I’m planning a graduation trip with a few friends, and we’re going to New Zealand. We’re going to the Wellington area, as we want to see some of where Lord of the Rings was filmed. My question to you, oh dopers, is thus:
What else can I see in NZ? Are there any stops I simply must not miss? I’d appreciate any and all information!
Some of the LOTR places in New Zealand.
It all depends on your interests, BuckleberryFerry.
Ooh, what fun. How long are you going to be there? I went for three weeks a couple of years ago; if you can manage a month or so, I think that would be perfect.
Some of my highlights: Rotorua and Taupo (cool geothermal stuff); the train ride from Christchurch to Greymouth; Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula (taking one of the wildlife tours is definitely worth the money, if only for the sheer surrealism of seeing penguins and sheep in the same field); Franz Josef glacier.
By the way – if you haven’t already bought your tickets, make sure you ask your travel agent about South Pacific stopovers; often you can add a stop on an island or two for next to nothing.
I would recommend White Island and either or both of the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.
I’m hoping to go for two weeks–we haven’t set any strict dates yet, just “after graduation.”
Thanks for the links–we decided we’re going to try for a glacier walk and maybe a heritage trail.
Two more questions: How big is NZ, and how long would it take to get from one island to the next? Would it be worth it to get to both islands or should we pick one and stick to it?
If you want to see LOTR places then why Wellington? OK WETA is there but most of it was filmed in the South Island.
You’d be pushed to see both the South and the North Island in a fortnight. If you do go to the South Island, the West Coast is worth a visit, Kaikoura rocks, Dunedin and Oamaru are lovely towns/cities.
The ferry trip is a few hours and you go through Queen Charlotte Sound which is spectacular.
Actually there’s not much about NZ which isn’t spectacular. Even Auckland has its good points ;).
South Canterbury is a hellhole to live in but you’d see where Rohan was filmed. On theonering.net, there are some diaries posted which talk about doing the LOTR tours and they might give you some ideas for your itinerary.
Don’t miss :
Franz Josef glacier is good.
Christchurch is great fun and plenty of activities can be arranged from here.
Milford Sound is absolutely stunning, as is the countryside on the road down there. Not to be missed.
I agree with Fretful Porpentine about the Otago Peninsula and the train from Christchurch, if you can arrange it.
We did the South Island in ten days, and we spent three of those days snowboarding at Wanaka, and managed to fit in a few days of bungy and skydiving, etc, so you can squeeze a fair bit of sightseeing in a shorter period of time.
Have you decided how you will be travelling ? Hire car ? Motorhome ? Backpacker’s bus ? Where you go will depend on your method of travel.
I like most of Central Otago and I also love Arthur’s Pass (and Haast Pass too).
Plsu I agree with everywhere else.
And if you’re in Dunedin, stop by my Mum’s place and say hello.
Another vote for the Milford Track. I’ve seen film footage and it’s insanely beautiful. A bit of work to hike but worth the effort.
I planned on Wellington because, to be honest, it was the only town I knew of due to watching the LOTR Extended Edition. :shame: But we’re not going until next year, so we’ve plenty of time to change our minds.
From what I’m hearing, if I’m going for two weeks, the south island is the place to be for LOTR stuff?
It’s even more fun to Fly into Milford Sound, and then fly out and take a tour of the Southern Alps on the way back.
Mentioned was the Franz Josef glacier - make sure you take the heli-tour (where you land on a shelf overlooking the glacier) - or just take a helio-hike on the glacier itself.
And, very touristy and all, but make sure you stop at Hokitikka to get jade and such…
Actually just travelling down the West Coast of the South Island is pretty much a hoot…
Bucky,
My wife and I spent 10 days there in January. I completely agree with all of the previous posts and would like to add a little. Much of LOTR was shot around Queenstown on the south island. Totally beautiful. Try the pumpkin soup at VuDu in downtown Queenstown. We took the Milford sound tour by busing in and then flying out. There’s lots to see along the bus ride and I recommend it.
Enjoy!
fandj
Thanks everyone for your input. Hate to disappoint, but I’ve just come back from Disney World–and I gotta go back! I’m thinking of putting NZ off for awhile, but I’m still intending to go, so do not think your advice was in vain! I appreciate every hint and tip and will definitely use them when the time comes.
You are putting off New Zealand for Disney World?!?!?!
How sad.
How much cheaper, my friend. How much CHEAPER.
Yeah, but…