I will be in ANZ for a good part of May. I have 4 days towards the middle of May to tool around NZ. I know, not much time and short notice. There will be 2 of us and we love doing scenic drives, hikes, hot springs, etc. Not interested in joining a tour. Would rather get off the beaten path a bit. Also, not sure what to expect in terms of weather.
Any recommendations/info are greatly appreciated!
Thanks much in advance.
Cheers,
-John
Rent a car and head to Rotorua, and enjoy the geothermal area between there and Lake Taupo (there are three great fields), and also the very scenic volcanic region (Mount Ngauruhoe / Tongariro / Ruapehu). See Huka Falls near Taupo.
Thanks Ian!
That's kind of inline with what we've seen during research. We're also toying with the slight chance in flying from Auckland to Queenstown and spending our days there. Is it worth it? Or are the areas you suggested just as beautiful?
-John
It's a close call ... both are beautiful. The major attractions of Queenstown are skiing (not in May), the town itself, and its range of adrenaline sports, but also some very impressive destinations within a day trip or overnight range.
The time to fly to QTN will be less than the drive to Rotorua, but if your main interest is the geothermal area (which in many ways rivals Yellowstone NP) then I would recommend Rotorua. Queenstown is more like alpine Europe. Hard call!
That is tough! I was thinking along the lines of alpine, but the geothermal is drawing me as well. Sounds we can't go wrong either way.
What's the weather like in May? Is there a stark difference between North and South at that time?
Not an expert about May, but I would expect the weather in Rotorua would be several degrees warmer than QTN indeed.
