Georgews Loc: Wellington, New Zealand

I agree that 4 days will be a tight schedule. If you are flying into Christchurch do the South Island. Milford Sound is a MUST. If you don't drive much off the freeways I would advise taking a bus in as the road is narrow and twisty in patches, even the trip in is worth it, especially if it has been raining. Take the half day boat trip wile you are there. Queenstown is pretty, take a trip up in the gondola to see the view from the tops. Pop round to Arrowtown about 15 minutes away and very pretty. If driving from Christchurch go through the MacKenzie Country, stop at Twizel for the Church of the Good Shepherd and the MacKenzie statue (he was a, (in)famous sheep rustler) and, of course, lake Tekapo there.
If you fly into Auckland and are doing the North Island. Waitomo gloworm caves, Rotorua, Taupo would fill in most of the four days.
I used to live in the deep South of the South Island and Milford, Queenstown etc were always on our itinerary when we had overseas visitors. I am now in the North Island in Wellington
If you arrive in Auckland but want to do the South Island flying from Auckland to Christchurch is under 90 minutes. For driving most maps have driving times on them which can be generous but allow for photo stops meals etc. Open road speed limit is 100 kph (60 mph). In the holiday time there is a leeway of only 4 kph or you get a ticket!
Anyway, enjoy, take plenty of photos, leave only footprints and come back again.
Cheers
While you are here, if you are driving, take care. Most of our roads are not up to freeway standards and remember WE DRIVE ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD!! Driving is quicker than bus trips and no timetables but your own. We want you to enjoy your stay and come back for more. NZ is a long way from most places so be prepared for long flights. We go through to the UK from time to time and spending 28 hours in an airplane is a bit trying!

Rodledge Loc: Alabama

South Island is by far the most scenic. Trip from Queensland to Milford Sound and back is a full day. Lake Tekapo enroute to Mt Cook has beautiful greenish blue water from glacier runoff. I'd fly into Christchurch, drive to Mt Cook, spend the night, drive to Queensland and sightsee along the way. Then take the trip to Milford Sound - either drive or take a tour bus (limits your opportunity to shoot landscapes). Spent the next day around Queensland and then fly out from there. I spent eight days last year driving around the lower part of the South Island. Would like to go back.
Enjoy.

David Morrison

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Gary, I have not as yet read all the replies to your post, but I live in Christchurch, South Island of NZ (been there all my life), and landscape is my thing.If you are interested in Lakes and mountains, etc, then I'd give the North Island a miss, especially with your restricted time in the country.By November ( usually a good time to visit weather and temperature wise), most of the impressive snow an the alps will have gone( but not all). However, there will still be great montain lake landscape to enjoy.
Three or four areas come to mind (1) down the West Coast lakes and glacier (2) west coast will lead you to Wanaka/Queenstown area ( 3) Mount Cook Tekapo area (4) Milford area -- a bit further to travel, but worth it.
Ok, hope we see some of your work when you are back.Good luck.

David Morrison

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Gary, a couple more things.November is really the start of summer, but its a lucky dip with weather.
The comment to stay south of Christchurch is a good one ( in general).I'm attaching a shot I took at Lake Tekapo a few years ago -- but taken in June or July, and nothing great.Cheers,D.

Bri Loc: NZ

on road to Glenorchy.

Bri Loc: NZ

Taken from the Glenorchy road

On road to Glenorchy

gary northrop

Again, thanks to all for taking time for your many excellent suggestions. We are putting them to use in building an itinerary: flying directly to Christchurch, taking the train ride, etc.

I start every day visiting the Hedgehog site, and it pays dividends.

Georgews Loc: Wellington, New Zealand

Are you taking the Tranzalpine train? Will take you through so pretty country to the West Coast where you can drive south through Haas down to Queenstown area. Haas and Fox glaciers on the Coast also.
Have a fantastic trip!

gapeach Loc: Atlanta, GA

I spent 2 weeks there in Apr/May, 2015. I can tell you it wasn't nearly enough, BUT with good planning you can maximize the quality of the 4 days you do have.

I spent the first 3 days (rented a car) on the North Island before flying to Queenstown to join a 12-day photography workshop of the southern half of the South Island. Just wet my appetite. I'm dying to go back and stay a month exploring both islands!

The South Island is less crowded and has spectacular scenery to photograph. (What I saw of the North Island was fantastic, but with 4 days, I would have laser focus on the South Island if landscapes are your priority.)

Some of my favorites on the South Island: Milford Sound, Mt Cook, Wanaka, Glenorchy, Arrowtown, etc. The countryside and beaches are amazing. I'll try to review the itinerary from the trip and shoot you a PM sometime this week with anything I missed.

Guaranteed to fall in love with New Zealand!

Frank 2012 Loc: Olathe, Kansas

My wife and I visited New Zealand (south Island only) also Australia and a few other places for 25 days in 2004. We took a bus tour of south island of N.Z. It is a beautiful place. Mona Vale in Christchurch is beautiful. The Botanic Gardens in Dunedin, Milford Sound and Mt. Cook are few of the many beautiful places to see. Have a great time.

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weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Great suggestions here - we visited the country 3 times so far, last time last fall for a month. You are most likely going to drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound - about one-third up from Te Anau is the Mirror Lake - as it was recommended to me last time - and spot on - stop ON THE WAY UP in the morning, to take pictures, as the light will be right on the mountains to get the reflections - it is by far not as good on the way back in the afternoon!
Have a great trip - and consider going back for a month or more to really soak in the place!