New Zealand Travel Forum

Hi,

Would like to have some advices/recommendations:

Due to our work commitment
we can only have our honeymoon either in Summer Jan or Winter July.

Besides the rates difference (accommodation/vehicle rental etc) in both season, are there any other issues we should keep a lookout for?

Cheers!

We have 15 days between Auckland and Christchurch. Any comment regarding our itinerary is very welcome!

Day 1: Arriving in Auckland, city sightseeing
Day 2: drive to Rotorua via Comorandel Peninsula, stay in Rotorua
Day 3: ½ day Rotorua, afternoon drive to Tongariro National Park
Day 4: ½ day in Whakapapa, afternoon drive to Wellington
Day 5: ferry to Picton, drive to Kaikoura via Belheim
Day 6: Kaikoura
Day 7: Drive to Greymouth or Hokitika via Arthur's Pass
Day 8: Glacier, evening in Haast or Wanaka
Day 9: ????
Day 10: Drive to Te Anau
Day 11: early morning to Milford Sound, afternoon back to Queenstown
Day 12: Queenstown
Day 13: Mt Cook to Christchurch
Day 14: Christchurch
Day 15: flight out of Christchurch

It may be quite a bit of driving on certain days, but it should still be manageable. As you can see, there is a still day buffer, and I am considering a few options
- one additional day on the north island, either Waitomo Caves, or more time in Rotorua/Lake Taupo/Whakapapa
- one additional day in Wanaka or Te Anau, activity/hike
- or one additional day near Mt Cook between Quenstown and Christchurch

Other questions:
- Any opinion on Greymouth, Hokitika, or should we drive all the way to the Glacier and sleep there?
- Comorandel -> worth the detour or would it be too much driving?
- Rotorua/Taupo -> how much is there really to see?

Can you please advise the best way to travel from Wellington airport to Westpac stadium. Is it best to go by road or water? Is there a motel near the stadium?

Thanks

Hi all, just another short question, anyone have any comments on the above Motel in Christchurch.
I have read some great reviews, as well as a few dogs.
Anyone been there recently? How was it?
Thanks.
Kevin

Hiya All

My hubby and I will be travelling around NZ and Australia between February to June 2010.

For NZ we will be arriving early February and staying for around 9 to 10 weeks then moving onto Australia. We want to see as much as possible of NZ.

Can you please give me tips on the the following (many many thanks in advance :-):
time split - any tips of how long to spend in each island?

transport - I have been looking at various backpacker bus companies, any recommendations: Magic Travellers Network bus, Stray Travel Bus or Kiwi Experience Bus (seems bit more expensive) all have passes with different routes all around both Islands. The companies offer guides and various trips included and you can 'hop on and off' wherever you want along their routes. the companies say they save you money on hostels etc, is this true?

I think it would be too expensive to hire a car for the whole 10 weeks? Any thoughts. Alternatively from my internet research there is a bus company called NakedBus which looks cheaper - anyone got any experience - is this the local bus company?

accomodation - we are happy to stay in hostels (we'll want double rooms most of the time though being a couple, these look like being about NZ$ 60-70 per room per night) but can you fill me in about camping and costs? i was told it may be cheaper to buy a tent and basic equipment to use in NZ and camp around. Any idea of costs of sites? Any good or bad recommendations :-)

costs? just wondering how expensive it will be for self catering, the odd meal out etc. I've heard that NZ is cheaper than Oz for food, transport, eating out et al. What do you reckon would be a realistic budget daily?

casual work - is it possible to pick up casual work / cash in hand work for fruit picking etc? We are both over 30 so can't get the working visa's for NZ or Oz.

visa's - do you need to sort out a tourist visa if you are staying less than 3 months?

We are British - i'm planning on buying Lonely Planet guide books as they seem to be the best.

Anything other tips let me know. I know the weather will be end of summer, start of Autumn so a good time to be going.

So exciting but also scary too as we are well travelled but never backpacked before.

Cheers
Claire (near Lincoln, UK)

Three of us will be driving from Christchurch to Auckland over 3 weeks in Feb - March of next year.
Can someone who has done this and compared the costs, tell me, is it cheaper to wing-it, (just walk in and ask,) with accommodation, (good motels, the occasional 4* hotel) or to pre-book by some internet site like Wotif or the NZ AA site or email the place directly?
I am aware that it is still holiday time in NZ, even though school is back etc.
We have done a few weeks like this before, booking with Wotif in advance, and it all seemed to work.
But looking at the regular prices, compared with Wotif quotes sometimes there is no difference.
Thanks for any info.

