"margaret's New Zealand Page" a New Zealand Travel Page by margaretvn

We were in New Zealand for the first time in 1984 but then I didn't know about VT and I have no information or photos of that trip. We returned for four weeks in october and we really enjoyed the holiday.
This is a translation of the trip taken from the travel brochure - I thought I would use it as my introduction .
The trip starts in Auckland. This city is settled between two natural harbours full of yachts, giving the city its nickname " city of sails". On the way north you visit the Waipoua Kauri Forest. Some of the world's oldest trees can be found here. The Bay of Plenty is famous for its wonderful subtropical climate and it is a good place to go on a Dolphin watching excursion. On the way to Rotorua you pass the famous glow-worm caves of Waitomo - a fairytale experience. In the area surrounding Rotorua you can walk through the geothermal area or take a lovely warm bath in one of the thermal baths. Whakatane is on the Bay of Plenty and is the departure point for a unique excursion to the active volcano - White Island. Using zodiacs and with experienced guides you land on the island. The walk around the crater will certainly make an unforgettable impression on you. The trip takes you further through the Raukumara Gorge to Gisborne and the beautiful town of Napier. After an earthquake this town was completely rebuilt. In the south is the lovely capital city Wellington and from there you take the ferry to the South Island.
Nelson is the departure point for excursions to the Abel Tasman Park. There are wonderful walking opportunities here, or you can take it easy or explore the park by kayak. The deep waters along the coast of Kaikoura are a popular habitat for the male Spermwhale. A "must" is a whale-watching excursion and swimming with dolphins is also an unforgettable experience. The next highlight is a stay on a sheep farm situated at the foot of the New Zealand Alps. This is followed by a visit to Mount Cook National Park and the beautifully situated mountain town of Wanaka. The trip goes further via Dunedin to the Otago Headland, a very good place to observe Albatross, seals and penguins. From Te Anau you can make excursions to the Milford Sound or the Doubtful Sound, where you can enjoy the spectacular fjords. Via Queenstown you drive to the isolated Moeraki Wildness Lodge. During your stay in this comfortable lodge, where dinner and breakfast are included, you can take part in walks in the rainforest around the lodge or make a short canoe trip. Twisting roads along the west coast take you to the Fox and Frans Josef glaciers, these arms of ice that seem to push through green forest to the sea. Via Hokitika and the alpine village of Hammer you ride back to Churchill where alas the trip ends and you fly back to Amsterdam.