We will be visiting NZ for 3 weeks in April. So far we have only booked the first two nights accommodation in Christchurch. The rest we are planning to organise as we go. Is this a safe option for this time of year?

Among many things on the "must do" list for our children (age 13 and 10) is jet-boating and horse riding. There seems to be so many options for both. Can anyone offer a suggestion for the best, most scenic locations?


Our general travel route will be -:

Christchurch
Twizel
Mt Cook
Oamaru
Dunedin
Invercargill
TeAnau
Milford Sound
Queenstown
Wanaka
Haast
Fox Glacier
Franc Josef Glacier
Greymouth
Hamner Springs
Kaikoura
Picton
Wellington
Napier
Taupo
Rotorua
Tauranga
Coromandel
Auckland

This is very general and likely to change as we travel.

Thanks

Kaddy - I was in NZ last March and loved the jetboats. I took two jetboats trips from Queenstown - the Shotover River and the Dart River. They had different sceneries - but basically the same type boat ride. There's lots to do out of Queenstown. My other favorite areas were Milford and Doubtful Sounds and Franz Josef Glacier. I also went on the dusk trip on the Otago Penisula to check out the yellow-eyed penguins. That's an easy drive from Dunedin.
Have fun.
Martha

Kaddy -

Jet boat trips on the Shotover and Kawarau are available from Queenstown. Shotover Jet is good for thrill seekers - it's about 30 minutes and includes lots of 360 degree spins and close ups in the canyons.

The Dart River jetboat trip is longer and incredibly scenic. It's based out of Glenorchy, which is about 40 minutes from Queenstown. You can either drive yourself, or catch the bus provided by Dart River Safaris. The jet boating portion is about 90 minutes, then there's a short walk through the forest and a 4WD return to Glenorchy.

They also offer a jet boat/funyak trip and a few other options.

I've done both the Shotover Jet and the Dart River Safari and I'd gladly do both again.

I went 2 yrs ago in April. I did both islands (definately liked south island better -- although both are nice). in CC -- check out the Antartica center. There are 2 penguin sites - Oomaru and Dunedin -- we enjoyed both. Highlight was the flight from Q-town to Milford Sound. spectacular views! Also - great vineyards everywhere. South Island can be chilly in April. Suggest you take layers. two last tips -- ANZ has a package where you can buy several in country flights for a flat fee. Might think about that. Also -- rented a car from a NZ co that rented cars with aout 50k miles -- the car was clean and dependable and much cheaper than Hertz, Avis, etc.

Do you remember the name of that car company? (Or the ANZ package?)

Thanks