CC- New Zealand is totally worth the 20+ hours and $2000 round trip from Detroit (Air New Zealand is very classy and no poisonous bugs or snakes like Australia) - the Kiwis are nice people and the countryside is different every few hours of travel - the water is pretty cold even in summer, but still nothing like Lake Superior - do both North and South Island if you can - just plan on your flight not making it on time to the West coast if you dont’ leave yourself a whole day of travel to make the connection (had to spend the night both trips and then deal with a very crowded plane the next flight out). I have a new grandson over there, so have gone twice and will be going as often as my retirement savings hold out ;)
Agree. Both islands. I rented a car, drove all over in the rural areas (most all scenic) and rode the trains and ferries with a pass.