Hi, I have done some reading and I'd like more views from people who have been to the Glacier for my trip in March:

- What really is the difference between these 2? Is there a point in going for both?
- For a first timer with glacier, which is more recommended?
- I managed to find only 1 guide company for each - is there more? Anyone have any specific experience to share on this?
- We are in a small group of 3-4 - would it be worthwhile to get a private guide or just join another group?

Please also share more tips! Thanks!

Hi
I am planning my trip in March. Flying in to Auckland, then Wellington, plan for road trip on South island about 1 week plus. Hope someone can advise on the queries below:

1. How is weather like in March typically? Any advise on what to be packed?
2. Any suggestions on itenary?
3. I read about the World Heritage glaciers - should I go for both? If I have to choose one, would you recommend Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier?
4. Wonder if Marlborough vineyards are famous? Which one to go?
5. Any recommendation for car rental company?

Please do let me know of any useful tips! Thanks!

I would love to go on the Glacier Explorers on Lake Tasman, where you go on a small motorised inflatable and get up close with the icebergs,has anyone done this? if so,how was it? and where to stay.....

Thanks
Carol

And thanks Sissi for your last response

Hi,

Just planning what to pack to come to NZ. I want to do some walking and hiking, day trips - not planning any overnight trecks - but you never know. I'm trying to keep weight down but don't want to be underequiped. Should I bring winter leather walking boots or lighweight fabric ones and waterproof socks?

Also, is there an effective alternative to DEET Insect repelent for Sandflies etc? as I've used it before and had a bad skin reaction.

also, how cold does it get in the evenings/night in Nov and Dec? are we talking jumper, or jumper and coat?

Many thanks
Paul

Hi me and hubby doing a 5 month world trip taking in Fiji, South Island NZ and Asia.
Initially planned NZ for February and early March, but would mean possible bad weather in Fiji in January.
Waht do people think of Nz in late April and May.
We haev been to both island NZ in November.

Will I be able to see snow at Fox Clacier and Rfanz Josef in January please Thanks

I know this is not really a travel question...

Whilst staying recently in Roscoff in Brittany I found, in a local church yard, a solitary grave in the care of the British and Commonwealth Graves Commssion.
It was that of a 26 year old Royal New Zealand Air Force Flying Officer who was lost at sea on the 18th June 1944.
His name was Frank.W McD. Stout
Should anyone reading this have reason to know more, or to have a photograph of the grave please contact me.

I am posting this in both the Miscellaneous and in the Travel Forum in the hope it is might be seen by someone who would have an interest..

please can sombody help me to plan my trip to new zealand i would like to go on both island. Will I be able to see most things I like to see nature most. Thanks alot and god bless

however, from what I read
From Mangatepopo Rd end to Mangatepopo Hut is 15 mins
From Mangatepopo Hut to Mangatepopo Saddle is 1 ½ hr
From Mangatepopo saddle to Emerald Lake is 2 hrs


it maybe just too much for us, also we have no idea if the hiking is steep or it is flat, it may take more than 4 hrs to get there and there is no way we can just get it back, is there acompodation somewhere in saddle area?

we will get to auckland around 8AM and by the time we got through the security get our luggage and car, it will be maybe 10AM, we would like to go south of auckland first. but would like to get some groceries .... what is the good and closest grocery store near airport?
I checked in yellowpage online but not sure if they are good or not

Landora's Grocery Store
Pacific Merchant
Punjas (NZ) Ltd

Just wondered what you all thought of this latest itnerary we have set up for ourselves??
Day 1: Arrive Auckland Airport, stay overnight in Airport Hotel. (Have no time to see Auckland unfortunately but as we are coming from Scotland I asume after 2 days of flying we will want to sleep!)

NEXT: meet friends at Whangamata, stay for 2 days.

NEXT: drive to Taupo, stay with friends for 2 days.

NEXT:Drive to Wellington. I know its a long drive but previous posts have recommended we stay longer in Wellington, so we will stay there for 2 nights.

NEXT: Thought about either Havelock or Blenheim for a night, cant decide where??

NEXT: Drive to Greymouth, stay with friends for 5 nights.

NEXT: Drive to Fox Village, stay for 1 night

NEXT: Drive to Wanaka. stay for 1 night

NEXT: Drive to Te Anau, stay for 2 nights, visit Milford Sound.

NEXT: Drive to Queenstown, stay for 3 nights!

Fly Home from Queenstown......

