New Zealand Travel Forum

In September 2008, we are two families consisting of 9 people (4adults,5kids) travelling to Christchurch from Australia, we will be spending a whole day/night in Christchurch, what is there to do there? We will be picking up our motorhomes and travelling around for 11 days. The route we take is so undecided, but we need to lay out some sort of itinerary, as we need to book certain things, such as Milford Sound Day Cruise, Fox Glacier Walk etc. We wanted to take the TranzAlpine train one way, but there are no motorhome depots in Greymouth, and doing the return trip would be too long (8hrs i think) and considering we will be probably travelling a similar route when we cross over with the motorhomes at the start of trip or at the end we didnt think it would be worthwhile. Basically what I am asking can anyone give any advice as to some sort of itinerary, that doesnt include hours upon hours of driving, obviously there will be a fair bit of driving, but we are hoping to do 3 to 5hrs a day at least. What is the weather usually like then? What are the roads like, especially trying to drive these motorhomes around? Any tips, advice, thoughts would be much appreciated.

We want to move to New Brighton to live shortly and would like to know from people who live there where they would consider to be the most favourable spots to choose a home in and possibly any parts to avoid for any reason, eg boy racers, noise, flooding etc. We flatted by the beach in the 70's but it's so different now. Would apprieciate the locals advice.

Getting ferry from Wellington. Should I stay over in Blenheim or Picton. Or just pass through on my way to Christchurch.
If staying over, where is the best place to stay. Thanks

Hi everybody.
This question came to my mind after reading some questions in the forums today. It is about what hapened to us in December when we left New Zealand going to Australia. Our plan was to spend three days in Sydney and then back to Europe.

At the border control in Auckland airport, the officer was a bit rude/unpolite, and she asked for the "normal" documents(boarding pass, passport...) as in any other country. But then she asked us for a ticket showing that we was leaving Australia somehow/sometime. I didnīt understand it. She ordered us to show her the plane tickets from Australia to London. I don`t know if that is legal and I would like to know if that has happened to any other traveler. I mean, we could have checked in our plane tickets, luckyly we had it in our "hand-lugage" with the rest of documents.

Thank you.

Hi

2 adults, 3 children (13,11,5) will be visiting relatives (Christchurch) in late July, early August.

Is it too cold to travel around in a 6 berth camper van? We'd like to travel around a bit, but as the boss is pushing me to book soon, I'd rather check with the experts first before forking out several thousand NZD and then having a miserable 3 weeks!

Thanks in advance

J Pig

Hi,i would like to know how far apart are these 2 addresses.
15 Thomas Peacock Place, Mt. Wellington and West Plaza building at corner of fanshawe and albert street

We have planned a day trip up to Milford Sounds into our short stay in South Island in August, but have recently read concerning information about Avalanches.

We have rented a 4x4 in the hope that this would be more suitable for the journey and had planned a day trip, leaving Te Anau and getting back to Queenstown for that night. I am aware thats about 5 hrs of driving in good conditions - that bit doesnt worry me. However, what are the chances of the road being closed or high avalanche risks at the end of August (28th/29th)? , The website i saw mentioned 4 months of risk but is it higher or lower in August.

I hadnt planned on getting chains, but saw that this is sometimes a legal requirement (not sure if i want to drive in such bad conditions). I really dont want to miss out on the beauty of Milford Sounds, but need some advise.

We are arriving in Oct 2008 & still can't decide whether to hire a motorhome or a car & hotel. We know there are good & bad points to both. Motorhome - can unpack for whole trip, eat etc whenever want to but how easy is it to get supplies, go out to dinner etc? With car & hotel you live out the suitcase the whole trip but are central for eating & sightseeing in town. We have heard there is some hotel voucher scheme where you only have to book your room 24 hours in advance & so there is more flexibility with your itinerary. Does anyone know about this? Any advice greatly appreciated.

I was surprised to find we get a Saturday postal delivery in Wellington.
Does anyone know if post offices are open on Saturdays. Got something urgent to post and it would be a hassle to go out today and post it.

Thanks if you can help.

The Wellington Metlink site is quite good but i cannot find out where or how to buy a smartcard.

