astutefish

We're taking a cruise next Jan./Feb. (1st time)from NZ to Australia and then will fly back to Auckland and have one additional week in NZ. If you had just one week where would you go? Here's a little info:

1) we prefer to get away from big cities
2) we're in our late 40's and while active we don't plan to do any outdoor type activities on this trip (i.e., "rough it&quot
3) we could rent a car and could fly to the south island
4) this is a special trip for us so we'd like to stay somewhere nice (wine country?)

thanks

Melnq8

Well, I'm a sucker for the South Island, so I'm going to suggest you go there. With only a week, you'll want to concentrate on just a couple of places.

You'll find some wonderful wine country on the north of the South Island in the Nelson Region.

As far as special places to stay, I recommend Bay of Many Coves in the Marlborough Sounds -

www.bayofmanycovesresort.co.nz/

From the Bay of Many Coves you can take a water taxi to different points in the sounds and walk a small portion of the Queen Charlotte Track. No roughing it - just walking - with spectacular views.

How about something like 2-3 nights Bay of Many Coves and 3-4 nights in the Nelson area (wine!)

I have a list of unique upscale lodging options for that area - I'll post it if I can find it on my computer.

Melnq8

Here you go:

http://www.kahurangiwine.com/accommo.html

http://www.themudcastle.co.nz/story.html

http://www.redoubthill.co.nz/

http://www.sunnygully.co.nz/luxury-b...w-zealand.html

www.casapacifica.co.nz/

http://www.resurgence.co.nz/

http://www.laststraw.co.nz/

wannabakiwi

Melnq~ Thanks for this handy list. we stayed at the Last Straw Cottage and thoroughly enjoyed it. The owner was just great. We had my sister and my 16 year old niece with us, so it was very accomodating. It is amazing that no matter how many times you have been, there is still so much more to see and do. What a treat!

astutefish

Melnq8

Thanks so much. We have heard the Nelson area is nice and it sounds like it's right up our alley. I'll check out the many links you provided.