New Zealand holiday
 

We will be traveling to the south island of New Zealand the week including Easter. We have heard that this is a 2 week school holiday period. We want to drive and make our plans as we go along but now we are concerned that hotels or B&B's will be booked in advance or trips into Milford Sound will already be filled because of the holiday. Does anyone know if this should concern us? Also we would like any suggestions as to auto travel-- east to west? What not to miss and what to skip. We will be flying in and out of Christchurch. This will be the last six days of our 5 week vacation to Australia and New Zealand. Thanks for the information.<BR>

I cannot comment on whether or not the school vacation will be a problem but my guess is that it would be best to make as many plans as possible because with the economy where it is, I would imagine that many Kiwis would elect to stay in the country. Traveling around the South Island is an incredible experience. It is such an amazing place! Although it has been 5 years since I have been there, my perfect itinerary would be a day and a half in Christchurch, then a quick trip down to Dunedin for the evening, a tour of Dunedin (including the peninsula and the Royal Albatross Community) then a drive over to Te Anau for the night with a morning trip planned to Milford Sound. After Milford, I would drive up to Queenstown for a night and hit the jet boating and rafting in the area together with the magnifient views and then a day up at Mt. Cook staying in the Hermitage to take in the spectacular views. Beleive it or not, a week is not a lot of time there so you might just want to concentrate on one or two places. If that is the case, I would still spend only a day and a half in Christchurch but then use Queenstown as a base to explore Milford Sound, Arrowtown and the surounding areas. The galciers on the west coast are attractive but I do not think you will have the time--besides, if you head to Mt. Cook you can see the Tasman Glacier from there and it is equally as impressive. The other really nice spot omn the South Island is on the very northern tip--the Abel Tasman National Park--it would take quite a bit of time to get there but it might be worth it. I hope this helps rather than just confuses you more. Have a wonderful trip!

Hi Celeste.<BR>You are quite correct there are school holidays over the Easter break. I live in Christchurch, New Zealand, so I will find out the exact dates and let you know. My wife and I went on a three week tour of the South Island in 2000 and I would be happy to send my travelogue to you.(via Microsoft Word) I also have some 170 photographs on file; I would also be more than happy to let you know the address.<BR>To answer your query on whether you should pre-book some of your accommodation, my advice would be a definite yes. Kiwis do travel on a long weekend, such as easter, and the most popular destinations do fill up quickly.<BR>As to what to see and what to miss, my travelogue covers this quite well.<BR>Mount Cook National Park is an absolute must. I have travelled quite extensively and I must say that this region will rival anything that I have seen in Europe. I am not sure what your likes and dislikes are but the West Coast of the South Island has it all - dense rainforest, glaciers, great walks both short and long, friendly people. While there is some public transport to the Coast, if you can see your way clear to hire a car, that would certainly be advantageous. One of the better train trips, that I have been on anyway, is the Tranzalpine, which leaves daily from Christchurch to Greymouth return. <BR>I also have a rather lengthy file on the South Island. Again I would be more than happy to send it through. I think Hans has done a good job in giving you some ideas for your six days.<BR>Have a great holiday.

my wife and i plan to stay two nights, april 8 and 9 in christchurch and on april 9 we are planning a day trip on the tranzalpine. do we need to make advance reservations or can we make reservations after we get to christchurch on april 8? please let us know. thanks.

David there should be no need to make advance bookings for the Tranzalpine, just do the booking on the day of your arrival (8th) in Christchurch. Its a great train trip, you will really enjoy it.