New Zealand in July w 3 Daughters....HELP PLEASE
 

My suggestion? Narrow your wish list or add two weeks.

Most of what you'd like to do can be done on the South Island, particularly in and around Queenstown/Wanaka. You've noted you're nervous about coming in winter but for "a private ski lesson, snowmobile" winter is your best option. Queenstown has two ski resorts: The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. Wanaka has Treble Cone, Cardrona, and a couple of others. See:
https://www.lakewanaka.co.nz/things-to-do/skiing-and-snowboarding/wanaka-ski-areas/#types%5B%5D=2&categories%5B%5D=9&view=list-view
Queenstown Snowmobile Tours Wilderness Snowmobiling Adventures New Zealand
Regarding quad bikes, read the rules regarding minimum age for this particular operator:
https://www.nomadsafaris.co.nz/tours...wn-hill-quads/
Additionally, Mt. Hutt ski resort is near Christchurch.

Queenstown has a "gondola ride" (Skyline Gondola). You can also enjoy a buffet dinner from the restaurant at the top of the gondola. Queenstown's Real Journey's offers a cruise on the historic TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakitipu and a BBQ dinner at Walter Peak High Country, but not in July. "AJ Hackett bungy jumping" (Kawarau) is a 25-minute drive from Queenstown (you can also arrange for a pick up from central Queenstown).
https://www.skyline.co.nz/en/queenstown
https://www.bungy.co.nz/queenstown/k...-bridge-bungy/
While in Queenstown, try to fit in a jet boat ride. There are bike operators in Queenstown and I'm sure you can find food and photography tours.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Attrac...th_Island.html

A heli-glacier hike can be done along the way from Christchurch to Queenstown, either on the West Coast at Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers or at Aoraki Mt. Cook. If you'd like to go to Lake Tekapo (and Tekapo Springs hot pools), choose Aoraki Mt. Cook for your heli-glacier tour. Which ever of these heli-glacier hike destinations you choose, plan on spending two nights there. Are you familiar with these destinations from your last visit? You'll also find hot pools in Queenstown at Onsen Hot Pools (https://www.onsen.co.nz/). Given your limited time and interest in visiting Lake Tekapo, consider:
Christchurch 1 or 2 nights
Lake Tekapo 1 night
Aoraki Mt. Cook 2 nights
Wanaka 2 nights
Queenstown 4 or more (lots to see and do here)
Possibly Te Anau 2
Fly from Queenstown to Auckland

Horseback riding on an ocean beach is not possible in Queenstown, Wanaka, or any other inland destinations. Beautiful Glenorchy, 45 minutes from Queenstown, has at least two horseback riding tour operators:
https://www.dartriver.co.nz/horse-riding/
https://www.high-country-horses.co.nz/
Lake Tekapo, too:
https://www.maht.co.nz/
Maybe you can find horseback rides on the beach in or near Christchurch. You can horseback ride on the beach here in Dunedin (where I live). It's also a good place for seeing wildlife (penguins, albatrosses, sea lions, fur seals), but you did not mention any interest in seeing wildlife. Our local Cadbury chocolate factory has closed but its Cadbury World tour will still be offered. So if you come here and the weather is too poor for horseback riding on the beach, you can tour Cadbury World. The Saturday morning Farmers Market at the Railway Station is also fun and tasty, with samples of local cheeses and local OCHO chocolate, sales of French crepes, traditional meat pies, Israeli, Chinese and Lebanese foods, NZ honey, local beer and wine, and much more. But if you were to include Dunedin, you'd need two nights here and avoid July 17 (Kendrick Lamar performance sure to be sold out)
https://www.cadbury.co.nz/cadbury-wo...dunedin-tours/
https://www.otagofarmersmarket.org.nz/
https://www.horseriding-dunedin.co.nz/trek/
You might be able to horseback ride on the beach in the Catlins, which are south of Dunedin or east of Te Anau (gateway to Milford Sound).

