The first thing when planning your trip to New Zealand is be realistic. Yes it is a relatively small country but if you try and cram too much in you will spend half your time looking out of a coach window. If you are spending less than two weeks try and stay on one island - you can spend you next holiday on the other! Spend time investigating one area in detail. Many people just run from place to place and never really discover the real New Zealand. Each island is quite distinct in what it offers:
The North Island is generally warmer and has the majority of cultural attractions and cheaper activities. Both Auckland and Wellington are on this island and so you can taste the city life.
The south island is what you will have seen on the photographs and Lord of the Rings. Towering mountains, endless plains and amazing beauty. The population is much less on this island and so there are many unpopulated areas to explore. The alps line the centre of this island where many of the ski resorts can be found. The fijords and famous tracks are situated at the bottom of the island with the sun kissed Abel Tasman and warm wine growing regions to the North.
For three weeks onwards you can fit in the South Island. The price drop in internal flights has become an attractive option for people short of time. People say you should spend twice as long in the South island but have a look whats on offer and decide for yourself.
Around 6-8 weeks is an optimum time to explore New Zealand properly although many travellers spend a year doing a Working Holiday and almost become and honourary Kiwi! In terms of transport for the longer periods it can be worth purchasing a hop on hop off pass which gives you the flexibility to change your plans as you move around. See www.magicbus.co.nz and www.flexipass.co.nz. However note that during the peak season even these can be booked up and so a pre arranged tour might be a safer option if you want the assurance of guaranteed accommodation and transport. Have a look at www.flyingkiwi.com.
Possible Itineraries
1 Week
Spend a couple of days exploring Auckland, New Zealand's main city. Take a trip out to Waikeke Island or explore the domain and shops. Spend a few days in one of the main tourist areas near to Auckland:
Northland - think beaches, kayaking, watersports, dolphins, and just chilling out in one of the warmest parts of New Zealand.
Rotorua - Full of thermal activity and Maori culture, Rotorua is a tourist hotspot. Go to a Maori village, see spouting geysers or just take in the original smell!
Coromandel - Secluded beaches, white thermal sands and rainforest style scenery is why many Aucklanders spend their holidays here. Perfect for relaxing and taking in some sun or if you want something more energetic swim with dolphins or create your own hotpool on the beach.
2 Weeks
Explore Auckland and then head out to a couple of the destinations mentioned above. Go further afield and work your way down to Wellington via Taupo:
Taupo - Home to the many of the adrenaline activities in the North Island, Taupo has lots to keep you entertained both during the day and at night! It has one of the few bungee jumps in the North Island and is one of the cheapest places to skydive.
Wellington - Explore the capital of New Zealand full of culture and modern living. Visit the National museum Te Papa or relax in the Botanical Gardens. Have a drink in the many bars on Courtney Place or go shopping in the trendy Cuba Mall.
3-4 Weeks
Explore a few of the regions mentioned above and then head to the South Island. Visit 2 -3 of the areas below:
Nelson & Marlborough - The wine growing region of Marlborough has some of the best weather in New Zealand. White sand beaches and days of sunshine means this is THE place to chill out and take in the reins. Kayak or walk the famous Abel Tasman or Queen Charlotte tracks.
Christchurch - Explore the english looking town of Chrisrchurch. See the cathedral and wizard and take a tram around the town or a punt down the river. Take a trip out to Akaroa, a french settlement by the sea or head up to Kaikoura and swim with dolphins or go whale watching.
Queenstown - This is where the bungy jump was invented if this gives you some idea of the place! As the adrenalin capital of the world Queenstown is the place to scare yourself silly and spend all that hard earned cash in a blink. The mountains surround this town with Ski Resorts in all directions. Take some time out and visit Wanaka or Arrowtown where the gold rush started. For pure beauty visit Glenorchy (aka Issengard) and leave your worries behind you!
Fiordland - Remote accessible wilderness is the best way to describe this place! Towering Fjords, crystal clear lakes and complete untouched beauty. Visit Doubtful or Milford Sound, Relax in Te Anau or just take in the beauty of this area on one of the many walks. If you have more time head down to the windswept Catlins.
1 Week 
