Hi all, I'm planning a solo trip to New Zealand from the US and could use advice from people who know the country.

The basics

Landing in Auckland at 9:10 am on Mon 9 Nov, flying out at 3:50 pm on Sun 15 Nov.

Only fixed plan: the India v NZ ODI in Hamilton on Tue 10 Nov. I'm a big cricket fan and want to see it live.

That leaves about 4 free days (11 to 14 Nov) plus the time before and after the match.

Travelling alone, comfortable driving, and I'll pay for a flight if it's worth it.

What I'm considering

South Island: fly Auckland to Queenstown on the 11th, then a Milford Sound day, a bungy (Kawarau), Arrowtown and wineries, and fly back to Auckland on the 14th.

North Island loop by car: Hobbiton, Rotorua, Taupō and Waitomo, then back to Auckland.

What I'd love advice on

Do I need a rental car, or can I manage without one? In Queenstown specifically?

Which option is better for 4 days, or is a split like this too rushed?

Milford Sound: self-drive, coach tour, or the fly-cruise-fly?…