I am planning a trip to the South Island in December. Please share your experiences! Hotels, restaurants, sights, shopping, day trips, etc.... <BR> <BR>Thank you <BR>Isabel <BR>

Isabel: <BR>Can you be a little more specific as to what cities or areas you plan to visit. How long will you be there? Adults, kids? Are you going to rent a car? RV? Take the train? Fly? I have visited Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin, Invercargill, Kaikoura and other South Island places. However, I don't know where to begin to help you. Tell me a little bit about what you'd like to see or do. I'll see if I can help. <BR>John

Hi <BR> <BR>My advice is... <BR> <BR>hire a car and have no particular intinerary. Just have a list of must see places but leave time for unplanned delights... <BR> <BR>Visit <BR>Wanaka and Hawea lakes in Otago (soo beautiful, the lakes and mountains will make your eyes hurt) <BR>Queenstown (fun, beautiful) <BR>The glaciers (the only glaciers in the world that are at sea level) <BR>The west cost (very dramatic seascapes) <BR>Punakaiki (also known as Pancake Rocks) in the West coast - amazing at sunset, starnge rock formations) <BR>Te Anau (another lovely lake with the most beautiful intouched national parks surrounding it) <BR>Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound - do a cruise on at least one of these to sea navy blue water and peaks that look like they come from Tahiti) <BR>Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki (you will not believe the colour of these lakes - pure turquoise. And the huge mountains in the background set it off to perfection) <BR>Nelson and Marlborough (wineries, delightful coastline) <BR>Abel Tasman area - sublime deserted beaches in a national park <BR> <BR>Thats just a small selection!! You will find so many outstanding lakes, towns, forests, parks, mountains on your travels that are never mentioned in any guidebooks. Pick up an AA hotel guide (free) when you arrive and just book as you go. NZ has a very reliable ratings system for all accomodation and because of the exchange rate, everything is very cheap. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps - post any specific questions here and i'll try and help <BR> <BR>sonia

We've visited the South Island, and posted our adventures on our webpages... check them out at http://home.talkcity.com/PassportPl/.../nz_intro1.htm <BR>and ask us any questions that you may have.

Hi <BR>Just sent my trip report from last November to the top. It includes 11 nights that we spent on the south island (weather, restaurants, lodging, shopping, tours.) Hope it helps. Have a great trip!