Hi TP! I was perusing Fodors and came across this TR. I always loved your TRs and photos and this did not disappoint. Hope all is good with you. DC is sure a mess, eh?

yestravel, Happy New Year. Thank you. Definitely more tense in DC these days if nothing else although the quiet of the holidays has helped some.

Thank you for this great report. I am in early stages of planning to visit New Zealand and Fiji next year. I am not clear on how you travelled around New Zealand however. Did you rent a car and also take uber and other transport? Or just the transport. We are planning to rent a car so wondered if that is the best option. Thanks for your report on Fiji too. I was there 40years ago and loved it, I am a beach person though, although at this age may get bored just lying around on the beach all day. May be rethinking other than a two day stop over on the way .

live42day, in the cities in New Zealand, we walked, used Uber and public transport. To get between cities, we hired a driver. It's expensive, but we're non-drivers and prefer not to go on a group tour. If renting a car is an option, it is the best option when going between cities. Having a car will give you the freedom to stop and go as you please, and in New Zealand there are plenty of places to stop and have a look. Happy planning. If you have questions as you plan, just ask.

tripplanner001 Wow!!! I never can imagine one can visit New Zealand and covered a vast part of the region without a car. Kudos to you excellent planning.

We visited New Zealand in April 2019, covering parts of South Island and North Island, but we rented cars in both islands. I am thinking of visiting NZ again when we visit my sister who lives in Perth. I want to visit the northern part of South Island which we did not go the last time.

I was thinking about Tongariro Alpine crossing that we did not do last trip. After reading your report, I think I have to let it go. We did the trail to the upper Tama Lake which turned out to be fabulous.

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New Zealand is beautiful but weather can be unpredictable when planning a trip.

Cherthor, those photos are gorgeous. The good thing about NZ is that there are trails for all abilities and the scenery is fantastic anywhere you turn.