First I want to say that I always use the message boards when planning our vacations. Everyone has a wealth of information that they share and it is so appreciated by us in the planning stages. Our next destination is for New Zealand/Tahiti next March or April. I have a few questions for you travel experts! When should I start shopping for airfare and how much should I expect to pay at that time of year from L.A. (just a ballpark)! Also, will we need to make room reservations at this time of year? We'll be renting a car and prefer to just stop when and where we feel like it. We are planning a two week stay and haven't started any definite itinerary yet. Will the weather be decent, i.e. any snow at that time?! I thank you kindly and welcome any input.

Generally, the lowest fares for the Fall season are posted within a month or so of the travel. This doesn't help you, but QF has just posted the lowest fares I've ever seen $498 to Aukland, $598 to Sydney from LAX. This is good for travel next month only. I've never seen anything close to it.

Typical coach fares on this route are around 1500 and discounts are not common.

LThom

If you are coming down from LA via Tahiti you have two main options. Air New Zealand and Air Tahiti Nui. Both fly to Auckland via Tahiti. Check their websites they often have deals. Though your travel agent may be more likely to get a better deal.

Weather wise in NZ in March April, you are going into Autumn (Fall). In the North March can still be warm in Auckland around 20 - 24 degrees celsius. In the South it depends where you are. In the mountains cool. There is a chance of snow in April in the mountains (above 5000 feet) but it rarely hangs around at that time of year. In fact on the East coast of the South Island if there is a norwester blowing the temp can get up to 30 celsius in March.

Around Easter time there is a two week school holiday. If you are heading for a tourist area at that time bookings may be advisable. If you are flexible on where you are staying then finding accomodation should be relatively straightforward. It may pay to ring ahead to check availability. If you are bringing a mobile phone please note that NZ uses GSM and CDMA networks. I don't think that these are in common use in the US. Check with your mobile company, I understand that Tri band phones available in the US will work in NZ. Of course you can always hire one here or use a phone card from public phones.

When you get to New Zealand pick up a Jason's guide to accomodation. It lists virtually everywhere in NZ and their telephone numbers. These guides are free at reception of hotels/motels.

Hope this helps

Steve

Thanks Mike and Steve for your replies. I've not been able to get on this computer for a few days to see your posts! Steve the weather sounds like it will be just the way we like it. We're from Florida so we're used to warm but prefer around the 70 farenheit! I have found an airfare from L.A. to Auckland to Papeete and back to L.A. for $1608. I think that sounds like a good price considering it includes our leg to Tahiti. Thanks again. I'm sure there will be many more questions before we're finally THERE! Laura

LThom

Just to give you an idea of how the weather can be.

We have just got back from a weekend in the Bay of Islands.

The days were great, temperatures in the low to mid twenties. However due to clear skies the evenings were very cool. At the place where we were staying we lit a fire as the night temp was only around 10 celsius.

As you can see there is a bit of variance even in one day.

As has been noted on this sight before the best idea is to wear layers.

Hope this helps

Steve

Mike, where did you find $598 for June to Sydney?