We are a couple from South Africa in our early thirties visiting NZ for the first time in December 2010.

We are visiting family in the NI en would like to see the highlights in our time there. We enjoy nature and urban life similarly but I must confess that i am really looking forward to experience nature walks and kayaking in this beautiful country

Would really appreciate suggestions for accommodation (are thinking b&b's), restaurants etc. and any tips that may help us.

We are renting a car (is Thirfty a good choice?) and our budget is moderate.

Here is my first attempt for an itinerary:

18/12: Arrive in Auckland (visiting family)
19/12: Auckland
20/12: Rotorua
21/12: Rotorua
22-26/12: Wellington (visiting family over Christmas)
27/12: Nelson
28/12: Somewhere along the west coast (Please make suggestions???)
29/12: Fox Glacier
30/12: Fox Glacier
31/12: Queenstown
01/01: Queenstown
02/01: Ta Anau
03/01: Ta Anau
04/01: Dunedin
05/01: Dunedin
06/01: Mt Cook area
07/01: Mt Cook area
08/01: Christchurch
09/01: Christchurch
10/01 Fly back home

Please help!!

I am thinking of leaving out the two nights in Nelson and West Coast and instead stay over two nights in Abel Tasman Park (Marahau), and then drive straight to Fox Glacier. I know it is 500+ km but it is doable, and Marahau looks like a fabulous two night stay

If you are driving on the North Island and like to do hiking you could stop around Tongariro National Park, you might even like to hike the Tongariro Crossing (it takes most of a day). I stayed at The Park Lodge in National Park.

www.the-park.co.nz

You will be traveling during peak vacation times, so bear that in mind. Although you may find some good prices in the city hotels.

I have not used Thrifty. I like both Avis and Apex.

If you don't have an urge to do the Wellington Crossing, you also might want to look at an itinerary where you fly from Wellington to the South Island. Usually your car rentals are easier to book oneway from south to north.

I highly recommend The Croft, a B&B in Te Anau.

How are you getting from Wellington to the SI?

Having been involved in tourism in the South island for some years now I can only say that you are travelling in the very busiest time.
You need to lock in accommodation now for the West Coast and Queenstown (and I mean now!!).
I have managed hotels on the Coast and Queenstown for over 12 years and they both run at 100% occupancy from 27th Dec till 7th jan every year.
Do not consider a drive from from Abel Tasman to Fox Glacier at this time of year under any circumstances!! - Punakaiki is a nice half way stop.

Thanx for the info guys!

We are planning to use the ferry crossing from Wellington to SI

500 K in NZ is like 800+K anbwhere else....in a good way but don't count on making great time ANYWHERE In NZ

Is Twizel our best bet for discovering the Mount Cook Area? The Hermitage in Mt Cook is just to expensive for us and doesn't get that great reviews on trip advisor! Any ideas for b&b's?

Twizel is a good choice. The Hermitage is overrated and overpriced IMO, atlhough it's been many years since I stayed there.

Here's another option in Mt Cook:

http://www.aorakialpinelodge.co.nz/

Here are some B&Bs in the area, although I have no personal experience with them:

http://www.aatravel.co.nz/main/listi...istingId=65334

http://www.heartland-lodge.co.nz/

http://www.charmingaccommodation.co....breakfast.html

We once visited Mt Cook as a day trip from Lake Tekapo, which is another possibility if it works with your itinerary.

I have used the YHA in Mt. Cook. But it's best if you book one of the private rooms, they are upstairs and quieter than the dorms.


The Mt Cook Alpine Lodge has some nice reviews from a few Fodorites.

I would spend more and stay in the Hermitage, or go down a notch and sleep at the YHA. There's also Glentanner which is near the airport.

And never never stay at the Godley in Tekapo!

Have booked accomm as follows:

Rotorua: Inala Nalood
Abel Tasman: Ocean view chalets
Punakaiki: Bluewaves b&b
Fox Glacier: Rainforest Motel
Queenstown: Crown View b&b
Manapouri: Cathedral Peaks
Dunedin: St. Clair Beach Resort
Twizel: Heartland b&b
Christchurch: Eliza's Manor on Bealy

Any comments from fodorites would be appreciated

Ocean View Chalets gets good reviews here on Fodor's.

Have a good trip!

Thanks Melq8, i really enjoyed your trip reports!

St. Clair Beach Resort? St.Clair is a suburban district of Dunedin that's a bit rundown and not near the main sights.

Although if you have a car it will be okay.

St. Clair Beach Resort have good tripadvisor reviews and and view from the rooms are amazing! Hopefully it will be ok...

I would take into account the NUMBER of TripAdvisor reviews... 3. And each person has ONLY reviewed the St. Blair Beach Resort.

Now it may turn out to be just fine..but I"m just saying...

Your choice for Punakaiki (Bluewaves Homestay) is excellent. We stayed there, and the place as well as the hosts are awesome.
For Twizel, I would highly recommend Omahau Downs. We regretted spending only one night there...the place was fabulous.
I am sure your other choices are good.

Thanx indiancouple!

I enjoyed your trip report so much, it was obvious that you loved every second of your adventure.