Am planning to be in New Zealand for 2 weeks in April. What is weather like then- has anyone been there at that time? Am starting out in Auckland- any suggestions for route?

Hi Hedy<BR>Great that you are planning to visit our wonderful country. At the moment we are enjoying summer, and while there has been a few days that have been down round 70 degrees F most of the time it is about 76 to 80.<BR><BR>I'm here most Aprils and it is autumn, we usually have our last swims in the sea in mid April but the weather is often settled and fine with the daytime temperature round 60 to 70 degrees - great touring weather.<BR><BR>Happy to help with suggestions from Auckland. A few questions. Do you want to drive yourself? How many people? Are you planing to attempt to cover the whole of NZ? Do you have any special interests? <BR><BR>I can copy you itineraries that I have prepared for other visitors this year and loads of suggestions.<BR>Kerry<BR>P.S. If any of the people I help this year are reading this message - many thanks for all your comments and yes I have enjoyed being part of your NZ experience.

thanks do much. i was wondering about the weather. my wife and i plan to fly into auckland april 5 and spend the weekend there and then fly on to christchurch of april 8, take the tranz alpine train ride on april 9, and fly out of christchurch april 10 back to auckland and to dallas. i think we are going to be rushed. <BR>what do you think? any reasonable bed and break fast places at auckland and christchurch that you can recommend?

We were in New Zealand from late April to late May. We thought that was plenty of time, but we could easily go back for another month. We loved it. <BR><BR>We fly on Air New Zealand, and took an immediate transfer flight to Christchurch and did 2 weeks in the south island. our idea was that the weather would be worse, so do that first. We rented a car, drove all around the south island, then took the ferry to the North island for the last 2 weeks.<BR><BR>It worked out very well. We were pretty wasted after the flight from LAX, so the extra flight to Christchurch was nothing. We just wandered around the first day, and had a wonderful experience. it was Anzac day, and there were was a dance exhibition we literally fell into. <BR><BR>The Bay of Islands and the Aukland area will be a lot warmer than the south island, so you might consider that when you make your plans.<BR><BR>We had great Fall weather. the crowds were gone, the leaves were turning, and the air was crisp, but not cold. We never had frost anywhere. We had mid-weight jackets and were fine. We had very little rain, but of course, that is something you cannot predict.<BR><BR>I would go again in the fall without hesitation. Actually, I would go anytime. The people were so welcoming, and the scenery was breathtaking. We live in California, and couldn't get over the spectacular places we saw without anyone else there. It was amazing. My husband went fishing several times, and he and the guide were the only ones on the entire lake.<BR><BR>you will have a wonderful time. It is a spectacular country.<BR><BR><BR><BR>

thanks for your reply. we now feel we have to stay a couple of days more and enjoy the beauty of south island. we were planning a light jacket and a sweater as standby. thanks again.

My friend and I are coming to Auckland and then to Great Barrier Island in late feb, early march, will it be "beach/suntan" weather? <BR>Also, what is the best way to get the cheapest flight possible from auckland to sydney? app. cost?<BR>Any info would be much appreciated

i suggest using either "expedia.com" or "orbitz.com" or go direct to 'qantas.com' and check on flights. i recently purchased tickets from dallas to auckland and then from auckland to christchurch and back and i am pleased with the fares. i did not have to go through a travel agent. good luck!

If you are coming to either country on confirmed flights check with Qantas about Boomerang passes - they are quite inexpensive - compared to similar one way tickets in the states. Qantas is extremely helpful to deal with. Enjoy your trip.