We just did North and South Island (well, as much as possible) in 11 days, so it is certainly possible. We had a night in Auckland, then hired a car and drove to the Bay of Islands. Had two nights there, then drove down to Waitomo for a night, then Rotorua for a night, then Napier for a night, before flying to Wellington. We got the ferry then to Picton, had a night in Blenheim (on the vineyards), then made our way to Queenstown, stopping off to see the glaciers, and spent a night in Hokitika and then Haast. We had one night in Queenstown, then flew back to Auckland for our last night.
It was a lot of driving, but we took it in turns to drive and it is very easy (and the views make it a pleasure) so we weren't exhausted at any point. The only thing we missed out on that we'd planned was Milford Sound, but that was due to weather rather than timing.
We are now looking for jobs in NZ, we loved it so much, so I would recommend it if you don't mind the travelling.
Would be a shame to miss NZ if this is going to be your only chance. Just dont make the mistake of trying to cram too much in the 10 days. You'd have enough time to head north to Bay of Islands then go south to Waitomo and Rotorua. For going to Bay of Islands, its possible to go up one side of the island and return the other. The west coast takes you through farmland then a native forest where its possible to see the largest Kauri tree, a native of NZ. The east coast gives you more sea views.
Definitely do NZ... it's an amazing place. I haven't spoken to a single person that regretted going to NZ (most wish they'd spent more time there)
Ianw had the best suggestion for spending your time... a good look at the North Island... tho the South Island is completely different!
I'm sure you'll love it enough to want to go back and explore more... same with Aussie... I spent a month travelling Darwin, Alice Springs, Adelaide and Melbourne... and that wasn't long enough for those areas!
Don't miss NZ if you like the outdoors and Feb is a good time
i agree with ianw and you can see Kauri's on the coromandel although not as large as the ones on the Kauri coast. 7days is enough to do the Coromandel/Rotorua/Tongariro/Waitomo loop and any future trip could be spent in the south.
Any time you have to reduce I would take from Cook Islands although make sure you get to Aitutaki even if it is just on the day trip
You'll have a great time in NZ during February.
10 days will give you plenty of time to visit some awesome places! Drive the loop highway around Northland (north of Auckland) which will take you to the Bay of Islands, Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach and down the West Coast to the Waipoua Forest. You can see the world's largest kauri tree- Tane Mahuta- there.
The weather is great at that time too and the beaches are fabulous!
Whangarei is the only city in the region. Northland people are very friendly and the place is really laid back and relaxed - lots to do and experience if you love the outdoors.
Can only wholeheartedly support anyone here encouraging you to include NZ in your trip! 10 days is not that short a time! You could either do a North Island loop, including Coromandel Peninsula, Northland with the Bay of Islands and the very impressive volcanic plateau of Tongariro National Park. Alternatively, if you are not sick of flying by the time you hit Auckland you could fly to the South Island and explore rainforest and dramatic mountain scenery down south.
I have to agree with Ian (#1) and Westwood (#11) for what it's worth (I don't know NZ - yet - I'm also going for the first time in January). Don't try to fit it all in - if you have 10 great days in Northland, Coromandel and maybe Rotorua why would that be less great than spending every other day travelling? (If you do that you only have 5 great days...)
I love Iceland - I've been there about 7 or 8 times and every time I go I spend 2 weeks in different areas and REALLY "do" those areas - in contrast, some people jump on the bus and do the ring road in 7-10 days. Actually, they rarely go more than 2 miles or so away from the ringroad, and that's my point. If you can afford a lot of time then you can afford to see a lot of variety, but if you only have a short amount of time then Northern North Island will be different enough - hell, I'm going for 4 weeks and won't go south of Tongariro NP ;-))
My only alternative thought would be, if you want real contrast, what about flying straight out of Auckland to the South Island and spending your 10 days there, pretty much ignoring NI completely? The glaciers would be a real contrast to Oz and the Cook Islands - but definitely not hot!
Have a good trip
Kev
The South Island is definitely an option now that Pacific Blue can get you from Auckland to Christchurch for NZ$69 one way. 10 days would be enough to do a loop from Christchurch up to Marlborough and return. Or even south and west instead. Possibilities are really endless once you stop and think about it. <BR>http://www.hostaccommodation.co.nz/itineraries.html This page has some good ideas.
Sounds little time, because if might be raining few of the days, but if go, go to the north island.
Dont miss out Waitakere Ranges in Auckland: stunning waterfalls breath taking views and beautiful beaches. This is a slice of paradise not to be missed.
Good Luck!
I just got back from 13 days in New Zealand and did BOTH ISLANDS. With 10 days you can definitely see Tongariro, Lake Taupo and some of the other North Island biggies (mentioned above). We rented a campervan and this gave us the freedom to see a good bit. New Zealand is wonderful! Don't miss it.
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