We had booked a one bedroom unit at Villa Del Lago, a new complex of individually owned vacation units. Our unit had unobstructed views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables and was by far the quietest place we've ever stayed in Queenstown - www.villadellago.co.nz.

Villa Del Lago is a bit off the beaten path, but only a 25 minute walk from the town center via the Frankton Arm Walkway. Alternatively, you can drive to town and park near Queenstown Gardens, which is a 5 minute walk from the center of town. Parking here is free and unlimited, whereas parking in town is metered and limited to one hour until 6 pm. After 6 pm, there's no charge for parking in town and it's alot easier to find a parking space.

We had dinner that evening at Little India, our favorite Queenstown restaurant. Little India is BYO (bring your own) and licensed, so we were able to take one of the many bottles of wine we had collected during our Nelson and Blenheim winery visits to dinner.

While in Queenstown, we explored the town, spent some time at the casino, and drove to Glenorchy, which is located at the top of Lake Wakatipu and offers many walking opportunities. The winding road along the lake between Queenstown and Glenorchy is incredibly scenic.

We continued driving on to Mt. Aspiring National Park, hoping to take a hike, but it was just too cold and muddy the day we were there.

While in the Queenstown area we also drove to the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and watched the bungy jumpers (my husband bungy jumped on a previous visit, but decided once was enough). We also spent an afternoon at the Gibbston Valley Winery, tasted some of their wines and had a good lunch at their cheesery.

We also took a drive to Arrowtown, a restored gold mining settlement located 12 km from Queenstown, and a bit of a tourist trap.

After four nights in Queenstown, we headed to the airport where we flew to Auckland, to catch our very long flight to CA.

NOTE: This was our fourth trip to NZ and we're currently planning trip #5. We've only visited the North Island once - we found that the South Island is much more our style, so we continue to visit there. We've done most of the "must sees" and have now moved on to some of the less visited places.

I keep detailed notes of our travels, so if you require more specific information, I'd be happy to help.

Hello,

My wife and I are planning a three week trip in late November flying into Wellington. Would really appreciate your insite and help in planning our trip. Could you send me some suggestions and detail. [email protected]

I would appreciate a copy of you trip report. We are thinking of going to NZ for 2 weeks in Sep. Many thanks

Which areas have you been to in the north island as it really has as much to offer as the south if you know where to go?

Sel -

This is just the final part of a four part trip report posted further down on this page. If you'd like the longer, more detailed version send me a note at [email protected]. I also have a detailed report from a trip in 2001.

KathyNZ - We visited the North Island once, but decided we much prefer the South - fewer people and more our style. We visited Wellington, Auckland, Rotoura, Napier, the Bay of Islands, and a few other areas. I ralize that the North Island has much to offer, but we simply prefer the South.

Your trip sounded great! When were you there and what was the weather like. We are planning a trip for late March 2004. We fly into to Sydney and planned on staying for 2-3 days before going to NZ. Do you have any suggestions for Sydney. Also how far in advance did you book hotels/B&B's?. We only have 15 days total. I would love to get a full itinerary.

Thanks for your help. SSJ

SSL -

We were there in September 2002. We've also visited in April. September was a bit cool and wet, but we tend to like cool weather, so it was not a problem. We were in Sydney years ago - stayed at Morgan's of Sydney - used public transport - had a great time, but it's been awhile, so can't provide many details.

We booked our NZ accommodation several months in advance, but booking in advance is not necessary in the off season.

Would be happy to send you more info - send me a note at [email protected].