Hello All!
I have really enjoyed reading the posts on this board.  I didn't realize until recently just HOW international it was.
I am leaving Austin, Texas for New Zealand on Saturday.  It will be my first big trip abroad.  Any New Zealanders (or others) out there with tips/advice/recommendations?
I will be on the South Island.
Thanks for any input!

Ok, Texasotter !

I'm an Aussie but I have been there twice.  South Island you say ?  You will love it.

If you can make sure yo usee the following :

Milford Sound - Beautiful area where sheer cliffs rise up out of the water - yo ucan take boat trips underneath/inside towering waterfalls etc etc

Queenstown - Lots of things to do - I went Jetboating on the Shotover River - great fun

West Coast - Great for it's relative isolation - if you like that kinda thing - I haven't been there for 17 years but I get the impression it wouldn't have changed that much !

Haast Pass - Always snow, no matter what time of year !

Those are just the ones I can remember.

Have a great time !

FB  ;D

FussBudget:
Thanks so much for the info!  We had considered Milford Sound, but now will see it for sure based on your recommendation!  I appreciate your expert advice!  It will be fun to see your hemisphere!   :)

Hey, if you want a better vacation, why don't you just cross the Red River and come into the Promised Land?  ;D   haha

Thanks for the tip, your highness!   :)  Unfortunately, (or fortunately) I am flying across the world to visit an old friend, who has chosen New Zealand as home.  Maybe next year, though!  

Hehe yeah.  If anyone wants to visit the Queen's Domain, you can see the Wichita Mountains...also known as the Pimples of the Plains.  ;)