In article , Charles Eggen
writes

Multiple trips have brought me to say that, with careful planning,
most areas of NZ can be experienced, if one has 2 months. That said, I
do not mean that it will be in any great depth, but it will provide
enough information that future visits can be made knowing how much
depth you want to give to any specific area. Remember that you can't
do everything and compromises will be needed, therefore I suggest that
you drop Chatham Islands from your plans. My recommendations a

-- snip snip --

Let me absorb this Charles and thanks a lot. Yes, the Chathams are the
obvious ones to drop...but, I have to think.

I found one item very interesting. Do you think I should devote 1 week
to Wellington and its surroundings? What would you include in its
surroundings? I know people in Wellington, too, but not as well as in
Auckland, so I could stay there longer.

I am pleased that all of you think that 10 weeks is doing the country
justice. I have been to NZ before (16 years ago) as part of a RTW trip,
but my main destination then was Australia, so I stuck to Auckland and
Northland. I have been in Paihia before, but it rained a lot and didn't
see much. (It was October). However, NZ made a big impression on me and
have wanted to return ever since, but I knew it had to be two months at
least and that's why I waited for so long to find the time and the
money.

--
JohnM