New Zealand in late August??
Oct 16th, 2004, 03:17 AM
#1
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New Zealand in late August??
I still would prefer to go in Feb-April, but, I just went to a 99s dinner (international club for women pilots) and found out the next international conference will be in New Zealand in late August!
http://www.ninety-nines.org/conference.html
anyway... I am tempted. sounds like fun all around. how will the weather be then? sounds nippy!! looks like high 50s at best.
it comes down to - would I prefer independent travel, at a better weather time, or go on guided tours with a bunch of folks I'm acquainted with, in the late winter.
http://www.ninety-nines.org/conference.html
anyway... I am tempted. sounds like fun all around. how will the weather be then? sounds nippy!! looks like high 50s at best.
it comes down to - would I prefer independent travel, at a better weather time, or go on guided tours with a bunch of folks I'm acquainted with, in the late winter.
Oct 16th, 2004, 05:50 AM
#2
Flygirl -
It can definitely be nippy in August, especially on the South Island. We've visited the South Island on three occasions in early September - we like that time of year because it's quiet. We also enjoy cold weather, so it works out well for us.
Independent travel vs touring with a group will depend on your traveling style. I don't care for the tour thing, but that's just me. NZ is a great place for independent travel IMO.
Have fun, whatever you decide.
It can definitely be nippy in August, especially on the South Island. We've visited the South Island on three occasions in early September - we like that time of year because it's quiet. We also enjoy cold weather, so it works out well for us.
Independent travel vs touring with a group will depend on your traveling style. I don't care for the tour thing, but that's just me. NZ is a great place for independent travel IMO.
Have fun, whatever you decide.
Oct 16th, 2004, 11:55 AM
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Well yes it is cold in August. Where is the conference? That makes a difference.
For the most of NZ summer is a better time, however, plenty of NZ is beautiful in winter so long as you are OK to wrap up.
One of my favourite holidays was in July and I spent a few weeks in the south island. Generally the weather was fine (but cold) and the mountains were just magic. Queenstown is too a winter destination. SO if you enjoy skiing and the like winter will be fab.
Also in winter there are less tourist. I remember we had the hostel at Hokitika all to ourselves, views of Mt Cook and a nice warm room by the bush.
The volcanic plateau is another region that is splendid with all the snow on the mountains - you may find some of the roads are closed early in the day for snow.
Hawkes Bay generally is still somewhat warmer and you can still do wineries etc.
In the middle of winter I woukld skip some of the big cities i.e. Auckland, wellington - just do Te Papa and move on. The scenery in NZ is just a great regardless of the temperature outside.
My 2c
For the most of NZ summer is a better time, however, plenty of NZ is beautiful in winter so long as you are OK to wrap up.
One of my favourite holidays was in July and I spent a few weeks in the south island. Generally the weather was fine (but cold) and the mountains were just magic. Queenstown is too a winter destination. SO if you enjoy skiing and the like winter will be fab.
Also in winter there are less tourist. I remember we had the hostel at Hokitika all to ourselves, views of Mt Cook and a nice warm room by the bush.
The volcanic plateau is another region that is splendid with all the snow on the mountains - you may find some of the roads are closed early in the day for snow.
Hawkes Bay generally is still somewhat warmer and you can still do wineries etc.
In the middle of winter I woukld skip some of the big cities i.e. Auckland, wellington - just do Te Papa and move on. The scenery in NZ is just a great regardless of the temperature outside.
My 2c
Oct 19th, 2004, 05:51 AM
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Hi!
actually, if I do it this way, I will go for nearly 3 weeks. Aug 13 - Sept 1. north and south islands. the conference is in the middle, 5 days? the link above gives all info - there is a tour link there. it sounds really fun and interesting to combine it with the pilot's conference - but if it is REALLY cold....
actually, if I do it this way, I will go for nearly 3 weeks. Aug 13 - Sept 1. north and south islands. the conference is in the middle, 5 days? the link above gives all info - there is a tour link there. it sounds really fun and interesting to combine it with the pilot's conference - but if it is REALLY cold....
Oct 19th, 2004, 02:08 PM
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I wouldn't be overly concerned about the weather if I were you. Winter weather is variable up and down the length of NZ and it is difficult to predict what you will get.
I live on the east coast of the north island and generally by mid august spring is underway. Blossoms, spring flowers, lambs everywhere and the weather can be hot one minute ( t-shirt hot, not bikini hot) and cold the next ( scarf and jacket cold).
The best bet is to wear layers, that way if you get hot you can peel off a few layers and be comfortable.
Wear a nice warm jacket, gloves, hat and scarf for the cold days and jeans, t-shirt and light jacket or jersey for the warm days and you should be fine.
The itinerary looks great, have fun and keep an eye on the weather forecast and if you hear any mention of a Southerly ... get the warm clothes ready.
I live on the east coast of the north island and generally by mid august spring is underway. Blossoms, spring flowers, lambs everywhere and the weather can be hot one minute ( t-shirt hot, not bikini hot) and cold the next ( scarf and jacket cold).
The best bet is to wear layers, that way if you get hot you can peel off a few layers and be comfortable.
Wear a nice warm jacket, gloves, hat and scarf for the cold days and jeans, t-shirt and light jacket or jersey for the warm days and you should be fine.
The itinerary looks great, have fun and keep an eye on the weather forecast and if you hear any mention of a Southerly ... get the warm clothes ready.
Oct 19th, 2004, 03:19 PM
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thank you Christa! which makes the most sense - north first, then south, or vice versa? (will leaving north for last at least max out half the trip as warm-ish, instead of cool-cool for both?)
I am psyched!
I am psyched!
Oct 19th, 2004, 04:41 PM
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I would lean towards doing the Nth Island first but my decision would be based on the sights that you will see more than the weather.
The Sth Island leg offers some spectacular scenery and if you visited the Sth first, the Nth might be an anti-climax.
The South Islands charms are always better in winter and if you enjoy skiing, you will be in for a treat.
[ PS: Why not see if you can schedule a stopover in Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii or somewhere warm on your way home. At least that way you will be guaranteed some warm weather during your trip.]
The Sth Island leg offers some spectacular scenery and if you visited the Sth first, the Nth might be an anti-climax.
The South Islands charms are always better in winter and if you enjoy skiing, you will be in for a treat.
[ PS: Why not see if you can schedule a stopover in Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii or somewhere warm on your way home. At least that way you will be guaranteed some warm weather during your trip.]
