Hello, <BR> <BR>We will be spending approx 3 weeks in NZ for our honeymoon next May. After lots of research (particularly on this board), we have set a tentative itinerary: <BR> <BR>-4 days Queenstown, with trip to Milford Sound <BR>-3 days Christchurch & Banks Pennisula (we like Loch Hill in Akaroa mentioned on this site) <BR>2 days at Wilderness lodge in Arthur's Pass <BR>Tranz-scenic train Christchurch to Picton <BR>3 Days in either Nelson-Marlborough region or the Martinsborough region - we love wine! <BR>- Ferry across to North Island <BR>-Fly Wellington to Auckland, 4 days Bay of Islands, 2-3 days Auckland <BR> <BR>Questions - We would love accommodation suggestions unde $100 US/nt. <BR>Do you recommend flying or driving between Queenstown and Christchurch with our limited timeframe? <BR> <BR>Thank you

Hi Dawn <BR>Your itinerary is starting to look very good. I see that you have managed to get in all the spots that I would recommend in the South Island BUT oh the North Island. In spending your limited time going to the Bay od islands in May when you could be doing so much more in the scenic central North Island is a real shame. Contact me and I will give you a couple of itinerary suggestions. <BR> <BR>When it comes to accommodation I have plenty of suggestions that are all under $US100/nt (you don't all have to stay at the Huka Lodge) Just get back to me with teh type of accommodation you are looking for hotels, lodges, private self-catering, B&B etc <BR>Regards <BR>Kerry

Your itinerary sounds great. I would recommend driving Christchurch/Queenstown - there is some lovely scenery that way. I assume you will visit the glaciers? Also perhaps allow 2 days Queenstown/2 days Milford Sound rather than a day trip. Queenstown is a tourist trap - its a fun place but its not as special as, for example, Te Anau. <BR>Visit Te Papa museum in Wellington. Consider driving up the north island. Allow 2 days for the drive, and take these days of your time in Auckland City. Rotorua, with its cultural displays and amazing volcanic area is a must see. For an area more in reach but still pretty, consider the Coromandel Peninsular rather than the Bay of Islands. Saves you the trek to the other side of Auckland.

We just returned from an amazing 3 week honeymoon in NZ. We had a perfect itinerary, both north and south island, we saw a lot of everything and did so much. Let me know if you still want some details!! It was so amazing, we're planning on going back!!!

ktk, <BR>based on your trip, what would you recommend for 4 days/3 nights on the north island? <BR>we'll be in Rotorua for 3 days for a wedding, then flying out of Auckland 4 days later. <BR>we'll have a car and want to make the most of our time in NZ. <BR>what would you suggest? <BR>thanks!

hi Dawn, <BR>your itinerary sounds pretty good, it looks like you have been doing your research. <BR>As far as your accom. budget of US$100, most hotel /motel rooms are under or just over the NZ$100 which converts to apprx. US$40 at the moment.

How far is Rotorua from Auckland? Could we go by train? How much time to get there? We only have 2 days in auckland and want to make the most of it. Would we be better off spending that time in Auckland?

Pat, I don't live in NZ, but travel there in a few weeks. The train service between Auckland and Rotorua ended a few weeks ago, the Geyserland express no longer runs & the route has been removed from the Tranzrail website at http://www.tranzrailtravel.co.nz/tra...ic/default.asp There is a bus service, see http://www.intercitycoach.co.nz/ for more details. The journey time by bus is 4 hours approx. Distance is 145 miles or 223km. If you only have 2 days then you could spend much of your time travelling back & forth to Rotorua, I don't know if it's worth it.

I'd say Rotorua is definitely worth a visit - you get the thermal stuff, and also the Maori places. (All a bit touristy, but still v. interesting.) It doesn't take too long to drive, and we found the roads pretty quiet, so that might well be an option for you? <BR> <BR>If you want any further info on hotels, etc., I can look up my travel journal for more details if you like.... I spent about 4 months in NZ, almost 4 years ago now.... <BR> <BR>Jenny

Joss, <BR> <BR>Are you staying in Rotorua the whole time b/f going to Auckland? I would recommend some wonderful places to stay. Solitaire Lodge in Rotorua is absolutely wonderful! So secluded and right on the water w/views of the mountains. And the service is wonderful! Very pampered! I would also recommend Huka Lodge in Taupo, pricey, but worth it. It's amazing and right on the water of Huka Falls. I would highly recommend you see Cathedral Cove in Tauranga, it is so beautiful and the walk to it is so fun! Also, Hot Water Beach is pretty neat, just go there when the tide is down and believe me, when you dig in that sand, the water is very hot, like your own personal hot tub!! Try to take a kayak ride in Tauranga also, Dolphin Seafaris is a good one. And if you're up for white water rafting, we rafted the Kaituna river with River Rats rafting company. It's a grade 5+, the highest you can raft, but very exhilarating and lots of fun! Also, Auckland is a pretty city too. Please don't pass up taking the ferry to Devonport, a wonderful quaint little town w/wonderful scenery and cute shops. Let me know if you want any more ideas!!

Two suggestions...A. Don't fly from Wellington to Auckland. Instead, take the daylight railcar. You'll see a lot of the North island as you travel through the countryside. You'll love it. B. Do the Cream Trip (all day boat ride) in the Bay of Islands. Unforgettable! <BR>You realize that May will be getting a little on the cold side down there, eh?<BR>Have a great time... Toronto Kiwi

Toronto Kiwi: I will be in NZ in February. I have heard of the cream trip. Can you tell me anything about it? What made it fun?