Thanks so much! Sounds like I have some great ideas to start my list of must see sites. Keep traveling.

Hi Charlene, pick up some brochures from your local travel agents. They always have wonderful pictures and usually follow the most scenic sights.

To visit both main islands you will want a minimum of three weeks to explore.

Happy planning :)

Hi - can I suggest you go and look at the AA's 101 "must do's". Here is a link that will hopefully take you there!

http://www.aatravel.co.nz/101/index.php?section=MustDo&showAdvanceSearch=1

These are the top NZ attractions so work your way through them and see if you get any good ideas.

There are just too many things to list, NZ is full of jaw-dropping sites. You would just get highly confused and be rushing here there and everywhere trying to fit them all in. The AA 101 things to see listed above is a good start. Be prepared to be diappointed that you can'r see it all.

Excuse all my speeling mistakes ;)

Try the world heritage highy, It doesnt get this sort of world wide recognition by being second best.

it has rain forests, glaciers, lakes, mountains, awesome beach and sea views with blow holes.

The West Coast has it also the road to get to the west Coast, 'The great Alpine highway' build by sweat and tear in 1864-65

check my photos of flickr to see it in all its beuty. remeber photos never does justice to actualy being there

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26176760@N08/sets/72157605363306815/

Can I suggest you put aside 6 weeks.

There is so much to see. Most people at the end of their visit say 'they will be back'. You couldn't get a better year to travel through New Zealand, make the most of it, and go slowly.

PS we have traveled too, nothing beats NZ

I agree with Zappers. My advice is....get off plane...open eyes....be amazed for duration of stay!

Gee, when I saw the thread header, I mistakenly thought an Aussie had written it, but then reread it and they hadn't written'pants' as they have a habit of doing that!;-)

Time of year also will enhance our scenic wonders.The West Coast best seen in spring with the snow down low, and the melt seeding multitudes of trickiling streams and small waterfalls along the roadside mountains.

Then there's autumn through Central Otago, a wonderland of autumnal colours.

There's the added bonus of the grape harvest and a chance to sample some of the great Pibnot Noirs of the world.

There's a fine summers day for stunning scenery in our Capital's harbour view.I never get over such a jaw dropping sight.Or Banks Peninsular hiking.

Then the winter scenery at any of our skifield mountain areas.

So how about giving us a month when you intend to be here.I'm afraid you're going to miss so much but we'll help you at least get those jaws aching!