New Zealand itinerary?
 

I will have 3 weeks in Sep/Oct. Don't need airfare, but I need help with everything else.

I would like to see both islands and as much as possible, <b>without</b> killing myself. Will be traveling alone, first time to NZ. I'm not a backpacker, and I do prefer public transportation over renting a car. I do know about the all transportation pass and it looks perfect for my needs.

So now what I need is some interesting itinerary. Little bit of everything, cities/countryside/national parks/the beautiful NZ scenery. In cities I like museums, great food, middle age nightlife :-), (blues/jazz/and some rock). I also like great photo opportunities when visiting national parks/natural attractions.
I prefer mid to higher level accomodations. I could be happy at a Holiday Inn type and even a B&amp;B if it's the right location, but in cities I prefer little better standard.

Will somebody please give this request some thought and post ideas for a great itinerary? I could fly into Auckland and fly out of Christchurch or whatever(reverse is ok too). I would actually preffered that, so I don't have to backtrack. I don't care about weather. Actually I preffer cooler temps when traveling.

Thanks in advance and looking foreward to any and all replies.

Well, for starters, you've made the right choice in visiting NZ. No matter what you decide, you're sure to have a great time as it's a gorgeous, diverse county.

I'm a frequent traveler to NZ, but I prefer the South Island - I've only visited the North Island once, so I'm not much help there. Incidentally, I visit in September/October as well.

I'm not familiar with the all transportation pass either, as we prefer to rent a car.

To get started on narrowing things down a bit, I suggest you take a look at www.purenz.com. It's a great website and offers lots of info for visitors,including suggested itineraries.

Purenz.com has an 18 day suggested itineray that begins in Auckland and ends in Christchurch. It involves alot of driving though, between 1.75 hours and five hours per day, and consists of mostly one night stays.

This isn't how I choose to travel, but you might want to take a look in case it would work for you. If nothing else, it will give you some ideas of what to see in the country, travel distances, etc. You can easily use one of their itineraries as a starting point, and customize it from there.

The intineraries on the purenz site are geared towards self driving, so I don't know how they'd work with the pass you've mentioned.

Another site that might help you narrow the field a bit is www.southislandescapes.com. This is a tour company, but they list detailed itineraries (South Island only)that might help you determine what you'd like to see.

I know this is a rather vague answer to a broad question, but I hope it helps get you started.

After you've determined specifically where you'd like to visit, I might be of more help with lodging, etc.

Perhaps Melodie will chime in - she's a travel agent who specializes in NZ and I'm sure she has a wealth of info.

If I can help with specific questions, feel free to write me at [email protected]

Hello AAFrequentFlyer: My husband and I (middle age) will be in NZ for 3 weeks in Oct. We also like to leave the driving to others. May I ask how and where did you obtain the transportation pass information? Would you mind sharing your itinerary? I just started looking for ideas and found your post. We are not backpackers and DH loves to stay in nice hotels! We couldn't resist the ANZ's non-stop SFO/AKL fare, so we bought the tickets, and start searching for info in Fodors. My email is [email protected]

Hello Melnq8: May I have your permission to email you for your help in the future?

Thanks to both of you.

<b>Melnq8</b>,

Thanks for your reply. What I'm looking for is for a basic routing for my three weeks. Starting point in Auckland and ending in Christchurch or the other way. I would prefer about 3 nights in any major town/city and 1 or 2 or maybe 3 nights at all the other stops.
So if anybody could point out the more interesting areas/towns/cities/national parks or?, it would be a great start. I could then research the suggestions and if I had any more questions, ask.
For example, I don't know which or how many of the major cities are worth few nights, or which other areas are worth a stop. 3 weeks is a long time, but I'm sure I can't see everything. So I would like to see the best places and spend some quality time at each.
Thanks for any help you could provide.

<b>lingling</b>

I have found 2 different options:

1.<b>http://www.bestpass.co.nz/</b>

2.<b>http://www.travelpass.co.nz/index.html</b>

Hope this helps you.

Lingling -

Absolutely - email me anytime.

