After having a cruise cancelled out from underneath us, we were finally able to use our skymiles to OZ and NZ for May, 2009, YEAH! Before we begin planning I need some advice from you frequent travelers to down under. We are very casual travelers, will be renting a car, and would like to follow a very loose itinerary around the South Island. We will be there for 18 days. My first question that I couldn't seem to find an answer to after researching is...will we need to make motel reservations ahead? We prefer to just find "Mom & Pop" places along the way when we find an interesting, out of the way town. All input is greatly appreciated.

Highly unlikely you'd need to book ahead, rllit. I travel in the way you describe, just find somewhere interesting, suss out the accommodation & book in. I usually try to be at my overnight destination a couple of hours before nightfall, so I can have a good look around - find somewhere to eat, the local newsagent etc.

I find this way generally works best for me because I then have the flexibility to linger longer or move on as the whim takes me.

We've had several holidays in New Zealand and generally only book for the first and last nights at motels close to the airport. We've never had any problem in finding accommodation but if in doubt, ask your motel to make a booking for the next night. You could also check whether there are any local holidays or special events are going to be on at the town you want to visit.
We can recommend the Bella Vista chain of motels - modern, clean, and very helpful staff.

May is a great time to visit NZ and you shouldn't have any problems winging it with your lodging. I checked the 2009 NZ school holidays and it seems kids are back in school April 27 and there are no public holidays, so no issues there.

Thanks so much for your quick replies. At least I know I don't have to add motel shopping into my planning! Marg, I also reserve first and last night by the airport. Will write down the Bella Vista chain in my notebook I've started for reference. I'm so glad to hear we've picked a good month to travel. I know I will have more questions as the planning progresses! We're also going to be a week in and around Cairns before flying down to Christchurch so there is a lot of researching to be done for sure! Again, big thanks to you nice folks.

The following relates to NZ:

Pick up the AA, Jason's and BBH guides at the Auckland airport. Also, if you like mom & pop places the homestay/B&Bs are good choices. I think AA guides include the b&b listings, but if you're in the mood you can also reseach ahead of time thru bnb.co.nz Sometimes it takes a bit more time to get in contact with the owners at a homestay B&B.

Some of the BBH lodgings are very good, and have private rooms. Look for the ones with ratings over 85.

A few places you might want to call a few days ahead..inside Mt. Cook and around the west coast glaciers.

The one place I always book ahead is my favorite lodging in Christchurch, Windsor Hotel. It has a great location on Armagh Street and is an old boarding house with very owners, a cute dog, and a fullon English style breakfast.

The website is
www.windsorhotel.co.nz

I know a few other fodorites have tried it and liked it.