New Zealand in August 2009...

Hello everyone. So I have a one way ticket to Auckland arriving August 21st. I am very excited and am not sure what I want to do first. I have always been captured by New Zealand but in all honesty really want to get away and have a remote and ethic cultural experience. I know that Auckland is a bustling city so it may be difficult to achieve this at first. I love adventure but am by no means going as an adventure nut. I am a photographer looking to basically wander about and experience as much as possible. I am more interested in people and nature than city life but I do love to party. More into the alternative artist scene. I am planing on touring all of S. and N. island but I am starting in Auckland. I have a magic bus pass as well. So any recommendations on free, cheap activities? Possible secret must see spots? Anyone going to be there at the same time? I know I will be arriving at the end of winter but can anyone elaborate on the weather and possible clothing/activity/sight seeing choices.

Thanks and happy travels everyone!

Here's a few threads to get you started until someone chimes in here.

* Skiing in NZ in Aug/Sept
* NZ August weather
* Campervans in NZ
* Auckland free & cheap guide
* NZ recces & raves
* Proof of Onward Travel in NZ

One way ticket to Auckland - I hope you have got an appropriate visa or ticket for onward travel. Otherwise you are going to get a whole heap of hard questions from Immigration, with a possible refusal of entry.

Sercret place to have a ethnic cultural experince - East Cape, just head north from Gisborne.

Sorry I don't have much to offer, but it looks like I will be in NZ in mid-late August, staying for a couple weeks.

Hello everyone and thanks for the info. Hydro... I will mos def look into those links. Ben, lets get together and tear it up. I arrive the 21st!!! Beachcomber... I have a holiday work visa and will be prepared to show funds for onward travel. Are there any other things I should be prepared for? Any recommendations on clothing? I get that it is winter but how cold is New Zealand winter and it is the ass end of winter after all. Oh and did I mention I am from Buffalo, NY, I can handle my share of crappy weather. Any vaccinations or other funny requirements? Thanks guys your great!

Winter in NZ differs quite a bit depending where you are- it never freezes in Auckland, for example, but you have ski fields wherever the mountains get high (middle of North Island, large percentage of South Island). I'd say the main thing about the NZ winter is to make sure you have a good rain jacket on you!

Even if it is the end of winter, take a pair of thermals with you, you'll need them, specially in the South Island. I arrived in NZ on NYD the middle of summer, and it was freezing. I swear the wind blew straight in from Antarctica!

As you're going with Magic, they can tell you all you need to know re cheap eats etc. Free thing? Picnics, walks, window-shopping............

When you're in Rotorua, spend some time in Kuirau Park
Kuirau Park - it's free. Just remember to stick to the paths and don't be tempted to dip your toes in, otherwise you'll be minus a few toes!
Kia Ora.

July and August are the coldest months - Spring doesnt really kick in till October. Even in Queenstown in December I needed a jumper. Oh and there is no heating in their houses/hostels - so take a good warm sleeping bag unless your staying in good hotels!
Take warm warm clothes. Take rain gear. Be prepared to be snowed in partic down south. Auckland etc is slightly warmer - but again quite a lot of rain when I was there.
If there is snow and good weather the south island around all the mountains will be totally beautiful/
I liked the Coromandel. And right up northisland northern most tip.

hello everyone... just a bit of an update as i am in new zealand and loving it! so far i have been to the bay of islands, seen some of the largest kauri forests, been to the northern most tip, went sand boarding down major dunes, seen glow worms line the pathes of the auckland domain at night, been to some reggea concerts and partied with maori and kiwi alike to name a few... i am a bit sadded that no one from this sight has contacted me to meet up in new zealand but i am keeping my fingers crossed. i am heading up to rotorua next after an amazing couch surfing stay in auckland. please email me here or jeannine9ms@gmail.com if you'll be in new zealand. safe and happy travels...

Jeannine wrote:i am a bit sadded that no one from this sight has contacted me to meet up in new zealand

Well if you cross the ditch and leave the Shaky Isles, I'll be happy to meet up. Provided you're in Melbs.