AAFrequentFlyer -

Maybe this will help - on our first trip to the South Island we did a circuit, staying in Christchurch, Nelson, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Lake Moeraki (Wilderness Lodge), Te Anau (base for Milford Sound), Queenstown, Mt. Cook, then returned to Christchurch for the TranzAlpine train. We did this in 15 days, and felt that we saw alot of NZ.

On our second trip to NZ we visited both islands - we spent only one night in Christchurch, then went to Westport, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Dunedin, Wellington, Napier, Rotorua, Waitomo, Whitianga and Whangarei - we passed through Auckland, but didn't stay there, as we don't care for cities. We did this in 23 days and combined it with a short visit to Australia.

Since then, we've been back to the South Island three times, spending between 18 and 28 days there per trip.

In that time we've discovered a whole lot more of the country - much of it off the beaten path.

The standard tourist &quot;must-sees&quot; for a first timer to the South Island usually include the following -

The glaciers - Fox or Franz Josef
Milford Sound
Mt. Cook
Lake Tekapo (usually just a short stop to see the lake and the church)
Queenstown
Abel Tasman National Park
Cities - Christchurch and possibly Dunedin

Other possibilities include:

Hanmer Springs (thermal pools)
Marlborough Sounds
Banks Peninsula
Stewart Island

If you'd like to tramp, the choices are endless and where you stay will depend on which of the many tracks you're most interested in.

When in NZ last March, I traveled (by myself) by bus and train using a travelpass. I loved the busses - the drivers provide a bit of commentary along the way, stop for photo ops and drop you off and pick you up at your accommodation, for the most part. I spent two weeks on the south island, flew into Christchurch from Auckland. Spent a few days there, then took the Tranzalpine train to Greymouth for a night. Then took the bus to Franz Josef where I enjoyed the glaciers and wonderful hiking. Next I took the bus to Queenstown where I enjoyed 4 days, taking the jetboat trips, seeing Arrowtown, etc. I took a Real Journeys trip to Milford Sound, had them drop me off after the cruise on the sound in Te Anau for a few days in order to take a trip to Doubtful Sound and a walk on the Milford Track. From there, I took the bus to Dunedin, where I saw the yellow-eyed penguins waddle in from the sea. After one night, I headed back on the bus to Christchurch for the flight back to the states. A great trip.
Martha

Hi AAFrequentflyer

You have chosen a good time to travel to NZ as it is shoulder seaon for most detinations here so the numbers should not be too great (Not that NZ is ever that crowded).

If you were to travel into the South Island first then you can base yourself in Christchurch for a couple of days. Good quality hotels in the centre of town. Get a ticket for the tram and do a circuit of the city. This will give you an idea of the layout. In Christchurch most everything is walking distance as it is not a big city only about 350,000 people.

Spots to visit would be the Arts centre, Bus over to Akaroa and spend a day out on the water looking at dolphins and seals in Akaroa harbour, sample some of the local produce wines lamb etc.

Depending on how much time you want to spend in the South Island you could head south via the inland route to Mt Cook. Worth an overnight stay stunning scenery in the southern alps. You could then travel onto Queenstown. Very nice looking town on the shores of lake Wakatipu. The ski season in still on in September so expect to see quite a few ski bunnies around and the bars will be packed with them.

If you are travelling overland back up to the north you can take the west coast route north. A long way between towns on the west coast but stunning scenery with forests everywhere. This route would take you up via the major west coast glaciers, Fox and Franz Joseph. These glaciers come down so far that they are just a few kilometres from the coast when they end. Very accessible.

At the top of the South Island are two distinct districts. Nelson and Marlborough. Nelson has a focus on fresh produce, arts and craft and relaxed living. Marlborough is a major wine region with some great whites to be tried here. The main town to stay in in Marlborough is Blenheim.

If you take the ferry to the North island you will come into Wellington. A compact city built on hills surrounding Port Nicholson. Again good hotel selection in downtown. Personally I like the Duxton in Wellington, good central location.