Speaking of MIlford Sound, consider taking a tour from Queenstown or Te Anau (because it's winter). From Queenstown, this tour makes for a long day, but you have the option of catching a scenic flight back to Queenstown (weather permitting). Weather permitting, you can self drive Milford Road from Te Anau but don't take a chance in iffy weather as you could get stuck. If you use Te Anau as a base for self driving to Milford Sound, spend two nights here, a day before and after your drive. You can take tours of Milford Road (Milford Sound cruise included) from either Queenstown or Te Anau. Here are the names of just a few of the tour operators:
https://www.realjourneys.co.nz/en/de...milford-sound/
https://www.jucycruise.co.nz/
Milford Sound and Queenstown Cruises | Southern Discoveries
Te Anau also has a glow worm attraction that you can visit day or night.
https://www.realjourneys.co.nz/en/ex...lowworm-caves/

In midwinter, there is a possibility of road closures, especially on the high mountain passes, which include Arthur's Pass (between Christchurch and Greymouth on the West Coast), Haast Pass (between Haast on the West Coast and Wanaka), Lindis Pass (between Aoraki Mt. Cook and Wanaka or Queentown) and Crown Range Road (between Wanaka and Queenstown). If Crown Range Road is closed, and you want or need to get from Wanaka to Queenstown, there is an alternative route that takes a little longer. Best to not drive before 10 a.m. or after dark as the roads can get icy. Even during the day, you might hit icy patches on shady parts of the roads.

About the personal shopper. I'm stumped. In the U.S., large department stores like Macy's, Nordstom's, Neiman Marcus or Barney's commonly offer personal shopping services. For you or your daughters? I don't think of NZ as a shopping or fashion destination, but I'm sure you could find personal shoppers or stylists in Auckland . I'd google it. David Jones in Wellington offers personal shopping service, but it would be out of your way. Wellington is a wonderful city, home to Te Papa, NZ's national museum; a scenic cable car ride; a lively and attractive waterfront; Zealandia Ecosanctuary; and Weta Workshop.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/805...pping-services
NZ is a good place for buying clothing made of Merino wool and possum-merino blends. You'll find clothing boutiques in the shopping arcade in Queenstown. We also have many clothing shops (and a large mall) in Dunedin that cater to young women, as this is a university town. This week Dunedin hosts its annual fashion week, ID Fashion Week.

WOW! That was a lot of great information. Thanks! You should be a travel agent. Before i read this, i stayed up late last night and came up with this. Let me know what you think? Or should i try to use some of your suggestions and change things again?
July 12th 8:25am Arrive Christchurch Hop on/off Tram 1pm HorseTreking Afternoon: Biking to Gardens and Maybe gondola Ride
July 13th Train to Greymouth and rent car and drive to Franz Josef (activities depending on time arriving)
July 14th Glacier Hike and Glacier Hot Pools
July 15th !0am quad Then Drive to Queenstown Bungy Jump off Kawarau Bridge
July 16th Ski Cardrona 7:30am-5pm
July 17th 6:45am Milford Sound
July 18th Heli and Snowmobile Tour
July 19th Photography Tour and pm: Skyline Gondola & Luge Dinner: Stratosfare
July 20th Shopping PM: Flight to Auckland Drive to Puka Park
July 21st Hike and Bush Walk Puka Park
July 22nd AM: Drive to Auckland 2:30pm-5:30pm Food Tour 6pm Dinner Cruise
July 23rd Spa/ Personal Shopper 9:50pm Leave for United States

So I removed Lake Tekapo and Lake Tekapo Springs Spa. I also removed MT Cook and Wanaka

dabunting, you haven't said where you'll be arriving from, but if from the US after a long international flight I think you're being a bit ambitious for your first day. We arrived in Queentown yesterday morning after flights from CO to LAX and Auckland, and all we managed to do was pick up our rental car, find our accommodation, go to the grocery store, have a bit of an explore and a nice winery lunch - we were in bed by 6pm!

Don't underestimate travel fatigue as well as possible cranky kids and a tired Mom tying to get her bearings.

