Trevor Dennis Loc: New Zealand (South Island)

Someone mentioned the Milford Track. It is definitely an extraordinary experience, and not that hard (but still needs to be taken seriously). Unfortunately it is usually fully booked many months in advance, and you’d be lucky to find a spot for February. However there are lots of other tracks well l worth walking if you Google DoC Great Walks. I think it would be difficult to fit one into a 10 day trip though.

Able Tasman was mentioned, and that would be doable, but would take at least two hectic days out of your trip. It’s a big drive north of Nelson with a windy mountain road that always takes longer than you think. You couldn’t do Golden Bay (top end of the Able Tasman track) without driving to Collingwood and Farewell Spit. The spit is one of those never forget as long as you live experiences.

To do the Farewell Spit, drive to the café and park, then walk along the beach for a mile before turning north on a track across to the sea side of the spit. Sand dunes that go on forever and amazing windblown patterns in the sand. Sand in your camera can be a problem, so take a plastic bag.

Not far from the Spit is Cape Farewell. Look out from the platform, then walk up the hill on your left to see what was underneath you. I’ll give you a clue… Nothing!

Also in the north west is the drive from Westport to Karamea. Great but too far out of your way for ten days. You could perhaps drive up to the Denniston Incline just north of Westport.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denniston,_New_Zealand

Taking a leap, the road north of Christchurch along the east coast to Kaikoura is a must see. Marlborough – where I live — is one of the sunniest places in New Zealand. Lots of wine tasting, but Peter Jackson’s Aviation Heritage Centre is worth a visit. I filmed inside it last week in fact, and got some OK shots and footage.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/trevor-dennis/sets/72157632426573957/

ggttc Loc: TN

Well, you'll find your self taking pics of everything...my wife came back with 15 pics of the toliet in their hotel room...I asked her why...and she said well, theyre different.

I was in a dont ask... please dont tell me mode...

The point is...be a tourist...and have fun.

Trevor Dennis Loc: New Zealand (South Island)

Yes we have 'different' toilets. A bit out of your way this one at the top of Northland, Bay of Islands

http://www.bay-of-islands-nz.com/hundertwasser.shtml

ggttc Loc: TN

With all due respect...thats much more information than I needed...lol

cathyturner17 Loc: Franklin, New Zealand

that loo is amazing! but I am pleased its not in my house!

Where is it?

Photoninny Loc: Monterey Bay Area

Yipe! Is that an overhead shot, camera distortion, or a cross-eyed archetect?

Mudshark Loc: Illinois

In the '70's I was a staff photographer at the Pacific Daily News. I had a friend who traveled to New Zealand for a short vacation. He was so taken with the place, he packed up and moved there. Wanted to become a citizen but apparently the proud folks don't allow much of that...so he worked there but had to leave, as I remember, once a year for a while then return. He was in total love with NZ. Over the years I never miss a documentary or such on New Zealand...Someday, I'd love to visit...it seems to be about as good a place as exist on this small planet. And as best as I can tell the people of NZ are just as fine...
And fellow hogs...if you want to get a feel for how amazing these folks are, here is one of my all time favorite links...I play this about once a week...LOVE IT...ENJOY!!!
Please allow me to introduce the fabulous...Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqynAAYdLW8

Photoninny Loc: Monterey Bay Area

Thanks, Dennis. We won't be doing much trekking other than a 1 or 2 hour outandbacks. Farewell Spit looks mighty interesting, but a bit too far from Blenheim - we will be there 2 days. Karen wants to do a bicycle wine tasting tour. (Maybe I'll head for Collingswood. :lol: ) I've been looking forward to this trip for quite a while, and you folks have really gotten me stoked!
Not too interested in air museums; been to Castle AFB & Evergreen Museum in McMinville OR (Spruce Goose home) among others. And Reno has a great show every year.

Adicus Loc: New Zealand

Here is some photo's from last February

Cave on the Farewell Spit tour


Sand Patterns on Farewell Spit


View from The Abel Tasman National Park

2x25mpg Loc: Long Island NY

I have wanted to go to NZ my whole life. please post pics when you get back. and 'bon voyage'

Captkirk Loc: Masterton, Wairarapa, New Zealand

You will find more Photo ops in New Zealand than you can ever believe. The South Island is Awesome. If you get the chance take a trip around the Marlborough Sounds. Beautiful vistas and calm seas. If you get to Christchurch you'll see some of the damage the earthquakes did to that city. You'll also find some of the most resilient and friendly people in the world. If you are interested in wildlife photography there are heaps of opportunities for that as well. Whatever you do, enjoy your time here.

Nickfh Loc: Cheltenham, UK

The museum at Wanaka is not just aircraft - it's everything!! And if you're in town the cinema is a must!

Arrow Loc: Arrowtown - New Zealand

We live in Arrowtown (central Otago - NZ) and know all of the South island very well.
You have only 10 days in a campervan ? If you tell me where you are picking it up and where you are dropping it off, i will give you my recommended itinerary. I. Only 10 days you will need to choose carefully to ensure you are getting to the best places by the most expedient route. You may also like to indicate what you like doing. Ie do you like outdoor pursuits, walking, cycling, etc

Some of the places mentioned are good but not great. Let me know your start and finish points and i'll give you advice.

donnz Loc: Auckland, New Zealand

Whoa there tonto I am so excited about the descriptions of new zealand I must go there , oh oops I live here already and a jafa and a westie jafa to boot.
Funny how I dont think its that fantastic but then I have never travelled out of new zealand to compare, some times its wet and cold and miserable and sometimes its like now hot humid and sticky.
Then I hop in a camper and love it and think of all the great things we did, you do have to be realativly fit though and sheryl has MS so thats us knackered now . Do it while you can .
This thread has certainly brought Kiwis out in the open on UHH good one
Don

Photoninny Loc: Monterey Bay Area

Outrageous!
[ quote=Adicus]Here is some photo's from last February[/quote]