In January I will be traveling to Christchurch, Dundin, Queenstown, and Auckland. Would you please share your favorite places to stay, things to do, places to eat, things to see, things I shouldn't miss, in each of these places? Any information will be greatly appreciated. I like to stay in the city centers for around $100 if possible. I have plane tickets, but the rest is open and I would love suggestions. Thanks!

you must allow some time in Gisborne as well say at least 2 days. What are your interests and I will set up a choice of what you can do especially things you are specifically interested in seeing.

you must allow some time in Gisborne as well say at least 2 days. What are your interests and I will set up a choice of what you can do especially things you are specifically interested in seeing.

In Auckland - take a trip over to rangitoto Island (with a picnic lunch) and walk to the top. <BR>Go out to the West Coast beaches (on a weekday) and walk for miles. <BR> <BR>In the Christchurch area, drive out to Akaroa for lunch and make sure you take the long way to get there around the peninsular. <BR>Drive north to Hamner Springs and stay. <BR>Go to Kaikoura and go whale watching (make sure you arrive the night before so you can go on the first trip of the day - it's obscenely early but the water is calmest so you can go faster and see more whales) <BR>Drive through Arthur's Pass to the west coast, drive south and walk on one of the glaciers before you hit Queenstown. <BR> <BR>In Queenstown do everything you can - even the things that scare you. Things I enjoyed the most - Shotover Jet Boat( but the Dart River trip is longer, less exciting/scary and goes into more beautiful countryside), white water rafting and having dinner up at the Skyline Restaurant at sunset ( the food is ordinary but the view is wonderful - make suer you book). But highlight for me was the scenic flights. I've done one by helicopter and one by fixed wing and both are good. <BR> <BR>In Dunedin go out to the peninsular and see the penguins and albatross. <BR>

We spent two weeks on the South Island in NZ - LOVED IT! In Christchurch, we stayed at the Millenium - excellent location, terrific rooms etc. You can rent a bike from the hotel and bike around the park and the river that runs through the city. <BR> <BR>Queenstown was a blast! SO much to do....also HIGHLY recommend the Shotover Jet ride....you will love it. <BR> <BR>Favorite restaurants include a Japanese place with the best sushi in the shopping area, Roaring Meg's for a really cozy place. <BR> <BR>In Queenstown we stayed a a cheap hotel on the mountain but we were never there, so it was fine..... <BR> <BR>Feel free to email me if you like....I'd be happy to pull out my notes and share with you....have a great time!!!! <BR>

If you are looking for a great historic town visit clyde. That also has a great restaurant and accomodation Clyde is 1 hour from queenstown. Check out http://www.olivers.co.nz

We just got back from a wonderful tour of NZ. Be sure to go punting on the Avon in Christchurch. It's a very "walkable" town. We went to the Maritime Museum in Auckland and sailed on a Yacht. In Queenstown we stayed at a small B&B called Larch Hill ([email protected]). Chris and Maria Lamens were our hosts. The views from their home were incredible. The mountains and the lake are clearly visable. Queenstown was one of the best stops we made. Shotover jet, the gondola, we took a boat to Walter Peak and saw sheep shearing, Border collie demonstration of sheep herding and had tea there. It snowed while we were there, so I couldn't go Bungee jumping. <BR>No way! We wanted to watch, but it wasn't operating at all that day. January is their summer so maybe you'll have better luck. Try to go through the Fjordlands and Milford sound. You'll love NZ. It is Excellent!

<BR>Jan in Nz is holiday time for the first three weeks, so the beaches in the North Island are popular.After then just hire a car and book either motels (self-catering) or b&b's. The best beaches in the North Island are on the Coromandel better than California but smaller. . You would enjoy Rotorua with its thermal activity Auckland has good food and a trip up the sky tower is a must with a great bistro not at the top of tower.Take a ferry trip and stay the night on Waiheke 1hr from down town or take a heli ride for lunch

Hi, <BR>Do try to fit in a couple of days min. for the Coromandel Peninsula, 2 ghours from Auckland - although it is very busy with holiday makers at that time of the year - fuirst 2 weeks January especially - but it is really beautiful. <BR>NZ best kept secret - if you want more details - email me and I may be able to help more. <BR>Cheers <BR>Sharon

Hi, <BR>Do try to fit in a couple of days min. for the Coromandel Peninsula, 2 ghours from Auckland - although it is very busy with holiday makers at that time of the year - fuirst 2 weeks January especially - but it is really beautiful. <BR>NZ best kept secret - if you want more details - email me and I may be able to help more. <BR>Cheers <BR>Sharon