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Check out the New Zealand trip report from Fan of Dan

North Island Activities and Attractions
Auckland - boating, hiking, Sky Tower talk, Kosher, Chabad, Hilton & Crowne Plaza Hotels with points.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves - a unique New Zealand attraction.
Lake Taupo - great boating activities, bungee, and a nice Hilton.
Hobbit Movie Set Tour - if you are into that.
White Island - The only active volcano in NZ, has rave reviews.
Tauranga - Mount Maunganui Summit Track, nice beaches.
Tongariro National Park - the first one created in NZ.
Bay of Islands - Beautiful beaches, old town charm in Russell, and great hikes.


Fifth season of "Jet Lag the Game" filmed in New Zealand in 2023, includes visits to tens of attractions from the north tip to the south:
See all the episodes in the Jet Lag the Game thread
« Last edited by YitzyS on June 02, 2023, 05:59:34 PM »

Author Topic: New Zealand Master Thread  (Read 67970 times)

Offline IsraelGuy

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #220 on: April 27, 2016, 02:01:22 AM »
From my experience I'd make Milford less integral. PITA to get to and really not all that impressive. On the way to Queenstown Wanaka there is a lot to see.

Thanks for the reply - Milford seems like people either rave about it or are underwhelmed compared to their expectations - not sure where I would fit in but like you said given that I'm short on time maybe not worth the effort.

Curious to hear what you liked around Wanaka-didn't know there was that much to do around there

Offline Yaalili

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #221 on: May 15, 2016, 09:34:01 PM »
Lots of information posted here on the South Island. Looking for some more information regarding winter season on the North Island.

I have narrowed it down to a few of the must see's or top spots on the North Island. If you have any that you feel are missing, or for any tips or suggestions regarding these places, please fill in.

Auckland - boating, hiking, Sky Tower talk, Kosher, Chabad, Hilton & Crowne Plaza Hotels with points.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves - a unique New Zealand attraction.
Lake Taupo - great boating activities, bungee, and a nice Hilton.
Hobbit Movie Set Tour - if you are into that.
Tauranga - Mount Maunganui Summit Track, nice beaches.
Tongariro National Park - the first one created in NZ.
Bay of Islands - Beautiful beaches, old town charm in Russell, and great hikes.

Offline Dan

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #222 on: May 15, 2016, 09:39:56 PM »
Man does this thread need a Wiki.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline Yaalili

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #223 on: May 15, 2016, 09:42:51 PM »
Man does this thread need a Wiki.

Started one.

Offline Yaalili

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #224 on: June 26, 2016, 08:34:49 PM »
Highly recommend going to paihia in the bay of islands, great relaxing and beautiful place. Lots to do around the area, with hikes, water activities, sailing, cruises and great scenery for strolling. Also great weather in winter.

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #225 on: July 07, 2016, 01:02:14 PM »
If you won't spend Shabbos there (i.e. no Shabbos or Sunday), is it still worthwhile to go? In Hawaii, I know you can hit most of the highlights of a Hawaiian island in 4 days, but can you do that with NZ? Can you even finish an area/section?

Offline benjie1305

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #226 on: July 07, 2016, 01:29:41 PM »
If  you are saying that you won't spend more then 5 days in NZ then don't go.
Work hard, Play harder!

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #227 on: July 07, 2016, 02:32:22 PM »
If  you are saying that you won't spend more then 5 days in NZ then don't go.
On 1 trip. Same answer?

Offline MosheD

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #228 on: July 07, 2016, 04:59:33 PM »
If  you are saying that you won't spend more then 5 days in NZ then don't go.
-1
Just don't expect to hit most of the island's attractions.
Narrow it down to North or South island and keep it reasonable. You can prob do most of the North island or some of the South island.
I am saying this assuming you will spend shabbos in some nearby safek free zone (austrailia) and not be flying 20+ hours for a 4 day vacation

Offline AJK

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #229 on: July 07, 2016, 05:00:53 PM »
Most of the North Island in 4 days?

lolz.
2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #230 on: July 07, 2016, 05:20:27 PM »
-1
Just don't expect to hit most of the island's attractions.
Narrow it down to North or South island and keep it reasonable. You can prob do most of the North island or some of the South island.
I am saying this assuming you will spend shabbos in some nearby safek free zone (austrailia) and not be flying 20+ hours for a 4 day vacation
Correct, I'd go to Australia.

Most of the North Island in 4 days?

lolz.
So you'd say not to go?

Offline MosheD

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #231 on: July 07, 2016, 05:24:25 PM »
Most of the North Island in 4 days?

lolz.
I guess it depends who you are.
I was in NZ for 8 days (iirc) and did a lot...
I should really write a TR...

Offline AJK

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #232 on: July 07, 2016, 05:25:35 PM »
If you combine with AU, then I'd consider darting over to NZ for 5-6 days, sure.

No way I'm flying that far for 4 days (when my goal is to actually see something).
2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #233 on: July 07, 2016, 05:27:15 PM »
I guess it depends who you are.
I was in NZ for 8 days (iirc) and did a lot...
I should really write a TR...

8 days isn't 4 days.

Either way, it doesn't depend who you are. Impossible to do, say, South Africa, including CPT, Kruger, and JNB in 2 days. Some things are just not possible, assuming of course your goal is actually "see" the place.
2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #234 on: July 07, 2016, 05:36:52 PM »
Ok maybe not most bit enough to make it worth it.
Drive from AKL to Taupo is only 3 hours. From there he can choose to go east or west, I believe there is what to see in either direction. Hopefully depart from wellington. (If he goes east may have to return to AKL)

When I did NZ we spent much of the time driving, but that was part of the chill. Very enjoyable, scenic drives.

Offline MosheD

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #235 on: July 07, 2016, 05:40:12 PM »
Also not sure if this is posted anywhere here but this was an invaluable asset for my trip.

Transfercar.co.nz

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #236 on: July 07, 2016, 05:43:39 PM »
If you combine with AU, then I'd consider darting over to NZ for 5-6 days, sure.

No way I'm flying that far for 4 days (when my goal is to actually see something).
Yeah, I wouldn't just go and and return to the states. I guess the question is, if you have 2 weeks to play with, do you spend it all in Australia and hit 3-4 cities or do a quick SYD/MEL and then 5 days in AKL?

Offline MosheD

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #237 on: July 07, 2016, 05:54:22 PM »
Yeah, I wouldn't just go and and return to the states. I guess the question is, if you have 2 weeks to play with, do you spend it all in Australia and hit 3-4 cities or do a quick SYD/MEL and then 5 days in AKL?
If you can swap syd or Mel for Cairns...imo.
That's the one dest I missed on my trip that I really want to go back for. I thought Syd was boring

Offline Buruch

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #238 on: July 07, 2016, 06:05:03 PM »
Are MEL and SYD the Honolulu of Australia?

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: New Zealand Master Thread
« Reply #239 on: July 08, 2016, 09:43:30 AM »
If you can swap syd or Mel for Cairns...imo.
That's the one dest I missed on my trip that I really want to go back for. I thought Syd was boring
Thanks. Just trying to get a feel for what can be done in this area for 2 weeks and no Shabbos in NZ. I see it won't be too easy and that perhaps on a first trip there, just stay in Australia.