Here's our approximate route. We land in Christchurch, fly out of Auckland. In between, our must-do's include a LOTR Edoras tour (slightly southwest of Christchurch), Milford Sound, and lots of time in the wine and arts area of Nelson/Blenheim. And whatever adventures we get to along the way!

The Road Goes Ever On and On

The Road goes ever on and on
   Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
   And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
   Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
   And whither then? I cannot say.

   -- J R R Tolkien

Another friend

We're also taking a 4th person, another friend who shall remain nameless at this point.