My husband and I want to take advantage of the three weeks off that we have between Dec. 14 and Jan 8th by traveling to NZ. But we're afraid that it will be over-run with fellow travelers and difficult to find places to stay, etc. Has this been anyone else's experience?

Also, are things spread out a bit so as to necessitate us moving accommodations every 2-3 days? My husband doesn't feel like we're in a car for most of the trip, so is there one major part of the island to focus on?

It is a busy time - summer holidays and christmas. So you do need to book!! However, over the public holidays accommodations will be busy but everything is quieter as people spend time with families.

Cities like Wellington get quieter as everyone leaves town for Xmas.

NZ is never overrun like say Europe can be in August. But it certainly is busy and I would make sure you are not driving on the 22/23 Dec or Jan 2. That is when the roads will be chaos with everyone returning.

Focus on the south island. Spend 3-4 days in Queenstown or nearby. A car is very useful for day trips. Perhaps 3 in Christchurch (although I always say NZ is not about cities !!) 2-3 in Dunedin.

But you will need to drive out of the cities for day trips to see some of the best parts.

Perhaps spend some time in Malbourough - wineries, walks.

If you want to do any of the great walks you will need to book over that period.

Book Queenstown soon.

Hope this helps

Thanks so much for the input. Does anyone have any recommendations of affordable places to stay. I have no idea how far things are apart from eachother, but my main interest is hiking and natural scenery.

Hi Redpen

If you follow the link below you will find hundreds of accomodation choices.

http://www.jasons.com/2271,,,,,PG,1,...EARCHFOR=ACCOM

If you are travelling from town to town, check out the motel options. Generally NZ motels are very good, clean and they have cooking facilities which makes for convenient travelling. As has been noticed though, accomodation can book up if you are not quick on getting in. So I would get onto it pretty soon.

What are your interests and budget? Your idea of "affordable" may differ from mine.

If you like, you can see pictures of how we spent 10 days on the North Island in 2004 here - http://community.webshots.com/user/ElendilPickle

Do get a good guidebook and start thinking about what you'd like to do. Activities will book quickly that time of year.

Lee Ann