Hello all,

I am currently on exchange studying in Canberra, Australia. Some of the international students here are wanting to plan a trip to New Zealand for our spring break (approximately October 1-8 or one week). We were looking to fly out of Sydney and into either Auckland or Christchurch.

Since we are on exchange, we are pretty much open to whatever is fun. Outdoor activites, museums, general sightseeing, landmarks, etc. Anything that is fun and touristy would be great. However, we are also not looking to be spending a whole lot of money. So we are wanting to travel on a budget, but with fun included.

As far as accommodation, we were probably looking to stay in a hostel since we all know each other pretty well. So any suggestions of some good, safe and cheap hostels?

SO, any advice? Tips? Please post if you know of things that are a MUST SEE. We are open to anything.

THANKS EVERYONE!!!

We've been to NZ many times and I think a group of college students would most enjoy the area around Queenstown for its outdoor activities. (I've only been there in summer, so you should check to see if the outdoor activities you are interested in operate in early October.) You might also enjoy the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers or hiking one of the many long trails (we did the Hollyford Track). There are just so many neat things to see and do in New Zealand that I recommend you get a guidebook such as Lonely Planet or Rough Guide to help you narrow your choices. And stick to either the North Island or the South Island (which I prefer) because you don't have time to see both in just a week.

My college aged kids just finished a 6-week tour of Europe and booked all of their hostels through Hostel World. They like that site because you can read reviews from people like you who have actually stayed in these hostels. Except for one hostel during their entire trip, they found the reviews to be quite accurate.

Sounds like the South Island would fit your needs; I've only been to the North Island so I'll let others comment on activities.

For hostels, check www.bbh.co.nz or www.yha.co.nz

Lee Ann

Unfortunately as far as costs and accomodation are concerned the Rugby World Cup will be taking place in locations on both the North and South Islands between late September and October 23. This will result in very inflated prices for almost everything during that period.

ok well based on longhorn55's suggestion, I talked it over with my friends and perhaps we will stick with the south island. Any more suggestions for some 'must see' things in the south island?

Must see is relative, but most first time visitors to NZ try to fit in the West Coast (glaciers), Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook, Milford Sound and Queenstown, although you'll be hard pressed to do all of that in a week.

If you want to base yourself in one general area and make day trips from there, QT is a good option. Loads to do in the vicinity with plenty of activities geared to your age group.

Since there are several of you, your money might go further if you rent a house or cottage.

These sites might help:

http://www.queenstown-nz.co.nz/information/thingstodo/

http://www.bookabach.co.nz/baches-an...eenstown-Lakes

http://www.holidayhouses.co.nz/Queenstown.asp

can someone be completely honest and say if this is a good idea or not? I am now having second thoughts on the whole thing. we were thinking of doing a contiki tour or a tour through STA (but accommodation wouldn't be included with this one). what do you all think?

If the question is whether it is a good idea for you and your friends to go to New Zealand in October, then my honest answer is "Yes".

If the question is whether you should plan the trip yourself or take a tour, then my honest answer is "It depends".

If you and your friends have the time and the interest to research: 1) places to go and things to see; 2) transportation options, 3) accommodations and 4) budget, especially given Prue's info about the World Rugby Cup, then there's no reason you can't plan this trip on your own. (Remember I'm the parent of college kids that planned their European vacation this summer.)

If you and your friends have neither the time nor the interest in self-planning your trip, then going on a group tour makes sense. Just research the tour well and make sure you are happy with the itinerary, price and any "fine print".

The only thing you should not do is waste your Spring Break by doing nothing. While I love Canberra (I lived there for several years), you should take full advantage of your study abroad year and go see more of Australia and/or New Zealand on your school breaks.

I don't want to put you off in any way but you really will have to make some enquiries as to exactly what tours etc. will be available. The World Cup is huge and because there are teams competing from all over the world they each have their supporters travelling to watch all the games.
Obviously because of this accommodation becomes scarce and expensive, as do air fares.