That snowmelt water flowing from the mountains shurw looks great right?
I only went to the South island and the volcanoes are in the north. Only 25 percent of the population live on the South island which made it more attractive. I'll go to the north though, probably a lengthy road trip over 3-4 weeks I guess. Not yet though.
And you will surely bring back wonderful photographs of the place. It is true that the fewer people the better. It must be great to see that snow in such beautiful scenery.