I loved Akaroa just south of Christchurch. Went just at the end of peak season so it was still all open but not busy. Good to note that a a lot of the little towns like that are pretty seasonal so I wouldn’t go at the depths of winter (dead and closed) or height of summer (feral with tourists).
For cities I love Wellington. The waterfront is 👌
tone212_@aussie.zone 1 month ago
Queenstown / Wanaka which I visited a couple months ago - just spectacular, so naturally beautiful. I went mainly for skiing but it would just be as good in summer I reckon. Can do all the hikes and trails without worrying about snow and the views would be even better with clearer weather.