July 15 is pretty full on too - the glaciers to Queenstown is a full day of driving, as there are so man places to stop en route and it's a long windy road. Don't rush this drive - days in July are very short - it won't get light until around 8 am - as I type this it's 7:25 am and still dark and its only May - it will get dark by five in July. Such tightly planned itineraries tend to backfire in the winter - there is only so much daylight and you won't want to leave the driving for after dark as you'll miss the scenery, and you face possible weather related issues that could put the kibosh on such a trip - try to stay flexible - if this means spending an extra night in a place to give yourself an extra day as a back u for something you really want to do, you should consider it.

I'm baffled out the personal shopper too - never heard of such a thing in NZ. Maybe just spend a morning in Queenstown poking through the shops?

We always get a personal shopper when we travel. I'm not a shopper, yet my 3 girls are so it's nice to have someone helping us that knows where the best stores and clothes are. Really helpful when you are limited on time. And It's usually a free service. You also get a very large changing room, champagne, and treats. It's just a fun experience for them.

I agree with Melnq8, you'll be tired and jet-lagged on that first day. I don't know where you'll be flying in from, but jet lag symptoms are worse when flying east and when crossing multiple time zones. If flying from LAX in July, you'll cross 5 time zones and cross the International Dateline.

After checking into your hotel--providing you can check in early--you'll need to get settled into your rooms, you'll all want to shower, change, then grab a bite to eat or drink (if you're a caffeine addict like most of us, fortify yourself with another cup of coffee or tea). My guess is by the time you make it out the door, it'll be 10:30 at the earliest. I wouldn't want to formally schedule any activities for this first day. I'd want to see how my energy level was. I'd suggest you pick a good location where you can easily walk out the door to explore (the Christchurch tram is a good idea), maybe a little shopping, then see what else you feel like doing. If you feel like horse trekking, save it for your second day or leave if for Glenorchy near Queenstown (so beautiful there). Because you might be too tired to fully appreciate the experience. Even if you feel energetic at first, your energy levels will start to drop.

Looking at your itinerary, it seems you know what you'd like to see, though I'd find it rushed. I like your idea of taking the Tranz Alpine train to Greymouth, as this saves you the worry of driving over the alpine pass in winter while still getting over your jetlag. Your train probably won't get into Greymouth until 1 p.m. FJ is only about a 2.5 hour drive from here. If it were my trip, I'd stop at Hokitika Gorge along the way (it would be slightly out of your way and would add more than an hour to that day's travel).. Actually, if it were my trip, I'd probably want to spend my first night on the West Coast at Punakaiki to see the Pancake Rocks and enjoy the scenery of this wild and forested coast, but this would probably be too sedate for you and the girls. It sounds like they enjoy action-packed trips, full of exciting activities.
Hokitika Gorge West Coast New Zealand
https://www.westcoast.co.nz/plan-you...nd-blow-holes/

The weather can be very clear in July or it can be stormy. It could be a mild winter or a wild winter. If all goes well with the weather, you'll make it to Queenstown in 5 hours, if you don't make any scenic stops, and providing there aren't any road problems. But, as Melnq8 noted, you'll want to stop for views, maybe short walks. Say you leave FJ at 9 a.m., take 6 hours (or more) to get to Queenstown, you'll get to your accommodation at 3 p.m. at the earliest. Sunset in mid July will be around 5:20 p.m. I wouldn't schedule a bungy jump for this first day in Queenstown. You would have time to ride up to the top of the Gondola and dine at the restaurant. If you decide to drive to Wanaka and spend the night here instead, you can shave more than an hour off your drive time. Wanaka is beautiful, so you wouldn't regret this decision.

