I want to thank Fodor's and all of you who have posted a response about New Zealand here. My wife and I just returned from our trip to NZ, both north and south islands, and it was the best vacation ever. Something different to do everyday, extremely nice people, clean and beautiful country, and compared to USA less expensive. If anyone needs B&amp;B advice ask anytime, they were all great!<BR><BR>Thanks again

Just read your message and since my husband and i are going to NZ for the month of March (first trip) we were wondering if there is anything you can tell us to see, do, eat, etc. we are just retired and are not into fishing and &quot;big&quot; hikes, but love art. Any suggestions? would love to hear from you at email : [email protected]<BR>PS we live in the Adirondacks, NY state

I am not Brad, but would highly recommend if you are spending time in Christchurch - that you use Canterbury Trails - they run tours all over the south island and can tailor any trip to your individual requirements. Very efficient, very nice people and reasonable prices.<BR>We used them a few months ago to visit the Banks Penninsula and Akaroa and had a wonderful day, despite awful weather.

Visit the museums in auckland for art and history. There are so many tours to take when in Queenstown you will not be bored. There are activities for all. Just walk the main strip and walk in.

Can you give me info on dining in Auckland. Are the prices high. Afe Fodor's prices quoted in USDollars or Australian Dollars.<BR><BR>Thanks.

Neither I would assume - they should be in NZ dollars. To convert to US dollars just halve the number (ie, its very affordable!!)

George,<BR><BR>Dining in Auckland is very VERY reasonable. I am sure you well get meals far beyond what you expect for a fair price.<BR><BR>David

For Carol,<BR><BR>Make sure you spend time on the North Island as well especially for the Maori culture as you will see little of it on the S. Island. We spent 4 weeks in NZ a year ago and travelled by car from the tip of the north island to the end of the south and enjoyed it very much. Lots to see and do.

We just returned from NZ (and Austrlia). We had some wierd dining experiences in Auckland. When we came early (say 6:00 pm) for dinner without a reservation, even the dining room of our hotel, we were told they were holding tables for reservations (ok we understand.) But that if we could finish by 8:30 or 9:00 they would be happy to seat us! We were certainly able to finish in under three hours! We saw three restaurants keep more than half their tables empty for this reason, while turning party after party away. Is there some law in Auckland or NZ requiring a restaurant to have your table ready promptly when your reservations are? Seems like a nice though costly system for the restaurant owner!<BR>Other than that, we'd highly recommend the Auckland Hilton! Sleek, like a W Hotel and with a great location right on the water!