I have tried several corner stores and 24 hour convenience stores - no joy.

It is much cheaper to have a card and at the moment I have three 10 trip cards - for zones 1,2 and 3.

But like today I am going out to Eastbourne and that is zone 6 - which I would rarely go to so don't want to buy a 10 trip.

And how does a smart card work? Do you keep topping it up or what?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Hi,

I'm lucky enough to be travelling to NZ for 27 days total in Oct, arriving Auckland, departing Queenstown. The plan is to hire a car for the N island, then get a hop on / hop off bus for the S island.

My question is: would you split your time equally between the 2 islands? If not, what split would you recommend? I'm thinking 17 days on N, and 20 days on S seem reasonable.

Many thanks,
Aliki

Hi - I am looking for a nice hotel, not too expensive, close to the Bluebridge Ferry for an 8am start, also local attractions.

We are keen to do the cable car. What else should we not miss, apart from Te Papa. We only have 2 days in Wellington.

Regards.

Does anyone know the best/easiest/cheapest way to get from Omaru or Christchurch the Moriaki Boulders without a car??

thanks

Hi all. New member here. Great site. Hoping I can get some advice and ideas from you all.

In November this year my wife and I will bring my 87 and 85 year old parents and 83 year old aunt over from Australia to tour the South Island. While all 3 are mobile, dad and aunt are fairly limited in how far they walk so tracks etc are out of the question.

My parents have both been to NZ before but didn't see much of the southern areas of the South Island. Dad recently saw a documentary on the wild life of Stewart Island and is keen to see it up close. Or similar wildlife on the mainland.

We will probably come over for 10 - 12 days - most likely 10. I will hire a car in Christchurch.

Looking at the map I figured I would try to drive down the west coast and visit a glacier area, see Milford and/or Doubtful sound. Come across to Invercargil. See if there are day tours of wildlife around Stewart Island. Up to Dunedin and back up the east coast to Christchurch. I suspect that I am trying to do too much and might drop the Invercargil/Stewart Island bit out.

So questions. In the areas mentioned, is it feasible to get the oldies into the areas without excessive walking? Are there land based tours of those areas? The oldies expenses don't allow for flights over the areas.

If I miss Stewart Island, are there other wildlife on the mainland down Dunedin way that would be good?

Are there any recommendations of places to visit, or tour companies that will cater for the oldies?

Thanks in advance for any advice and please bear with me if I have plenty more questions.

Cheers

Peter

Hello everyone,

Me and my girlfriend are travelling in New Zealand for all of June and we are wondering how is the best way to get around.

We are starting in Aukland and plan to see as much of the north and south islands as we can fit in a month.

We like the idea of hiring a campervan to get around. Am I correct in thinking that June is low season so the price of hiring would be reasonably cheap? How expensive is petrol in New Zealand and does it cost much to park for the night in camp sites?

The other way we could get around was by hiring a car and then staying in hotels/hostels. Which one of these two options would be cheaper? (We are working on a strict budget sadly!)

The third way we are considering was by using the bus and train networks and then staying in hotels/hostels. This would obviously be the cheapest option, however we wanted the flexiblitiy of having our own mode of transport.

Secondly, would you say it is possible to see most of the main attractions and sights on both north and south islands in a month? Or is it slightly ambitious?!

Thankyou for your time, I look forward to your replies.

Hi, where's a good place to visit in the South Island right now? It has just turned autumn (though I swear it's more like winter).

I'm currently visiting Dunedin and would like to travel but it's too cold for summer activities and yet not cold enough for winter stuff!!

Where should I go?

Thanks in advance.

Hi All,

My husband, myself, and son (14), will be arriving in Christchurch on the 25/11/08 and departing on the 7/12/08 (13 days), and we want to hire a motorhome (6 Berth), I would like the extra room. I live in Perth and have gone to look at Apollo, Maui,and Britz, but none of these really stood out for the money they wanted. I have scoured the internet and books to try and find out about other homes but I dont seem to be having much luck, they all look great on paper, but when you see them for real they are dirty and daggy. Does anybody have any info on other 6 berth homes that they have had wonderful experiences with, things like tv and dvd that run on 12 volt, gas heating in the back, I don't mind paying for creature comforts.
Cheers
Kim

Hi,

Do u know - to rent-a-car thru internet VS. rent-a-car at the Airport - which option offers cheaper rate ? I'm going to Queenstown this Monday.