The North Island gets most of its rain in winter, though it could just as well be nice. Again, there's no way of knowing. I'm hoping for a mild winter, too.
Here's an article from the New Zealand Herald dated July 6, 2017
https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/944...rade-drenching
Here's an article about the effects of a "polar blast" from July 2017.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11889653
We were hit by a terrible storm last July:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/946...it-moves-north

Here are winter driving tips from the NZ Transport Agency:
Attachment 681
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I just realized NZ school holidays are from Saturday 7 July – Sunday 22 July, 2018. Australia school holidays are also in July. So once you figure out your itinerary, you'll want to book accommodation in Queenstown and Wanaka if you decide to spend a night or two there (ski season). .

Great Thanks. I'll make a few changes and try again tomorrow.... :)

i guess i could always just skip staying in christchurch and go directly to the TranzAlpine to Greymouth and then to Franz Josef. Or why not just skip that all together and go straight to Franz Josef from Christchurch on the 1st day? And is the Milford Sound really worth it? It's only a 2 hr cruise and 4.5 hrs up and back.

Anyone have any pref over Franz Josef vs Mt Cook?

You are certainly packing in your days here! It sounds a bit hectic to me and as others have mentioned the weather in July is unpredictable. So if plans fall apart enjoy a day just to chill out wherever you are. Weather has a big impact on our life here. Roads can be closed (or slip away down a hillside) flights cancelled, airports closed etc etc.
Don't think personal shoppers exist in New Zealand! It sounds like a large department store type of thing. I don't like having someone else preselect what they think I might like but then most Kiwi's are rather do it yourself type people.
Sylvia Park in Auckland has Zara and H&M if the girls are into those stores. But they would have more fun browsing the independent shops in Queenstown. Why buy something from a global chain when you could get a unique NZ made item.
I'm curious about Puka Park - Pauanui is nice enough but why rush off there for 1 night in the middle of winter?
Keep in mind the Auckland motorway clogging up with tight plans to get in and out of the city - it can take longer than you think especially at peak commuter times.

"I guess i could always just skip staying in christchurch and go directly to the TranzAlpine to Greymouth and then to Franz Josef. Or why not just skip that all together and go straight to Franz Josef from Christchurch on the 1st day?" If you read my above comments, you'll see I thought your original itinerary was rushed. Both of these options will make it even more so. I don't think you'd even be able to catch the TranzAlpine to Greymouth on this first day--is there more than one departure a day in winter? Then follow this by driving to FJ when tired and jet lagged? Please don't consider this, this would be reckless.

If you're flying in from the U.S., you'll probably be starting your day at about 3:30 a.m. (New Zealand time), when the flight attendants start to serve breakfast. You'll probably arrive at the airport around 5 a.m. It'll take you time to disembark, go through immigration, pick up your luggage, and then go through customs, before making your way to the domestic terminal for your flight to Christchurch. Your flight to Christchurch will take about 1 hour, 45 minutes. How much more do you think you'll feel like doing after this? And what if you miss your flight?

I think Milford Sound is worth it. But as I mentioned in my first post, to do a tour from Queenstown would make for a long day, and many hours on the bus. I live in NZ now, but on our first trip to Queenstown/Milford Sound about 20 years ago, we did the coach tour to Milford Sound from Queenstown, then spent the night on the boat, then scheduled a scenic flight back to Queenstown for the next morning, but, as sometimes happens, the scenic flight was cancelled due to poor flight conditions, so we had to return by bus all the same. Milford Sound is considered a scenic highlight. Be aware that the road can sometimes become impassable in winter.

Melnq8, how's the weather there? It started off gorgeous this morning in Dunedin. Now it's raining buckets!

Diamantina - it's been absolutely beautiful here - we spent the day hiking along the river in Bannockburn and the Aurora Creek track in Bendigo. Now trying to stay awake long enough for our Bannockburn Hotel dinner booking!

dabunting -

Comparing Mt Cook and Franz Josef is like comparing apples and oranges. They're completely different. Both can be very wet in July.