In Wellington is our national museum - Te Papa - This is a great place to spend a day to learn about New Zealand's history, Both the good bits and the not so good bits. A lot of interactive exhibits. We've enjoyed it on times we've been there.

Wellington has a good nightlife though to be honest it is youth focused especially around Courtney Place.

North of Wellington going on the inland route is Martinborough. Another grape growing region where they produce very nice Pinot Noir.

If you continue up the East coast you will get to Hawkes Bay. Yet another wine growing district, very good looking part of the country.

A lot of visitors to NZ head to Rotorua in the central North Island. It is a great place to visit for experiencing Maori culture (at least the tourist version) the thermal atractions which are great and also to find hotpools to soak in.

Its worth a couple of days visit.

Auckland to the north has aht any city would have attractions wise. It does however have two great harbours. The Waitemata is dotted with islands which you can go out to visit. The only major inhabited one being Waiheke, good for arts and crafts, wine (again) and relaxing on a beach.

You could spend a few days easily in Auckland. Though as I live here I take it for granted, But there some great sights within the city limits. The islands asa mentioned above. The west coast black sand beaches. Climb any one of the dozens of extinct volcanoes (I promise their only small and well extinct, well all extinct except Rangitoto, thats just dormant) and get a good view of the city.

North of Auckland is the Bay of Islands, very picturesque and very accessible by coach.

This is just a sampler of what to do and see here. As you rightly note you don't want to kill youself by doing a &quot;Tuesday it must be Napier&quot; tour. Relax and focus on a fey key areas. You will find that most things can be within easy reach.

As has been mentioned, the purenz.com site is a good start.

Whatever you do enjoy your stay when you come and see our beautiful country.

Cheers

Steve

Thank You <b>Melnq8 and Kiwi acct(Steve)</b>!!!

That's exactly the kind of info I'm looking for. I have all the major web sites saved for research, I just needed a good starting point.

Thanks again. :-)

Apologies to <b>mjnbrown</b>

Thank You!

AA
I am not a kiwi expert but we have been a couple of times from oz.(you were very helpful on the airline board on a query i had)
we used rental cars every time...places we really enjoyed were

the overnight boat on doubtful sound
swimming with the hector dolphins
the penguins etc on the otago peninsula
the charm of the banks peninsula
hahei/cathedral cove
the boat trip to white island.
Taupo/lost world thermals.
the maori exhibit at the auckland museum
the ferry trip and browsing devonport.

Hello AAFrequentFlyer, Melnq8, mjnbrown, Kiwi_Acct: Thank you for the information. It is exactly what I am looking for. I have been reading Melnq8's many posts, they are so informative. I'll be searching many more to prepare our itinerary, I am sure I'll have questions and can rely on the Fodorites for excellent information.

LL

Lingling -

I have three rather detailed (ie., long) NZ trip reports from trips taken in 2001, 2002 and 2003. If you get really, really bored one day and need something to read, let me know and I'll send them your way.

Mel

Lingling -

I have three detailed trip reports from trips taken to the South Island in 2001, 2002 and 2003. If you ever find yourself really, really bored and in need of something to read, let me know and I'll send them your way.

Sorry for the double post, my computer is being rather spastic today (sure, blame it on the computer...)

I'm not sure if you are still checking this post, but I just got back from NZ on Monday and can tell you the route I took. Started in Auckland then went down to Rotorua. Flew from there to Christchurch and then went on to Dunedin (by bus). Loved Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula and highly recommend a stop here. From there, I took the Taieri Gorge Railway tour through Newton Tours. They picked me up at the end of the line and we went by mini-van to Queenstown. Did the Milford Sound trip with Great Sights. Highly recommend a night in Te Anu to break up this trip. It's a long day unless you fly in and out. From Queenstown, I took the bus to Arrowtown which is a lovely little town. You can come back to Queenstown the same day. From there it was bus to Franz Josef and next day bus to Greymouth. From there, I took the Tranzalpine back to Christchurch and then back to Auckland to fly home. Hope this helps a little. You will love NZ!

