Hi, <BR> <BR>Hubbie and I are off to NZ for three days in August. Where should we go - Auckland, Christchurch or Queenstown ? We only have three days however we have a Maui Motorhome. Also, do I run the great risk of road closures (snow) in the South Island around August.. <BR> <BR>

Hi, Dee! <BR>As I've only been in New Zealand in Feb/March I can't tell you what it's going to be like in August. But I would pick Queenstown because it is beautiful, spectacular scenery that will take your breath away! You will wish you had two weeks there to partake in everything that region has to offer. If you take the gondola up the mountain to have dinner and watch the sunset on the lake and the surrounding mountains, you'll understand what the word awesome really means! Have a fabulous time and enjoy every minute. Kathy

Hi Dee <BR>New Zealand in 3 days? I looks rather small on most maps but it is bigger than Great Britain and most of the countries of Europe so as a well-travelled local what would I recomend for an August visit? <BR>For scenic beauty, granduer of location and mountains and a world class tourist town you must go to Queenstown. <BR>So lets get you started - fly into Auckland and take a flight to Queenstown. By August most of the heavy falls of snow will have gone so you will have no problem with roads. I would prefer to take a rental car rather that a motorhome as you only have a couple of nights accommodation. If you are into skiing spend one day at Cornet Peak; the next day get out into the countryside of Central Otago, stop at a vineyard for lunch (may be a bungy jump!!) and on to Wanaka. The Edgewater Resort is an excellent property to stay at. <BR> <BR>On day 3 work your way back to Queenstown, may be a trip on the lake in a historical steamer, visit a sheep station for lunch etc. <BR> <BR>In doing this you will have had a taste of a segment of what NZ has to offer and we would hope to see you back in the future to see more of our country. <BR>Kerry

With three days- you won't miss anything if you skip Auckland.. go to Christchurch (2nd largest city) or Queenstown

I agree with Ann, skip Auckland and go to Christchurch. 3 days, well.........we were there for 6 weeks and still only got as far south as Christchurch but what a wonderful city. Queenstown? We didn't make it that far but I hear it is wonderful. It is just - with such limited time, you may want to be close to an airport with international connections and I am not sure if Queenstown has them. Maybe someone else could respond to that.

Queenstown has an international airport. We flew there from Sydney and flew from Queenstown to Auckland. Both non-stop flights. No problem there. <BR>Having visited the places you are pondering to visit, I pick Queenstown. Though Christchurch is lovely as well. We were there last November. <BR>Where ever you go in NZ, you won't go wrong. <BR>John

Thanks everyone. <BR> <BR>I understand the size of NZ however we just wanted to get away for 3 days. We have been to Wellington etc before but just wanted to see what we could in three days (and it need not be much really)... <BR> <BR>We actually decided to spend three days at the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel. <BR> <BR>We are going to save the South Island for another time and make a long trip out of it ! <BR> <BR>Thanks

Hi Dee <BR>While I suggested Queenstown, I pleased that you will be visiting the Bay of Plenty. We have recently shifted back to the Bay and set up an vineyard homestay so if you are in the area of Katikati drop by and sample some of our wines. The Bay of Plenty enjoys a mild winter climate and the Pacific Highway is an interesting drive. Have a great holiday. <BR>Kerry

It has to be Queenstown. Also go to Arrowtown and Wanaka (by helicopter if possible) and devote a day to Fox Glacier. Stay at the River Run in Wanaka for a night and go heli-skiing if you're up for it. Have fun and enjoy our wee country. Order SPEIGHTS beer at the Cardrona Pub (a classic) and you will be loved forever. NZers will ask you "do you like our country?". Please say yes. And say hello to my Uncle Bob at the Wanaka souvenir shop. <BR>Paul, Olivia and Andrea.

Hi,<BR>When you do return - go South, Queenstown as many others suggest. Try to find time to go to Milford Sound - a long way , but it is great - don't, but don't, drive yourself to Milford - spend the extra and go by coach. The coach drivers know where all the viewing spots are, and are able to get into 6-car viewing areas because they know where they are. As a car-driver you would never get to park in the major view points. <BR>And if you can run to the cost - take one of the coaches that include a side trip to Key Summit, a walk through the bush on your way back to Te Anau/Queenstown.<BR>Best, get onto a helicopter ride at Milford, spectacular views of the area.<BR>Don't bother with the Underwater Viewing at Milford - the water is murky, nothing special to see.<BR>Jo.