There are so many great places to visit in New Zealand. Everywhere you turn, the photo opportunity is unreal. The pictures you take of the mountains and beaches will probably look like the perfect vacation destinations Microsoft has for backgrounds. The problem is where to go? So many places so little time. I was lucky enough tofit in a visit to the beautiful and SERIOUSLY underestimated Kaikoura (which means eat/food and fish in Maori). 
If you want to see SEA LIONS and SEALS (who doesn’t?) and possibly dolphins and penguins, then seriously go to Kaikoura. I recommend a kayak rental for the peninsula. Don’t forget the little waterfall where baby seals just splash around in for fun. If you like seafood, the white bait is a must. Christchurch has an awesome farmers market if your looking for a good lunch on the drive up. Nelson is home to the center of New Zealand, residents, great beaches and more. There is also a wildlife center which encourages feeding animals (food they give you) so animal lovers this is a trip you don’t want to miss! Wine lovers, we couldn’t fit in a tour, but the number of wineries you’ll pass is really tempting to kick back and enjoy a wine tour. If you can fit that in to your schedule, I have only heard great things from wine tours in Marlborough. In Hanmer Springs, if your looking to save some money, the springs are always great, and there are some day hikes that looked really promising.
p.s. We used this awesome site to plan our itinerary: