So give ourselves plenty of time to get to Wellington area, more than 1 day, just in case?

Looks like there are lots of flights from Wellington to Blenheim. My husband just mentioned a few days ago that someone we talked with recommended dropping the rental car in Wellington and flying to the South Island. I will check on car rentals there (I only drive an automatic)

Without starting a new thread wondering how all of you feel about travel dates (we're flexible)
We were thinking of leaving mid-late November until mid December. We like spring weather, but are we pushing it, is snow that common in December? Were roads closed in the Mountains?

I googled images of Bleneim and Picton, you're right Picton looks far more attractive, thanks!

No, snow is a bit strange for this time of year. It's summer, and in general it's been a dry and sunny one. This shows how unpredictable and changeable the weather can be. I don't think you have to worry about snow or ice at all, but you could encounter rainstorms, strong winds, cold, as well as very beautiful, warm and windless weather. If coming to the South Island, pack one outfit for cold, wind and rain (especially if you plan on tramping, kayaking, being on boats, going out at night). If you end up not needing these clothes, great! If need be, you can shop for such clothes after you've gotten here. NZ makes gorgeous and practical merino wool clothing.
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/...hern-ski-field
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/...ing-wellington

In general, Nelson through Blenheim (top of the South Island) enjoy the most sunshine. The East Coast of the North Island can be pretty sunny, too.

Picton's nice. It faces the sound. It's a base for cruises onto Queen Charlotte Sound, and day walks on Queen Charlotte Track. There are also some scenic walks within Picton itself.
http://www.visitpicton.co.nz/index.p...do/activities/
It's way smaller than Blenheim.

I'd be surprised if you had trouble renting an automatic car. It's not like Southern Europe, where manual transmissions are common.

Central Otago can also be very sunny. Alexandra, in Central Otago, can be the hottest place in summer and the coldest place in winter.

4:30 AM thoughts

I won't cry for the rest of my life if we don't see Glow Worms and Hobbiton

I might cry for the rest of my life if we don't see enough of the scenery on the South Island


<after arrival, consider then flying on to the South Island>

I'm thinking we might do that.

We could start our "itinerary" on the top of the South Island, flying from Auckland to Blenheim, then staying somewhere for 4 nights to rest up, near wine and gorgeous scenery


If by the time we plan the South Island, we have a few days left, maybe then we'll plant to explore afew days closer to Auckland, Waiheke or west and north of Auckland.

So I'm going back through your wine and accommodation recommendations for the Nelson/Marlborough areas :)

Your North Island then is pretty busy. You can do both in a day just make sure you get the 10 am Hobbiton trip and allow about 2 hours over to Waitomo.
It's a shame to miss Waiheke but with limited time it's not the easiest place to get to.
Day 3 is a long day of driving. Get going early and stop for a coffee in Taupo - it's lovely there. The Desert Road has great scenery and if there is a bit of snow on Mt Doom it's even better.
I would stay as close to the ferry terminal as possible and not Petone. Wellington does have traffic problems as the motorway is also the State Highway and basically the one road in and out of Wellington.
Weather wise this November was just weird! Snow one week and really hot the next. However stick with your plan of coming here in Nov/Dec 2018. It gets too busy and booked up in Jan/Feb.

Sorry, I guess I wasn't clear, we're going to totally skip the North Island to start with.

After we arrive in Auckland we will fly from Auckland to Blenheim, and pick up a rental car.

We'll plan to stay somewhere for 3-4 nights to rest up, near wine and gorgeous scenery, maybe in Picton or Havelock so we can visit the Marlborough area wineries/vineyards, then maybe 2 nights near Nelson area, then start driving south down the west coast

If by the time we plan everything we want to do on the South Island we have a few days left, maybe then once we fly back to Auckland, we'll plan to explore a few days close to Auckland, Waiheke or west and north of Auckland.

Wrenwood, I think it might be a good idea to start a new thread, as you mentioned, as your focus for this trip has changed, and because "Favorite Winery in New Zealand?" is no longer a good descriptor for your thread.

I suggest first making a list of what you'd like to see and do on the South Island, including a possible itinerary/route, with a reference to your earlier, winery and winery-accommodation focused thread. Then post it, entitling something like "South Island in Three Weeks or More."

Make sure to mention what you'd enjoy doing and seeing. For example, a lot of travelers to NZ note they'd like to do long or short hikes, kayaking, glacier ice climbing, white water rafting, jet-boating, scenic flights, Lord of the Ring location tours, fine dining, cheap eats, seeing mountains and lakes, cruising fiords, and so on. This will help folks in making suggestions.

I think it's better you change your mind now (with respect to itinerary) rather than after you've booked your international and domestic flights.

Havelock is not as practical for visiting wineries, as Picton. But it's a great place for a meal of Green Lipped Mussels, as it's the “Green Lipped Mussel Capital of the World".

Whether you stay in Picton or Blenheim, when driving to (or from) Havelock, you'll want to take pretty Queen Charlotte Drive. It's very winding, though, so wouldn't want to do this until well-rested. You also might want to stop, or make side-trips, along the way.
https://www.newzealand.com/my/featur...arlotte-drive/

One thing I didn't mention about flying into or out of Queenstown, is that if the weather is clear, you might be treated to a nice view of the Southern Alps.

More about that flight from Auckland to Queenstown:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/new...ectid=11708138

https://www.msn.com/en-nz/travel/tri...iVZ?li=BBqdk7P

If you're thinking of flying on Air New Zealand--if you haven't yet done so--sign up to receive regular updates by email on their latest fares, packages, and offers. Sometimes these special fares are accompanied by other inducements such as a free domestic flight or no charge for an extra checked bag. Planning so far ahead you'll have time to wait for a good deal on airfare.

You might enjoy this article just published about Cental Otago rosè. When you get to Central Otago, do try some. Those mentioned in the article are good choices. Central Otago's Terra Sancta also makes a good one.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/f...otago-wineries