ok. Guess i'm back to the drawing board. But what i think i know for sure is that i'm not planning on staying in christchruch (no horse trek). (Also I've cut out Lake Tekapo so no ice skating lessons and Lake Tekapo Spring Spa for the day) Now, I'm either going straight to Franz josef, (either by train) or drive directly to Mt Cook, or Wanaka. I'll stay in those places for 2 nights each. I thought Franz Josef tours were cheaper than the tours at Mt Cook so that's why i was heading that way. But maybe i'm wrong. Is there a reason now to do the TransAlpine ride for a full day?
All i know for sure is that I want to be in Queenstown by the 16th for 4 nights and then to Auckland for 3 nights and then flying out of Auckland back to the States very late on the 23rd.
But do keep in mind, for long drives, i do have the help of my 19 and 21 yr old daughters so that's helpful. i'm still on the fence with Milford Sound. It seems like a very long day for just 2 hrs on the water. When I did that trip 20 years ago, we did an overnight on the boat. Unfortunately, they don't do overnights in the winter. So up and back all in 1 day seems like a lot of sitting around. hummmm....

I think you'll find most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21. You'll need to check with the rental car agency. Are you familiar with driving on the left? I suspect your daughters aren't? Driving in NZ can be challenging under the best of circumstances, let alone in winter. By law, you need to carry snow chains in your rental car on the Milford Road in the winter months. Think black ice and avalanche danger (the road does close on occasion). Is it worth it? Damn straight it is, but for me, the drive is the highlight - not the cruise. Lots to do enroute, but in winter you could well be limited. Do you plan to take the bus? You probably should.

I don't have a handle on what you actually want to see, so it's difficult to give advice. Spas? Ice skating lessons? Personal shoppers? That wish list just doesn't scream New Zealand.

Melnq8, unbelievable--sunny in Queenstown/Bannockburn! As I said before, it started that way here, but then the rain rolled in. Loads of it. I thought it came from your way. To think, Queenstown is only 45 minutes from Dunedin by helicopter, Bannockburn even closer. Too bad I don't have one of those to escape the rain at short notice. Bon appétit!

Melnq8, first, and foremost, I’m taking my girls to New Zealand for the landscape. Except for Van Couver, British Colombia, I don't think there's anything like it. Ideally, this is what I'm looking for…Heli Glacier Hike, Heli Snowmobile ride, quad (4 wheeler buggies) adventure, a boat ride, dinner cruise, bungy jumping, horseback riding (on the beach ideally), a food tour or class…we like to learn how to make cakes and chocolates, (I know there's the Cadbury Chocolate making class big event in Dunedin on July 17th but I'm not sure how I can be there then- unless you can do a one day trip from queenstown), a photography tour (we all love to be photographers), shopping and spa adventure, a gondola ride, a guided hiking/bush walking trip, a day of skiing lessons (me and my 2 oldest are advanced intermediates and my younger is an advanced beginner), and if there's still time, I'd like a biking adventure and finally ice skating lessons (we are all horrible). So that's where I'm coming from. And we arrive on July 12th at 8:25am in Christchurch and we leave July 23rd 9:50pm from Auckland- back to the States. I am going to see if I can extend our trip 2 days, but I don't think the airline will let me- unless I pay a fee- which I don't want to do. I have no problem driving in snow or on the other side of the road. That doesn't scare me. So…that's my deal…

My first try…

July 12th 8:25am Arrive Christchurch Hop on/off Tram Afternoon: Bike to Gardens gondola ?
July 13th TranzAlpine Train to Arthur's Pass w a 2 hr hike at Arthur's Pass National Park
July 14th Drive to Lake Tekapo (iceskating lessons, pools, spa treatment) Drive to Mt Cook
July 15th Tasman Glacier Heli Hike (2 hr hike)
July 16th Drive to Queenstown Shopping/ Skyline Gondola & Luge, Dinner Stratosfare
July 17th Milford Sound Boat Cruise
July 18th AM: Photography Tour PM: Quad Adventure (or visa versa)
July 19th Wanaka (skiing or snowmobiling)
July 20th Flight to Auckland 2:30-5:30 Food Tour 6pm dinner cruise
July 21st Shopping Horseback Riding Evening: bike guided tour of Auckland by lights
July 22nd Pananui Beach - guided hiking and bush walking
July 23rd Bungy Jump & Shopping