AA and Lingling,

You both have 3 weeks in NZ, which is wonderful, and you'll be able to see a great deal and have a great vacation. And, Ling, good for you jumping on the direct flight from SFO to AKL! I can't remember if I posted that on the board, or just to my clients!

The other thing you both have in common is that you don't want to drive and are interested in a &quot;transportation pass&quot;. I must admit, I'm curious about this, as I find my clients often express the same thing - a reluctance to drive. I'm just wondering if this is due to the &quot;left side&quot; method of driving? Or do you just prefer to leave the driving to someone else?

AA, for your expressed interests, there are not that many museums that come to mind, save the Te Papa in Wellington, which is one of the best interactive museums I've seen. I could, and have, spend a day there. That said, in my opinion, that's about all I need to see in Wellington. :)

You won't have any problem getting good food, or wine for that matter, in any place you go; blues/jazz rock in major cities like Auckland or Christchurch and there are national parks/heritage sites EVERYWHERE.

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Kiwi Specialist

The reason I would prefer not to drive has nothing to do with the <b>wrong</b> side driving :-). I have driven in UK and Jamaica. No problems.

In my case it has more to do with me traveling alone. Instead of sitting in the car alone, public transportation allows me to possibily meet the locals as well as other visitors. I could enjoy the scenery at all times, which if I drove myself may not be possible most of the times, etc.
I may still rent a car locally if I find that I want to explore the local area in more detail.
I will be flying on award ticket so I have to be little bit more flexible. It will be OneWorld airlines in first class. Qantas is obviously the first choice, but I may have to do Cathay or JL or possibly one other one which I can't remember now. The other airlines would mean a longer flight, but in first, it's actually very enjoyable, so I really don't mind.
I'm following many of the suggestions here and from another board and I'm slowly getting a routing set-up.

I do have another question for Melodie. Do you think I will have to reserve hotels ahead of time, or could I just pick and choose as I get to the destinations?(my prefered way).

Hello: I want to thank Melnq8 for emailing your extensive trip reports to me. Your itinerary looks very good.

To wlzmatilida: There are several reasons why we don't want to drive because it can be quite stressful &amp; nerve wrecking. Time spent looking for a place to park, parking fees, parking ticekts (yes, we got a few in Germany, misread the sign.) In Nurnburg the parking enforcer (a very heavy stern looking lady in an impressive uniform) demanded we paid cash on the spot. She was standing right behind the bumper. We forgot where we parked in Salzburg and spent time looking for the car. Driving into the wrong way one-way street in Cesky Krumlov (2 police cars had to escort us out). Misread the map in Prague, we drove up a hill and the road got narrower and steeper until we got to a tiny private courtyard (deadend), and couldn't turn around. The only way to turn around is to drive into the one-car garage on the left hand side, which was closed and no one was home at time. Hubby had to slowly back down the hill. Finally when we found the way, we just had to drive by the US Embassy to get to the garage. We were stopped and searched by security guards. After we parked, we tried to get into the US Embassy, they wouldn't let us in. All we wanted was to find out who won the World Series. The guard at the front gate didn't know and couldn't careless. Getting lost wasn't fun! Hubby claimed he didn't get to enjoy the scenery because he had to concentrate in driving. I was not much a navigator. We also hoped and prayed that we didn't get into an accident or had someones break in. Spending 24 hours a day for 3+ weeks with your spouse, that's another good reason. When we were in Northern Italy a year earlier, we went everywhere by rail, buses &amp; taxis. Practically door to door service and got to meet a lot of people along the way.

We haven't decided what mode of transportation we will use. We may combine rail/coach and a few days of car rental. I am sure I will have more questions once I get my itinerary in order. We want to stay at least 2 nights, prefer 3 in one place at a time. This will give us 7-9 stops. I agree with AA that you get to meet the locals and other visitors with public
transportation.

If any of you are reading this and can help me with public transportation, I truly appreciate it very much. We will start from Auckland, spend a week in the NI and then 2 weeks in the south.

Best regards,

LL