For some general trip planning:
The NZ National park site is pretty good:
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recrea ... nal-parks/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Another couple of good sites:
http://www.newzealand.com/travel/media/ ... eature.cfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.destination-nz.com/new-zeala ... reat-walks" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The main airports with the most direct international flights are Auckland (North Island) and Christchurch (South Island);
Look into the "Great Walks" in New Zealand - which are multiday treks across wildnerness/mountain terrain and worth exploring.
There are Nine now (there used to be only four); The Milford and Routeburn Tracks are two of the most famous, and most popular.
Assuming your comfortable with driving on the other side of the street, the best option in my opinion is to rent a car there and
do your own thing to give you the maximum flexibility. With that said, hitchhiking is more popular in NZ than in the US and is viewed as more normal, so that could
be an option also if your comfortable with it. If you are doing a long trek, renting a car may not make sense since it will be sitting in a parking lot for several days and
renting a car there is not cheap.
If you're bringing a tent for a backpacking trip, make sure it is bomber in the rain and bring extra clothes since your hiking clothes will become wet.
North Island:
Depending on when you go, I would look into the Tongariro region in the central North Island once it settles down.
It's a great area to explore with several days of trekking and mountaineering options at your disposal across stunning terrain.
See my trip report link above.
Rotorua in the North Island is also a cool area with a combination of Yellowstone-like features coupled with a rich Maori history.
I would also check out Mt. Taranaki (Egmont)on the west coast - just be warned to stay away from here in the rainy season, this area gets more
rain than most places on earth and contines for days on end without reprieve during some periods. Climbing then is discouraged...
South Island
If you want a climbing specific resource, check out these folks:
http://www.alpineguides.co.nz/programs/ ... 4AoduisA_w" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
They are located in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Even if you don't climb anything formally, a visit to the south island
should include a visit here, it's a great place! Makes for a nice drive from Christchurch also.
The Fjordland and southern Alps areas are def. worth seeing, they are remote and stunning with a few national parks there.
Base your trip here out of Queenstown, the adveture capital of NZ.
Tons of resources found there for day trips or extended treks, etc. though also tons of tourists...so plan accordingly.
There are some nice hikes starting right in town.
Kaikoura is also a nice little seafront town on the south island worth seeing. Great hiking in the mountains less than a mile from town, interesting Alaska-like beaches and you can take some cool
sealife cruises to see Killer whales, albatross, petrels, etc...highly recommended assuming you don't get seasick.
NZ also has good fishing in many places if that interests you.
Lastly, check out some local stores for Manuka honey and Icebreaker gear - you may find some good prices on both! You'll have to declare the honey on return...
Good luck!
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