Family trip to NZ
 

Our family hopes to travel to New Zealand in late September/early October 2008. We are a group of 8 adults and 4 children(8-13yrs). We would like a self-service chalet/farmhouse/accommodation for two weeks. Does anyone have any ideas or knowledge of the above. We would like something in pleasant surroundings such as lakeside etc. Cheers Pawsha

Hi Pawsha

Try this site

http://www.bookabach.co.nz/

Hi Pawsha!

No problem finding that type of accommodation, but I wonder, have you been to NZ before? If not, it seems a shame to base yourselves for a full two weeks in one area.

You don't mention if you have any preferences for the North or South island?

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Kiwi Specialist

Hi Melodie, Looks like we will be going to Australia/New Zealand for a few weeks in mid to late Oct. What would you recommend as highlights to get to in that time frame?

Thanks,

Beth

Hi Honeybear....

recommended highlights? It would help to know what your family's intrests are. Granted, two staples are usually Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef.

It also depends on your timeframe - you say "a few weeks" - a few as in two? Combining both countries in that timeframe isn't adviseable.

Hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie & Kiwi Specialist

Thanks for your reply Melodie. I have been away and have only just accessed your answer. The reason we were going to base ourselves in one place was because we only have the 2 week school holiday break and we will be travelling with 4 children aged 9 yrs to 14yrs. We are flexible with which island but would want to keep the kids interested. If your can suggest something I would be grateful
Thanks heathy for your website. It is most helpful.

Hi Pawsha,

Sounds like you've scrapped Australia and will concentrate on New Zealand for your two week trip, is that correct?

I would suggest the South Island as I think there are more opportunities to keep the kids involved and interested. In the Queenstown area alone there are heaps of things for them to do, such as whitewater rafting, jet boating, luge (great fun for everyone), bungy jumping, minature golf, going into Milford Sound and seeing dolphins riding the bow waves, 4WD tours, Lord of the Rings, hiking, panning for gold, out to Walter Peak for horseback riding, BBQ, experiencing the Earnslaw (old steam engine) and sitting on a really big steer while out there!

I'm not sure you want to spend the entire 2 weeks there, but there are lots of other experiences in the South Island, so maybe you could split your time up a bit. Perhaps fly into Christchurch, take the TranzAlpine train, do a half day glacier walk, and then down into Queenstown? There are accommodations there where you'll have access to a full kitchen and laundry.

Hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Kiwi Specialist