What do you all think, we do have limited time but we will never have the chance to ever come to this side of the planet again I'm sure, so want to see as much as possible!!

Hi all.
Husband and i have 16 days in the south,we have booked 3 nights in Christchurch then we will book as we go.
The 1st day thought we might look around Christchurch,then 2nd and 3rd day drive to wherever,any suggestions? would like to only drive around 2-3 hours one way.
Thankyou
Carol

hi! we are traveling to New Zealand in btw dec 28 and jan 12 and would like some ideas of must see destinations. we are flighting though Auckland (any other ideas?). We are renting a car and the goal is combine sightseeing with relaxing time at the beach. No long hikes, but yes, maybe some same day adventure sport. we are looking for taking amazing pictures, so any "secret" spot ideas would be great.
thank you!

Hello,

While planning my late Nov, South Island trip (11 nights)I am seriously thinking about camping 2 - 4 nights to get a closer feel of the nature. Trying to decide the best spots for camping: Omaru, Lake Tekapo, Dunedin/Otago, Invercargill, Wanaka, Hokitica. Any of these are better camping candidates?

1. Weather-wise, will it very likely to be very rainy and cold at night, i.e. making camping in a tent very uncomfortable or not feasible?

2. Are there many sandflies or a lot mosquitos at the camp grounds?

3. Could you please recommend some stores in Christchurch that sell the camping stuff at reasonable and low price since I would only need the stuff for 2 - 4 times, and do not plan to bring them back with me after the trip. Need to buy: small tent, sleeping bag, pillow, towel, sleeping pad or a cheap air mattress.

4. I also thought about living in the simple cabins at some holiday parks if it's raining, but I think I still need to buy my own sleeping bag /pillow/ beddings/ towel.

Thanks a lot!

Hi folks,
Thanks for the great travel forum.
We're arriving late October for 11 days in the South Island. We pick up a rental van in Christchurch and have six nights accomodation booked in Wanaka from the third night.Reading these posts gives us a thirst to want to see it all.Commonsense says to make some choices.
Is it practical to use Wanaka as a base? If not we are prepared to sacrifice some nights in Wanaka to see more of the island, but want to strike a balance about what is practical and not too rushed.
Items on the wish list are Edmund Hillary Centre/ Tasman Glacier Lake boat trip at Mt Cook,Arthurs pass,The Fox/Franz Joseph Glaciers (maybe drop one glacier and take a flight over the area,).Queenstown, Milford Sound/boat trip(possible flight from Queenstown to save travel time). Dunedin,Otago Penninsula. Hammer Springs Nelson.Kaikora Christchurch.
I know we are being greedy,but having the van would allow us to camp where the end of the day found us instead of being tied to accomodation for our unbooked time.
My gut feeing is that we may need to miss Nelson, Hammer Springs and concentrate more on central and west coast.Can we have some help in pruning if we are too ambitious. It would just mean we would need to come back for another visit!;)
All help appreciated.Any must sees that we may ahve ommitted would also be gladly recieved
Ian and Amanda Australia

hi guys,

we are planning on going NZ for New Years eve (dec 27 to jan 10) and would like to know a little more about the region.
1-How will be the weather like during this period? too rainy?
2-As for the holiday, what is the typical cultural habits of the region?
3- Any suggestions of must see areas/destinations?
4- How is the commerce during this period? are we be able to go to restaurants/shops and so?
thank you so much for your help!

I could use some advice. I am flying into Auckland 5 November and staying in the city for 2 nights. I then have until 12 November (flight leaving at 11pm) to explore the island. I have done a lot of reading and am torn as to head south or north! We like to explore, hike (or tramp), kayak and see the country. We are not all that interested in busy or touristy areas. What has peaked my interest is Northland and the Bay of Islands, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty/White Island and Tongariro NP. Is the crossing feasible in November? While I am curious about the geothermal activity, I think a short visit would be plenty. What is the feel of the Rotorua area? Any recommendations out there? Thanks so much. Like many say, I wish I had more time, but I feel that this week is a blessing in itself.

Hi,

Do you know how far in advance I need to book the inter-island ferry? We'll be heading south in mid or end Nov, and back in mid Dec. We don't have a fixed itinery and like the freedom to move as the desire takes us, so don't want to book too far in advance unless we have to.

Many thanks
Paul

Please comment on the 7 days plan of south island by car starting on boxing day, plus any suggestions you may have. All departing early mornings and finish late at nights to maximise daylight use. Thanks in advance!

