Sunsind - we're dropping the Bay of Islands, which makes the trip much easier to plan. Ditto the overnight trip to Milford sound. that gives us 5 nights in NI and 12 on SI which is just about doable, we think.

Can you fly from Rotorua to Wellington?

Hi, melnq8

DH and I are off on 16 July to Hong Kong (3 days), England, Europe (on an Insight Vacations European Heritage trip for 33 days), Canada on 19 September - Toronto, Brantford, Burlington, Calgary, Jasper, Banff, Vancouver) and San Francisco for 4 days before coming home. Quite exciting, especially as now we have our tickets!

Sorry for slowness in replying - been finishing reports, then had power off for 2 days after big storm in Wellington on Thursday, and away over the weekend. Didn't check many posts in this time, silly me.

Hi, sunsind86. Hope you don't have to drop Wellington completely from your itinerary.

Sounds like quite a trip dotty. One of these days I hope to get to Canada myself.

We are looking forward to our trip but not living out of suitcases for 3 months! One of the highlights for me is meeting my penfriend of 55 years for the first time! We are also looking forward to visiting the towns in England where my parents were born, and some of Ted's family come from. Even the places in Canada have some connection to family members on my mother's side! And fulfilling dreams of a lifetime for me - visiting Banff National Park and travelling through the Rocky Mountains by train!

Susind86, my trip report is now finally finished. Check it out at: http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...days-si-ni.cfm