My 2nd try…

July 12th 8:25am Arrive Christchurch Hop on/off Tram 1pm HorseTreking Afternoon: Biking to Gardens and Maybe gondola Ride
July 13th Train to Greymouth and rent car and drive to Franz Josef (activities depending on time arriving)
July 14th Glacier Hike and Glacier Hot Pools
July 15th 10am quad Then Drive to Queenstown Bungy Jump off Kawarau Bridge
July 16th Ski Cardrona 7:30am-5pm
July 17th 6:45am Milford Sound
July 18th Heli and Snowmobile Tour
July 19th Photography Tour and pm: Skyline Gondola & Luge Dinner: Stratosfare
July 20th Shopping PM: Flight to Auckland Drive to Puka Park
July 21st Hike and Bush Walk Puka Park
July 22nd AM: Drive to Auckland 2:30pm-5:30pm Food Tour 6pm Dinner Cruise
July 23rd Spa/ Personal Shopper 9:50pm Leave for United States

3rd Try…

July 12th 8:25am Arrive Christchurch Train to Greymouth. Rent car & Drive to Franz Josef
July 13th Glacier Hike and Glacier Hot Pools
July 14th quad adventure Drive to Queenstown
July 15th Shuttle to Cardrona for the day 7:30am-5pm
July 16th 6:15am Milford Sound Trip
July 17th Heli and Snowmobile Tour
July 18th Photography Tour, Skyline gondola & Luge Dinner Stratosfare
July 19th Shopping Queenstown
July 20th Flight to Auckland -drive to Puka Park (stay in tree hut)
July 21st hiking and bush walking- drive to Auckland
July 22nd 2:30-5:30 Food Tour 6pm Dinner Cruise
July 23rd Bungy Jump & Shopping (flight 9:50pm)

And then there's…

July 12th 8:25am Arrive Christchurch Drive to Mt Cook
July 13th Mt Cook
July 14th Mt Cook
July 15th Wanaka
July 16th Queenstown
July 17th Queenstown
July 18th Queenstown
July 19th Queenstown
July 20th Flight to Auckland
July 21st Auckland
July 22nd Auckland
July 23rd Auckland

Or…

July 12th 8:25am Arrive Christchurch (via Arthur's Pass) train or drive to Hokitika
July 13th Hokitika Gorge Drive to Fox or Franz Josef
July 14th (via Haast Pass) Drive to Wanaka
July 15th Wanaka
July 16th Queenstown
July 17th Queenstown
July 18th Queenstown
July 19th Queenstown
July 20th Flight to Auckland
July 21st Auckland
July 22nd Auckland
July 23rd Auckland

Getting off a plane after a very long overnight international flight and hopping into a rental car to drive on the left side of the road on unfamiliar roads in an unfamiliar country isn't a good idea (a lot has changed since 1995) - especially in the dead of winter- it puts you, and more importantly, others, at risk. So, yes, staying in Christchurch that first day is a smart move, although I still think your wish list on that day is quite optimistic, but you could always play it by ear.

There is no train to Hokitika (there are discussions to extend the the Tranzalpine to Hokitika but it's not yet a reality).

Only you can decide between Mt Cook and the glaciers, but the drive to the glaciers and then on to QT is a lot longer, so that may be the deciding factor. Arthur's Pass can also be problematic in the winter. Staying flexible so you can change plans on a whim is probably a good idea for that time of year a most of your planned activities are weather dependent.

I strongly suggest against Day One of your third and fourth itineraries. Stay that night in Christchurch and catch your breath.

In winter, the TranzAlpine departs at 8:15 a.m. You're arriving at 8:25 a.m. so you wouldn't be able to make it. So you can cross this option off your list.
Forget Dunedin if you only have 8 days on the South Island. Besides, there won't be a single room available for miles around on July 17.

Another beautiful day in Central Otago Diamantina! Perhaps I missed it, but what's going on in Dunedin July 17?

