We got back Saturday from our 3 week trip to New Zealand. Unfortunately it's now time to go back to work to pay for it all.

Had a great time and will post more details, accommodation reviews and a link to some photos, as soon as I've had chance to sort everything out. Meanwhile my highlights:

The thermal village in Rotorua - seeing the houses where people live amongst the steaming vents and boiling pools.

The Wilderness Lodge at Arthur's Pass - star gazing on a clear night and seeing more stars that I've ever seen - including a shooting star. Waking up at dawn to see the first rays of sun turning the snow capped mountain tops to pink.

The Sounds - the trip along the Milford road with snowy mountain tops appearing through the clouds, then arriving at Milford Sound in the sunshine to wonderful reflections and taking a short cruise on the Milford Wanderer. The overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound - a fantastic experience to get right away from it all amongst the swirling clouds and dramatic scenery - seeing seals and crested penguins on the rocks.

The Catlins - 2 nights at Nuggett Lodge with wonderful views over the beach. Seeing sea lions at close quarters on the beach and watching the yellow eyed penguins coming ashore at Roaring Bay.

The amazing forests full of giant tree ferns and mosses - I half expected to see a little dinasaur come running through at any moment.

I could go on but I'll save that for later - it is a fantastic place - if only it wasn't so far away from the UK.

Great to hear you had a good time Maria.

We look forward to your full trip report.

Lucky you having sunshine in Milford!

Sounds like you had a wonderful time and I'm very much looking forward to your report.

Looking forward to hearing the rest!

We just got back Saturday too Maria!
had 4 weeks there and started paying bills last night!
You lucky thing getting sunshine at Milford Sound! We loved it, but it was grey and drizzly. Not much info around about Doubtful Sound and we really want to go there sometime.
Looking forward to reading your trip report (I am just too lazy to report on 4 fun-filled weeks!)

Come'on Carylspall, at least give us a summary...

Aaaawgh! OK! Will post separately-especially for you.

Good - now I have two trip reports to look forward to!

melnq8 -I don't believe it!!! I did the first part of my trip report last night and posted it. Looked on this morning again and there's nothing there!
Thought for one awful minute that I may have put it on the wrong forum and awaited the comments from angry regulars, but no! Nothing! How annoying!
Sorry for intruding on your post Maria.
Hows your trip report coming on?
Will start again when I find time!

Found my posting! Its on the US forum! Aaaargh!!! How did i do that!!!

Here's the link to carylspall's NZ trip report on the US board for those who missed it -

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34894268

carylspall -

Thanks for posting a report - I enjoyed reading about your trip. We love NZ ice cream too and always manage to eat too much of it.