travelling during the December holiday season and trying to book accommodation only now seems to a not so good idea! most of the good places are booked out!

need suggestions for wellington (in the CBD area), and Akaroa (tried most of the places on trip advisor and they are booked out!) looking at a budget around 150-200NZD. and Christchurch (may be leave it till later?)

any ideas?

try wotif.com. The lowest prices are usually only listed 30 days in advance -- but it should show you what's available on your dates.

In Christchurch I can highly recommend the www.gothicheightsmotel.co.nz - nicely kept, very friendly and accommodating owner couple. Not in the city center but a short walk along the park in a quieter location, also in easy walking distance from the Botanic Gardens, the Art Center etc.

If you go on the Tranzalpine train to Greymouth, the owner will drop you off or pick you up.

As you fly into Christchurch, before going into town spend an hour at the Antarctic Center adjacent to the airport- hugely interesting (Antarctic Expeditions are staged in Christchurch) - see www.iceberg.co.nz

Gothic Heights Motel
430 Hagley Avenue
Christchurch, 8011
New Zealand
Phone: 0064-3-366 0838
Fax: 0064-3-366 0188
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.gothicheightsmotel.co.nz

Slow traffic on this board, eh? If you get nothing else suggested, and if you are not looking for an extended stay but just for a night's lodgings, try this:

Motel 747, 80 Kilbirnie Cres., Kilbirnie, Wellington NZ Tel. +64 4 9391747 email: [email protected]

Not in the CBD area but handy to the airport, definitely not upscale but not shabby either, just simple and functional. A decent Chinese restaurant down the street, a grocery store a bit further, not what you'd call a "very nice" area, not a slum either. We felt safe and comfortable for a late arrival and early departure - nothing wrong with the place but I wouldn't want to make it an extended stay there, it's ten minutes from the CBD.

If nothing else works out for you, maybe this will help.

Definitely visit the centrally located National Museum www.tepapa.govt.nz/

This place will be well under your budget. It is nothing fancy, but just simple, practical accommodations. They offer apartments with kitchens, parking. They are also within walking distance of a lot of nice restaurants.
http://www.wellingtonnz.com/accommod...city_motor_inn

The Holiday Inn is a little dated, but it has a great location, right at the waterfront within walking distance of Te Papa, lots of great restaurants, and not too far from the CBD. It also falls within your price range. Plus, Wotif.com will allow you to book in advance and save on the rate.

thanx for the suggestions!

travelling with 2 kids,a toddler and a baby - so choices are limited.most small places/b&bs are for couples only. was looking at a central hotel(novotel/holiday inn?) walking distance to te papa, cuba str etc. any recommendations?

Also was wondering whether its better to return the rental car in wellignton and pickup a new one from picton? is the ferry crossing a hassle with a car..? if not the rental rates dont make a difference.

oh -by the wy, we have 2 nights in wellignton..

Ferry crossing of rental cars is typically not allowed, so you will have no choice.

Maui Rentals used to let you take your car on the ferry, but check their website for details.

Lee Ann

thought apex gives you a free ferry ticket for the vehicle!!

but just wanted to know whether its a hassle to do it. (does it take a lot of time/paper work etc.)??

Re: car on ferry. What I remember from February 2010 - check in with a car is earlier than walk-on (perhaps an hour?) but cars get to come off first. We dropped our rental in Picton as we were staying in Wellington for 2 nights and didn't need a car there. Check out Interislander's website.

In Christchurch we stay here www.stonehurst.co.nz/ . The place is clean and a few minutes walk into the city.

Have you tried City Apartments in Wellington?

thanks guys - all booked and ready to go. decided to go with the same car for the whole trip..