Can u suggest which reliable, economical rent-a-car company should I choose ?

Tx :)

Hi,

I am going to be traveling around the World from October onwards for a year...and I would love to do a season of snowboarding in New Zealand. I hear Queenstown is the best place to ski/snowboard and also hear that season passes can be bought for quite cheaply if you get a deal...does anyone know when the deals for the 09 ski season will be going on?

Also, I would like to ask how cheap/expensive is Queenstown for skiing? Is it hard to find accommodation?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated,

Andy :)

I've seen differing information regarding license requirements. Some say an English language driving license is all that is needed to rent a car, others say unless you're an ozzy, kiwi, or brit you need an International license.

Is there anyone who can solve this dilemna for me?

Thanks!

Is Wellington a tourist hotspot?
Is Wellington a place with masses of things to do?
Is Wellington impacted by the time of the year, Winter approacheth?

Hi,

Thank you for helping me with my prior question. Im finally in Syndey and enjoying it, and I'm off to New Zealand in two weeks. We will arrive in Aukland on 5/8 and were planning on staying in a hostel that evening. I leave on 5/12 from Rotura at 0600. So i'm trying to plan my iternary in between. Thus far I'm thinking:

5/9 - go to Coromondal Peninsula (stay there or go to Rotura that night?? suggestions?)
5/10- drive to Waitoma Caves and stay in Rotura that evening (see Maouri performance?
5/11- Go see the geysers and volcanoes

It already feels like a lot to to me,so I'm not sure where Lake Taupo, huka falls and Tongario Crossing fall in place??

Any suggestions??? Anything I should change given the time of year?
Thanks in advance

I am planning a 3 week's family (2 adults/2 kids) trip to NZ for this July. One friend recommended me by campervan, which is the way I haven't experienced before. But is it OK to drive further south in NZ winter time? Will it be too cold to sleep in the Campervan in July?

Thank you in advance.

I am looking at travelling in the South Island in November for a week or so, using Christchuch as my entry and departure. Can I get to the main attractions- Queenstown, Milford Sound, Southern Alps etc by train or bus. I don't drive. If so, is there a site or book that someone can recommend? Cheers, mnutsy.

and I would probably want it near the railway station. I know there is Otaki Beach - but I am not sure how far away it is.

Can you help?

Thanks.

... as it is in Australia.

Is my first impression accurate?

New to the forum but I've been reading lots of good info. Thanks!

I've got three weeks in NZ this coming Nov/Dec. The last week will be on the North Island and I want to do the Tongariro crossing mid-week. I'm trying to figure out where to stay the night before and and after. National Park the night before will get me to the trail earlier, but I was wondering if it would be easier to just stay two nights in Taupo?

Also, I'm trying to figure out what is a reasonable distance/time to drive after doing the crossing. If I stayed at National Park, about how long after finishing the crossing could I expect to be back in my car.

Thanks.

Hi,

Arrival: Auckland International Airport, 10:50am
Departure: Auckland Domestic Airport, 1:00pm

Do you think this is too risky in term of timing?
If everything goes well (custom check, baggage claim, domestic check in, etc), can I make it?

Thanks,
Jason

We will be flying in from Australia with our daughter who is doing a semester in Sydney and arriving in Christchuch. We have 7 nights and so far this is the plan.Do the driving distances make sense?
1 night Christchurch (we arrive late and hope to get on the road by 1-2pm. Then either take the train or drive to Greymouth and then down to Franz Joseph for the night. Head to Wanaka for the 3rd night. Next we would stay in Milford sound and for the last 3 nights it would be QUeenstown.
Would it make more sense, be more beautiful if we skipped the greymouth and Franz Josep and headed to Mt.Cook and worked our way down that way. We take off from Queenstown.
Thanks for any help!

I arrive on a Tuesday morning at 5.45am.