My husband and I (mid 50's) will be arriving Auckland morning of 2 Sep 07 and leaving mid-day 4 Sep 07 staying at SkyCity Hotel Victoria St). We will then fly to Queenstown (staying at Crown Plaza on Beach St) for 4 days. Looking for recommendations on what to see to get the most out of this short stay to get a feel of the country. Also looking for moderately priced dining options. (nothing touristy or high-end but not McDonalds ;-). Thanks for your help.

I can't help with the South Island, but we spent our time in Auckland taking the 10-minute ferry ride to Devonport and doing a self-guided walking tour. We had lunch at the Cod Piece in Devonport - I ate some great really fresh fish with kumara fritters, and Mr. Pickle had a Kiwi burger, which was also very good.

The next morning we spent some time at the Auckland Museum before heading back to the States. It's an excellent museum and would give you a bit of NZ history before you head south.

Lee Ann

Here in Auckland there are a lot of eating options. As you are based at Skycity you may wish to try out their restaurants. They have a revolving one at the top of the tower that is part of the complex.

In Victoria street there are other eating otions. The Thai restaurant on Victoria, one block toward Albert Street on the left hand side has some pretty tasty dishes. Raviz Indian restaurant on Hobson street diagonally across from Sky city is a good venue for a nice Indian meal. If you feel like a short walk, go down Hobson Street to the bottom, cross over Fanshawe street aiming for the Sebel hotel. At the base of the hotel is the Viaduct area. there are about 40 eateries/bars along this area which backs onto the Viaduct Harbour. Good places to eat are Soul Bar, NZ fusion food. Portofino, casual Italian. Kermedec, good seafood. Euro Bar, trendy fusion food. Along the waterfront about 100 metres east of teh Viaduct is the ferry building Harbourside restaurant upstairs is consistently good (seafood again). Cin Cin downstairs is worth a look, though it can be full of the "beautiful people" and a bit off putting if that is not your thing.

So there are a few Auckland suggestions. There are over 1,000 food outlets from McD's to High end gourmet in AKL so you will not go hungry.

As Lee Ann suggested, take a ferry across to Devonport, or even take one out to Waiheke Island and explore there. I see one of yours days in AKL is a Sunday. If you head to Waiheke on that day you should be able to catch a few vineyards open for meals and tasting. Check with the AKL visitors centre before you go to see what is available. There are organised tours you can take on the island to get the maximum out of your visit there.

In Queenstown, get to the visitors centre corner of Shotover and Camp streets. It is fairly central, or quiz your Concierge. There is so much to do In Queenstown that you can end up being a bit too busy on a four day trip. A trip to the visitors centre may put you on the right path.

I would however recommend getting out on a jetboat trip. Trying the local wines, and if you are into skiiing trying out the local fields.

I hope some of this is a starter for you.

We ate at a restaurant in Queenstown called "Wai" at Steamer Wharf and thought it was excellent. Good service as well.

Just back from NZ...in Auckland spend some time walking around the Domain and the Auckland Museum. In Queenstown book a day-trip out to Milford Sound. The day-trips can be pricey and long but so worth it.