New Zealand

[shopping cart for brains]

When I'm a little older I plan on going to New Zealand at some point in my life, can you guys give me any advice on just general trip planning there?

[Ford Prefect]

As I'm currently backpacking around the country I'd be happy to answer any questions. Anything in particular you'd like to know? :)

[Jitsu6500]

Just don't go to South Auckland, unless you like 13 year old imitation Crips and Bloods.

[Ford Prefect]

Just don't go to South Auckland, unless you like 13 year old imitation Crips and Bloods.

Better yet, don't go to Auckland!

[shopping cart for brains]

Yeah, I'm interested in skiing spots and nice beaches, if that helps.

[Drefetr]

As a life-long resident of New Zealand I'd have to particularly recommend travelling around the Bay of Islands (if you're into beaches etc.)

As well as the top of the South Island (Nelson / Tasman region).

And if you're a bush-and-nature person I'd recommend travelling down the West Coast of the South Island (including Fiordland).

There are plenty of good ski fields around the Central Otago region (in the South Island) as well as a few in the central North Island.

Obviously you'd need to either stay for a whole year, or make two trips (one during the summer and one during the winter) if you want to do both.

[smoketheweed]

Yeah, I'm interested in skiing spots and nice beaches, if that helps.

While I am not an expert on New Zealand by a long-shot, the primary winter sports location in New Zealand is in the South Island, mainly in Queenstown.

There are nice beaches on the South Island, however, to ski you'll want to go in winter, which the South Island can get quite cold, even down on lower ground, which doesn't really make for beach weather.