Day 1:
Depart Christchurch:
- Lake Tekapo
- Mt Johns
- Salmon Farm
- Lake Pukaki
- Mt Cook
- Omarama
- Benmore & Aviemore Dams
- Elephant Rocks
- Oamaru for overnight stay

Day 2:
- Moeraki Boulders
- Port Chalmers
- Dunedin
- Otago Museum
- City tour
- Taieri Gorge Railway
- Otago Peninsula <-- Can you see much without visiting the centre?
- Dunedin for overnight stay

Day 3:
- Baldwin st
- Signal Hill
Depart Dunedin for:
- Nugget Pt
- Purakaunui Falls
- Matai Falls
- Cathedral Cave
- Invercargill for overnight stay <-- Is the Bluff worth visiting?

Day 4:
Depart Invercargill for:
- Milford Sound
- Cruise
- Te Anau
- Manapouri
- Queenstown for overnight stay

Day 5:
- Queenstown City tour
- Skyline Gondola & Luge
- Arthur Point to see boat in action <-- Where is the place best to see others bungee jump?
- Coronet Peak <-- Is it worth to visit the ski field without skiing?
Depart Queenstown for:
- Arrowtown
- Cromwell
- Overnight stay at Wanaka

Day 6:
- Wanaka City tour
- Haast
- Fox / Franz Joseph Glazier <-- Which one is better?
- Glazier walk
- Overnight stay at Hokitika

Day 7:
Depart Hokitika
- Christchurch
- Gondola
- Antarctic Centre <-- Is this worth the money to visit?
- Christchurch city tour
- Overnight stay at Christchurch

Hi there.
I wondered if you could give me your feedback on a provisional road trip itnerary we have thought up. We have never been to New Zealand so we would like to see as much as possible.
Day 1 Morning: Picton to Nelso or West port
We cannot decide between them?? Any suggestions would be good
Stay one night in either place.

Day 2 Morning: Travel to Greymouth to stay with friends for a few days.

Day 3: Morning:Drive to Haast. Stay for one night.

Day 4:Morning: Drive to Queenstown. Stay for one night.

Day 5:Morning: Drive to Te Anau and visit Millford Sound and the area. Stay for 2 nights.

Day 6,7 and 8. Travel up the East Coast to Christchurch to get a flight from there??

What do you think so far? Is it worth sticking with or is it not really "do-able"
Appreciate your thoughts!
Thanks

Well we are less than three weeks away from starting our long planned holiday to New Zealand and I have been following the weather reports religiously. My dilemma is that the temperatures still seem very cool (compared to Brisbane weather). My thoughts are to pack mainly jeans and long pants with layers of t-shirts, jumpers and jackets, with maybe one or two shorts thrown in. Also, a waterproof jacket.
Am I on the right track? Do we need thermals - I get cold in Brisbane in winter weather with temperatures higher than I am seeing here. (When my son travelled to South Island in July, he advised that it didn't feel as cold as the temperatures indicated.)
Your advice would be welcomed. Leigh

Hi,

As a part of a (sadly) brief visit to New Zealand, my wife and I have dedicated 4 days between landing in Christchurch and jetting out from Queenstown.

I appreciate that this is not going to be enough time to fully appreciate the country.

However, I would like for colleagues to submit suggestions on a manageable itinerary.

Comments from those currently living in South Island who are willing to accept emails are particularly welcomed.

Regards,
BP (London, England)

I'm travelling to Auckland in early November, staying for a couple of months, possibly getting involved in some voluntary work near the airport, and looking for somewhere to base myself for a week to recover from jetlag and start finding my feet. I've been looking into the possibility of a homestay or B&B as I am travelling alone and want to be in friendly company, but don't really fancy backpackers/hostels. Can anyone help me find something which will be suitable for:

(1) Single, female traveller in her 30s
(2) Inexpensive to moderate price, but good quality accommodation
(3) Internet access
(4) Close to attractions, with easy transport link to the airport

Any suggestions would be gratefully received!

Many thanks,
Lesley

Hi.
We are arriving in Auckland on 28th December, travelling to Taupiri on the 29th and then onto Taupo on the 31st. We will be leaving Taupo on the 2nd to meet friends on North Island on the 4th. I was wondering your opinions on where to go and stay for the 2 days (2nd and 3rd) en route to Wellington for the ferrie across to Picton. It is our first trip to NZ. I thought about Napier and then Palmerston North but not sure if we would miss any hidden gems on the way, any suggestions would be much appreciated. We would like to go for a walk, and then wander around a town, go for a meal and then onto the pub! Thanks.