those of you who live in NZ ,OR HAVE SPENT TIME THERE IN THE WINTER---WHERE SHALL WE GO??? nOT REALLY WANTING TO SKI--WE HIKE, KAYAK, WANT TO SEE CULTURE, FLORA AND LOCAL FAUNA. SUGGESTIONS??thanks

hi. we just got back this wednesday from new zealand. we spent last weekend in auckland. it is a beautiful city. it rained off and on and it gets windy and cold. you should have a nice jacket.<BR>we stayed at the great ponsonby bed and breakfast. its a beautiful place. the folks are first class and their breakfast is the highlight. the place is easily reached from the auckland airport by shuttle bus which cost us $25 australian for my wife and i. the link bus system is so convenient. you just pay a $1.20 aust. every time you get on the bus or buy a day pass which includes the ferry. <BR>there are lots to see depending on what you are interested in doing.<BR>we then spent two days on the south island in christchurch. we first went to a b and b, the grange, which did not meet our expectations, so we ended up at th copthorne hotel. nice place. centrally located. you can walk to all the main attractions. we took a side trip to go on a two hour cruise and see the dolphins. christchurch is a nice town. the arts center and museum are worth visiting. plus, there are nice cafes and restaurants. christchurch is a lot cooler than auckland. <BR>i would love to go back to the south island and spend a week more. there is so much information available on the web to help you plan your trip. we avoided any guided tours so we can be free to do our thing.<BR>have a nice vacation!

Hi Ellen<BR>Two weeks in June in NZ. We can certainly find plenty for you to do and see. With your particular interests of hiking, kayaking with culture and flora and fauna thrown in it sounds like you are describing NZ and what we would picture as the perfect tourist.<BR>Where to go? In the North Island the Tongariro National park is a must and while in the area you may consider the Whanganui River trip. I would add in a visit to the Waitomo Caves and black water rafting. And a couple of days in the Bay of Plenty to do rafting and bush walking. You can easily plan an Auckland to Auckland loop. Remember in the North Island particularly on the eastern areas like the Bay of Plenty our winter temperatures are usuallu above 55 degrees F and June can often be fine and sunny (August and September tend to be wetter)<BR><BR>In the South island in June the weather is getting cooler with max daytime temperatures round 50 t0 60 degrees F but the days are often clear - just need warm gear when outside. Marlborough with cycling between wineries and kayaking on the Sounds, scenic places like Central Otago look wonderful and I have enjoyed many a holiday round Wanaka at that time of the year. Queenstown is not just a ski holiday it is a winter destination with loads of attractions.<BR>One winter attraction in NZ (and you didn't mention it but) is golf and in most areas you can play the courses.<BR><BR>If you need itinerary help contact me but I will be away in Fiji on holiday myself shortly.<BR>Kerry

Hi Ellen, firstly we do not use Australian money here, we do have our own, thanks very much to the previous replier. As to your desire to see the natural aspects of our beautiful country, I would suggest a swing thru the central North Island with a visit to our lovely and unique Tongariro National Park. You could stop at Taupo and have a trip on the lake, Errol Flynn's old yacht takes trips out and it's great. In Tongariro National Park they will be gearing up for the ski season but there are some beautiful walks in the bush and in the mountains there. You will see lots of native birds there but don't expect to see a kiwi.The ranger stations on both sides of Mt Ruapehu have all the information you need for hiking. The landscape is stunning. Then in the South Island, the Marlborough Sounds at the top end have much to offer with it's waterways and natural scenery. Nelson and Picton are both well worth stopping in. Abel Tasman National Park near there is a kayakers paradise and in june shouldn't be too cool yet as our seasons have changed somewhat over the past few years. I would also suggest a jet boat ride or even a kayak trip up a portion of the Whanganui River, you can access that from Ohakune and do the Ruapehu walks at the same time. That comes after Taupo. You should have a great time.

thanks for the info--I was afraid that so many places would be too cold but it sounds like it will work. A travel co. wrote and asked if we needed help with the itinerary after reading our request. H ave you ever used them// ALSO wHAT ABOUT fIJI????

Hi,how is your planning going.I noticed a previous reply mentioned Taupo in the middle of the north island.Heaps to do here along the lines you are after.If you need accommodation you may care to look at us at www.pillarshomestay.co.nz We can help with any planning you require.Cheers John.