out. No experience there with whales, others can help or tour guidebook. Queenstown is the gateway for either Sounds but consider staying in Arrowtown just north. QT is a slightly charmless sports town with a lot of tour agents/sporting goods stores. I'm sort of out of advice beyond this.

Great advice by TonyP. Typical of the friendly, fit, and gracious Kiwis. Seems to me you might be well served to decide if this is going to be an interesting motorbike ride or a fascinating visual tour of a very neat foreign country. 12 days or so on the South Island will work well and you can enjoy the mode of transportation not regret it. The roads are well maintained but they are 2 lane with no shoulders. I meant it when I said earlier that averaging more than 40 mph would be a real grind. Also now that you are thinking about more time probably shouldn't fall into the trap that 2 weeks is now enough for both islands. It isn't. I spent 16 days in country, drove over 2300 miles on both islands and was exhausted, needed 3-5 more days.

Nice tip about the Nikon simulator. Thanks. At my age these things are amazing maybe even a little overwhelming.

Thanks. I have a much better understanding of what a DX lens does on full frame sensor than I did. As indicated above I think I'll go full frame and get FX lenses even if they're not Nikon. Your help is much appreciated.

Thanks. I'm leaning to the 610 and going to FX lens one way or the other. You're right, full frame is the right way. I'm nearly 80 so it's time. Maybe non Nikon lens will work and trade/sell the 18-300. Thanks to everyone.

Thanks very much all. You've crystalized well what was roaming around my head. Soon as I sent it I thought, dummy, the D7100 will preserve the lens. Sets my plans back a bit but certainly on a better path either way, 7100 or FX lens. Thanks again.

I was about to buy a Nikon D 610 (up from a D300) when it dawned on me that the my favorite walk around lens, Nikon 18-300 DX might not be compatible with a full frame sensor. Could use some dialog on that. Thanks.

Drove both north and south island last winter, 3700 kms. 7 days do south. Pace of travel on 2 lane roads much slower than in US, average speed 40 not 60. Suggest Doubtful Sound vs Milford via Manapoura. Food expensive.