Has anyone visited New Zealand?

I'd like your recommendations for places to visit, things to do, venues to dine at, etc.

I'm thinking of visiting in 2010, April-May time, as part of a bit of a round the world tour and want some suggestions.

I like outdoor activities such as sailing and skiing, as well as city cultural activities, e.g. theatre, museums and galleries.

Yes, I read Lord of the Rings aeons ago and Peter Jackson isn't the reason why I'm interested in visiting NZ

Auckland on the North Island has good museums and galleries. Bay of Islands and Rotorua (both North Island) are worth seeing.

If you like outdoor activities, definitely go to the South Island. Great off-piste skiing in Wanaka but Queenstown is a better place over all. Good skiing, rafting, climbing etc.. and great bars and clubs. Also, LOTR was filmed in Arrowtown just down the road.

Kaikoura is worth a look if you want to go whale watching but there is nothing else there.

@ Oakman ... thanks for your reply, really helpful and corroborates some of my existing thoughts, especially re. South Island for ski and snow. Cheers!

Jealous! Where else are you going?

@ 1234andy

Also looking into Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Sydney, Hawaii, Colorado.

Although, it may all have to be deferred depending on work in the pipeline.