Hi Glen, It very much depends on what your priorities are and there have been lots of good suggestions made already. The `problem', if I can put it that way, is there are so many great places to see and visit. March is a great time of year to visit and perhaps particularly for photography. The weather is usually quite stable but bear in mind that it can change rapidly. If your main purpose is outdoor activities then it may be best not to lock you itinerary down hard. A day can make all the difference to what you see/experience, so watch the weather forecasts closely and plan accordingly. The southern part of the South Island will be showing the first autumn colours and the area around Central Otago will be spectacular. If you're planning to drive; the inland route between Otago and Christchurch, through the MacKenzie Country, Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook is stunning as is much of the South Islands West Coast. At the Northern end of the South Island there's lots to see, (it's where much of the LOR was filmed) the areas around Tasman and Golden Bays are beautiful and a visit to the Abel Tasman National Park is well worth a day if you can spare it. The most spectacular scenery (for me) is unquestionably in the South. Fiordland is an absolute wonderland (but take insect repellant). There is good fishing (both lake and river) to be had in many places. Hope some of this is of use and that you enjoy your trip.
