i intended to go to australia but decided to stay in NZ. origanaly trip was for 8 day now it is for 15. I will fligh into christchurch and move my way to auckland. I Have an a very flexible itinerary (self drive) what do you all think of booking hotels as i go??? Im i going to get much higher rate? what do you all recomend?

thank you charlie

This was about Xmas - NY time wasn't it Charlie?

So that's going to be peak time for NZ, especially on the south island as they have a shorter window on better weather and a lot of NIs flock across in addition to visitors from elsewhere.

I'd be booking at least a couple of days ahead of you progressively and you may find you'll be using up a bit of time doing that, and not doing anything at all could see you sleeping in the car.

In addition to their www.holidayparks.co.nz and I think there's another chain with a web site of something like www.top10.com that one could be, both having cabins etc., which could already be booked out, the youth/backpacker hostels in NZ are pretty good - www.bbh.co.nz and www.yha.co.nz .

Will not be too bad a time of year for camping and so a cheap tent from a Warehouse Store might be a good back up, but if not inclined that way, with the additional flexibility you have, I'd opt for trying accomodation in all the smaller places a bit more of the main routes for you can find some great older pubs tucked away here and there.

If you do the twin coasts tour route north of Auckland, the Masons Hotel in Rawene on south side of Hokianga Harbour is a great spot - it's on the market too and you just might decide to stay - cheap as chips with the exchange rate, and on the north side (a ferry across) there's Kohukohu I think the place is called and another nice pub.

Lots of B&Bs and farmstays all over NZ too, so I'd do some googling and have a list of places with phone numbers for the various locations you might be heading towards.

I think your dates were more like November to early December? That was the same window I went two years ago. I was suprised that many popular low-cost places (such as the YHA hostels in major tourism centers) were solidly booked. If your budget is unlimited and it doesn't matter if you wind up with the most expensive room in town, then you'll probably be okay.

If you go on the yha.co.nz you can plug in dates and get an idea if your dates are nearly sold out. If so you might want to book and then cancel or change dates. Perhaps with the weaker Kiwi dollar people are not looking for the lowest cost rooms.

Hi, Charlie.

Do you have a rough itinerary worked out, or are you looking for suggestions on that as well? If so, any idea on how you want to split your time between the two Islands?

What will your travel dates be?

The problems with the world economy are starting to hit the travel industry here in NZ, but the major effect of this is not likely to be felt until next year. Some advance booking would be prudent but, usually, if you are prepared to be flexible, you will be able to pick up a hotel room, motel, B&B, etc. somewhere in the locality that you want. Some of the more remote areas can be a bit more difficult.

correct: i will be there nov 19th-dec 4th. I have lots of flex. no i dont have a route plan yet but have an idea. I will start in Chritchurch and work my way up to auckland. My pref would be to enjoy my trip (reality is i dont want to have to cram in destinations) I have 14 day-any suggestions (keeping in mind a relaxed pace) i have rented a car may drive from south to north.

You'll be about before the Xmas school holiday crush and so that will make it a lot easier in you finding accommodation on the run.

Renting a car is a good option and before heading north from Christchurch, I would consider the southern loop down Queenstown way, taking the inland alps.lakes and west coast routes for the best scenery.
From Queenstown you ought to also consider a trip/cruise of Milford Sound.

And from Queenstown north you could look at either the coast or again go inland towards Nelson, I having only done the coastal route but I'd expect the inland route could be more spectacular.

15 days is still going to be something of a rush for both islands and even the south island alone so I'd get a good plan in your head or decide that if you are liking the south island wandering about, then you may not get to see much of the North Island at all.

If your itinerary is flexible, I would check the weather for the South Island on your arrival date. Have a few routes (and directions) planned ahead.

I agree it is worthwhile to do the South Island loop but it needs at least a week. I'd only do the west coast if the weather is good. It's mostly about views there, and if there aren't any it can be dissapointing to take 3 or 4 days out of a short stay. On Day 1 of travel, check the weather for the west coast. If it looks good, head over Arthur's Pass. If not, head down the east side of the Southern Alps (basically do the following 8-day loop in reverse).

Day 1. Arthur's Pass to the glaciers. Stop near Porter's Pass for a view of the "Narnia Rocks", at the top of the pass, walk the short Dobson Nature Trail for a good chance of seeing the Mt. Cook lily in bloom. You'll probably see a kea or two around the parking lot. You can make it in one travel day to Franz Joseph, but it's quite a long day. You can also overnight in Hokitika, which gives you a chance to visit the glow-worm dell north of town.

Day 2 - 3. The glaciers area deserves at a full day and an overnight. If you're hurrying, on Day 3 continue to Wanaka or Queenstown. There are some worthwhile stops.

Day 4-5 It seems sad to travel to NZ without seeing either Milford or Doubtful Sound. It's a full day roundtrip from Queenstown.

Day 6-7 This would be the day to return north from Wanaka/Queenstown to Christchurch. The inland route via Hwy 8 is much more scenic. Even if you decide not to take the time to go into the park to see Mt. Cook, you'll see the glacial blue lakes Pukaki and Tekapo. If the weather is good, my advice is to add an overnight and go in toward Mt. Cook. The Mt. Cook YHA tends to fill up well in advance, but there's always something available in Twizel.

Day 8 Christchurch, travel to Kaikoura and on to Picton for the ferry crossing.

Day 9-10 Here you can decide if you want to add a day or two to see Nelson and Abel Tasman, and take away a few days from the North Island.

Day 11 Crossing to Wellington, visit Te Papa

Day 12 Wellington to National Park/Volcanoes

Day 13 National Park to Taupo to Rotorua

Day 14 Rotorua to Auckland via Waitomo

Day 15 Auckland

You all have been Amazing! thank your for the great feedback and time spent. I like the loop that was suggested. are the glaciers and queenstown a must see? may just cut across arurthur's pass and start heading up to nelson/marlborough region. via hired car. the other option that is posible is taking the train across arthurs pass. im tossed up? i love the idea of a self drive but dont want to rush. we love to explore towns/cities-hang out have the local refreshing bev. and see were the day goes.

In the SI, you could try:

Day 1. ChCh to Wanaka -- about 5 hours driving allowing for the odd stop.

Day 2. Wanaka to Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers -- about 5 hours.

Day 3. Fox or Franz.

Day 4. Fox or Franz to Punakaiki --about 3 hours.

Day 5. Punakaiki to Takaka -- about 4 hours.

Day 6. Takaka to Nelson, Blenheim or Picton -- about 2-3 hours.

Day 8. Ferry from Picton over to Wellington.

Queenstown is about 1.5 hours driving from Wanaka and, as stated, Milford Sound is a full day trip from Queenstown. If you have seen fiords before, Milford may be something that you would not mind missing. The route that I have outlined would also miss the Arthurs Pass traverse of the Southern Alps, but you would see some spectacular coastal scenery (rugged surf and golden beaches)and beautiful native bush and have the opportunity to do some great walks in the Glacier and Punakaiki areas if that appeals to you. As well, the Nelson and Blenheim regions have ample opportunity for wine-tasting. I think that you would be suitably compensated for missing Milford Sound.

The driving times that I have shown are easily achievable and allow for fairly sedate going. If you are able to devote another day to the SI, you might like to go direct to Queenstown on Day 1 and then go to Milford or slip in an extra day somewhere else.

I have assumed that you will need to be in Picton reasonably early on the day that you catch the ferry to Wellington, and that is why I have suggested that you should get to Nelson, Blenheim or Picton for the last night.