We are doing an independent driving tour in November and have tentatively selected lodging that is usually in town, often with views. I tried doing some searches but there does not seem to be anywhere near the volume of data that is on the Europe forum. Since there are 2 couples, we are looking in some cases at 2 bedroom units. Has anyone stayed or is aware of any plus's or minus regarding the following (or have other suggestions): <BR>Blenheim - The Marborough (or would Picton be better? and then where?) <BR>Kaikoura - Tending toward White Morph but how about Fifeshire or what else. <BR>Akaroa - Akora Village inn or Oinaka Lodge <BR>Franz Josef or Fox lodging - Punga Grove or suggestion <BR>Queenstown - The Waterfront condos, Evergreen lodge or suggestion <BR>Dunedin - Larnach or Fletcher? <BR> <BR>Thanks for any help in advance. Planning NZ is alot tougher than Europe, where we used mostly Rick Steves guides.

In Queenstown, we stayed at The Lodges <BR>(http://www.thelodges.co.nz/) <BR>and loved it. We stayed in a lakefront townhouse that had 2 2/2 baths and 3 bedrooms. The view from the deck and master bedroom of the leg was great. And the washer/drer in the unit made it easy for us to pack light. <BR> <BR>Although there were only 2 of us, with the US Dollar being so strong..the price was very reasonable. <BR> <BR>Queenstown was one of the highlights of our trip. You will love it. <BR> <BR>PS. If you hike, we found a great short hike up the mountain that offers an incredible 36 degree view.

dont know the hotels but you could get the "lonely planet guide to new zealand" <BR>or try <BR>www.purenz.com <BR>www.tourism.net.nz <BR>when you arrive get the AA automobile association accommodation guide.cheers

WWW.AAGUIDES.CO.NZ/ <BR> <BR>HTTP://NEW-ZEALAND-NET.COMMUNITECH.NET/HOLIDAY/WEBSITE/ INTRO <BR>HAVE A GRT TRIP, ITS A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY.

We recently spent the weekend at Mangawhero Villas B&B in Ohakune (central North Island ski village). <BR> <BR>My boyfriend and I were the only people there over a holiday weekend, and were made to feel as if we were an unwelcome inconvenience to the host Patricia. Requests were more often met with an irritated sigh than a smile (eg to alter the breakfast menu slightly due to my allergy to sausages) and she was particularly rude to us when we overstayed the checkout time by an hour (after returning from a bike ride). Everything seemed to be too much bother to her. At $80 per night, this was very poor value for money! <BR> <BR>As a New Zealander, I would be embarrassed if this is the sort of welcome travellers receive in my country.

I discovered a group of wonderful B & Bs throughout New Zealand. <BR> <BR>http://www.intimatenz.com <BR> <BR>Have fun in NZ - it's wonderful

Have you considered B&B? <BR>Picton, The Gables <BR>Kaikoura, The Old Convent <BR>Akaroa, Kawatea Farmstay <BR>Franz Josef, Westwood Lodge <BR>Dunedin, Nesbit Cottage <BR> <BR>We are sure the hosts will really make your New Zealand vacation memorable.

We are just back from a beautiful trip in NZ. We have NOT booked any place in advance and had no trouble finding places to stay. As the NZ$ is only 0.40 USD, the prices of motels are ridiculously low, and all the motels we stayed in were simply fantastic. The rates per night were between 28-60USD. All motel units had a fully equipped kitchen, TV, some had more than 1 room. Some had even dishwashers, washers and dryers. 2 of them had even hot tubs! <BR>We also stayed in B+Bs. They all were great!!! We found them in the "Bed and Breakfast in NZ" book. <BR>I really don't think you have to plan so much ahead. The people are SO VERY VERY NICE there, they have plenty of beautiful motels and B+Bs. <BR>Take it easy and enjoy theis great place. <BR>Ada

We did a two couple thing for 1 month in early 1999. We only booked the first week and then just "winged" it for the rest of the trip. We drove and then found a place we wanted to stay. NZ hotels are wonderful and their owners are most accomodating. Given when you are going (as it is not the regular holiday season for NZ), I would just wing it and you will not be disappointed. Get an AMA travel book or some other travel book that has hotels, motels and just go for it. Enojoy.

Just got back. We did reserve everything and when you only have 11 nights, I would not do it any other way. Yes rates are great, as a result, everyone is going. Almost every plane was packed. In the fall NZ has show weekends and places like Blenheim, Kaikoura, Akora, Franz Josef and Dunedin were packed. I talked with a canadian who spent 3 hours searching for a room in Dunedin and ended up in a Hostel. <BR>Especially since we were 2 couples and location was important, it worked best for us to reserve. Since most places you do not have to prepay, we still got the advantage of the rate and stayed where we wanted to. Some of the views were incredible from the motor lodges and cottages and condos. <BR>We enjoyed knowing where we were going to stay and through email, the places were very helpful in coordinating car returns, train tickets, restaurant reservations, etc. <BR>Bottom Line, what ever works best for you is the way to go!!!