Kendrick Lamar is in town with his hip hop tour DAMN. Dunedin seems to be the place for events these days. Ed Sheeran was certainly a hit there booking out all the accommodation.

But we are wandering away from helping Dabunting - I'm still not sure of the attraction of Pauanui and if the weather is bad it's a waste of your time.
Visit a black sand beach out of Auckland like Piha or Muriwai and do a bush walk there. There is no need to go all the way to the Coromandel.

i was only going to Pananui for the tree huts. I thought that would be a neat experience for my girls. Are there tree hut places to stay anywhere else?

Melnq8, the rain finally departed and it was beautiful here today, too. It's supposed to stay fine and dry through Sunday! In fact, it's predicted to be a warmer than average winter, with occasional "cold blasts" and "big rain events":
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/...snaps-and-rain

That's right, Kendrick Lamar, the first hip hop artist to win the Pulitzer Prize in music, and who did the soundtrack for the hit film, "Black Panther". Dunedin has the best rugby stadium/concert venue on the South Island (it's covered), but now Christchurch is getting money to build one of their own, which will be economically disastrous for Dunedin. These concerts really help boost the local economy.

i appreciate all of your suggestions. thank you. i think now i'm going to instead concentrate on what landscape i want them to see and then plan in the activities instead of planing the activities first. So on our way to Mt Cook, I need to decide if i want to take either the Lake Tekapo or Hokitika route.

I think i want to see Arthur's Pass, so i'll skip Lake Tekapo. After Hokitika- go to Wanaka or Mt Cook?

Wanaka - you'll be separated from Mt Cook by a mountain range.

So, I think i have it. THANKS EVERYONE FOR YOUR HELP! I've gone back through all of your notes and i really appreciate all of your information. I'll post photos when we get back. :)

July 12 Christchurch to Mt Cook (stop at Lake Tekapo)
July 13 Mt Cook
July 14 & 15th Wanaka
July 16 - 19 Queenstown
July 20-23 Auckland (and possibly adding an extra day at the end)

Oh. and the days that we are traveling from City to City- i'm not gonna book anything. This way we won't have to rush anywhere.

Now, i just have to book hotels (and then activities) but the hard part is over. Anyone have any fav hotels in Mt Cook, Wanaka, Queenstown, or Auckland?

For Aoraki Mt. Cook:
Aoraki Court Motel
Lots of choices for Queenstown, stay some place central so you can easily walk to the shopping, restaurants, the gondola, and so you don't have to deal with driving into the center and parking. Go for accommodation with a lake view/Remarkables view. If needed, you can use a shuttle to the ski resorts.
Will you be keeping your car for Auckland?

Thanks. I guess i need to figure out where i’ll Be staying in Auckland. But i would imagine that i’ll Be getting a car in case we stay somewhere out of Auckland for the first night. Why do you ask?

That was a good movie -The Black Panther - no wonder he is popular right now.
I'm not sure about a tree house experience in the middle of winter - for me it's close to camping in winter which is best avoided at all costs. The wider Auckland area can be very damp and miserable in the winter in a depressing wet dreary cold way. We don't get that bracing exhilarating cold they get in the South Island.

Because if you have a car, you probably wouldn't want to stay in Auckland's CBD because of the traffic congestion and one-way streets. But if you're staying outside of the center, it's no so bad.

i keep forgetting that i'm going in winter. when i last went, it was fall and absol perfect. and yes, it was a great movie! as was the recent avengers movie!!!

Your girls are lucky to have a devoted parent planning a dream holiday.
Have a look at Bethells Beach cottages. They have the rustic vibe and are right on the beach. I'll also suggest the Hilton (if you have a good budget) as it's in a fantastic location on Princes Wharf with views from both sides. There will be no cruise ships in July to block the view and it's very hand to all the city attractions. For a wet day Auckland Museum has a Maori show and exhibit on daily. It's an interesting museum in a wonderful park setting.

that sounds great! Thanks so much!!!