Help with NZ Itinerary
 

We plan to visit New Zealand next March for 5-6 weeks and I am really struggling with the itinerary. Will greatly appreciate any suggestions. We want to see as much of the country as we can, but we don't want to run ourselves ragged.

I am wondering how much pre-booking I need to do (lodging, activities). I would like to have some flexibility, but would hate to miss out on something special because I didn't have a reservation.

Also, I am really overwhelmed by the number and variety of tours/activites available (and the costs!). Please help me sort thru the places that really deserve a splurge and the ones with cheaper options.

Thanks!

Days 1-4 Christchurch (side trips to Akaroa and wineries)

Days 5-6 Dunedin (including Penquin Place and Albatross Center), rent car

Days 7-8 Southern Scenic Route (possible overnights in Waikawa and Riverton)

Days 9-10 Te Anau (glowworm caves and cruise on Milford or Doubtful Sound)

Days 11-13 Glenorchy (Dart River Jet Boat, Arrowtown)

Day 14 Wanaka

Days 15-16 Franz Fox Glacier

Day 17 Greymouth (Pancake Rocks,)return car

Days 18-19 Tranzalpine and Kaikoura (whale watch, maybe dolphon swim)

Days 20-21 Wellington rent car

Days 22-23 Wairarapa (wineries, Patuna Chasm Walkway)

Days 24-25 Napier (art deoc walk, kiwi house, Hawkes Bay wineries)

Days 26-29 Rotorua (Whakaraeareawa, Maori concert and hangi, Buried Village, spa and thermal area), return car

Days 30 - 32 Auckland (side trip to Deveonport)

Days 33-36 Paihia (cruise, maybe dolphin swim, Cape Reinga, Russell)

Day 37 Auckland

Hi Reenie. We're doing our first trip to NZ in December - unfortunately only for 3 weeks. But there are some ideas to get you started on a thread called "need help getting my arms around new zealand." I posted a summary of our itinerary there too. We pre-booked most everything since we'll be there in high season, but the new zealanders who post on this board could give you a better idea as to how necessary that would be in March. We do know some people who went off-season and said that they had to stay really far away from the glaciers because of sold-out accommodations. If you need any assistance, I'm working with an excellent company in auckland and could give you that info if you like. Keep in mind that you can book some things yourself at better prices than an agent can because of student, senior or auto club discounts.

Hi, Reenie,
You have abviously done some solid planning.
Could I make the following suggestions based on personal knowledge of areas. You don't say what you are specifically interested in, the age group, or how many in your group. That can sometimes have a bearing on what advice is given.
Anyway, I would suggest you have only one night at Franz Josef as there is not a lot to do there. Day 16 move to Greymouth, Day 17 across on the TranzAlpine, overnight in Christchurch. Leave early the next morning (Day 18) for Kaikoura and whale-watching, staying overnight. This would allow a day up your sleeve should your w-w trip be cancelled because of the weather.
Perhaps you could do a dolphin swim in Akaroa Harbour (essential to pre-book).
How are you planning to get from Greymouth Christchurch to Kaikoura to Picton without a car, and crossing Cook Strait to Wellington?
Also, what plans have you for travel from Rotorua to Auckland, Paihia, etc, without a car?
There are two ferry companies now in New Zealand. We travel on the Bluebridge Line - website is www.bluebridge.co.nz - as they have more interesting departure times, and we like their ship. They have had many years' experience crossing Cook Strait
The interIsland line is on website - www.interislander.co.nz.
While in the Rotorua I would suggest visiting Orakei Korako, a small but interesting thermal area between Taupo and Rotorua.
I'll leave you to absorb this info before bombarding you with more!
Dot

Hi Dot,

Thanks so much for your helpful advice! We are in our fifties -- interested in history, art, wine, nature. I was thinking that we would do the train and ferry from Kaikoura to Wellington. And, buses from Rotorua to Auckland and also to/from Paihia. I was trying to give my husband some breaks from having to do so much driving. You are obviously very knowledgeable and I appreciate your suggestions!

Hi, Reenie,
The train trip from Christchurch to Picton is great.
In Wellington (the best NZ city and absolutely co-incidentally where I live!) don't forget to visit Te Papa, the national museum. There are lots of interesting places to visit in Wellington, and wonderful restaurants to dine at.
I fall into the same age bracket so understand the need to pace oneself! Not always something we do when on holiday overseas!!
I would recommend booking as much as you can once you have made your final decisions - that way you can relax, and bookings can always be changed at a later date.