I’m heading to NZ in February, and will be on the South Island for 7 days, I already have a tour arranged there to see the sights. After that, Im heading to the North Island solo. My main reason is to visit Hobbiton! But I’m not sure what else to see and do when there as most people hype up the South Island. I’ll have 7 days in total, and I’m interested in nature and learning about the culture there, old and new. What can you recommend as good spots to visit, and how is it best to get around (car or bus)?
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Hi @natasha - I love the North Island and have been there many times!
Hobbiton is very cool - definitely recommend. Around the same area:
- Rotorua - is famous for its geothermal sites - it is otherworldy! Green lakes, bubbling mud pits and exploding geysers! (It does have a very distinct smell too!)
- If you want som beach action - perfect in Feb - Mount Maunganui is one of my favourtie spots - beautiful beach and great for swimming!
- The Coromandel is just up the road from there which has beautful forest and the famous Catherdral Cove beach - stunning!
- Auckland is a cool little city and there always seems to be something happenning there, festivals, art shows etc - worth a day there
- Then north of Auckland is the Bay of Islands - lots of beaches and it feels a bit more remote
- You can check out Waitangi Treaty Grounds for some Māori history too
Hope this helps!
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