We have 3 weeks with a car to explore the South Island. We haven't made reservations b/c we want the flexibility. I'm getting nervous that this might be a mistake. Is it hard to find accommodations? I remember reading that there was some guide, maybe Jason's guide, that listed all the accommodations. Where do we find one of these in New Zealand? Thanks!

I'm leaving for New Zealand on Easter Sunday. The only reservations I have at the moment is a 2 night stay in Christchurch, upon arrival and 3 night stay in Auckland, before departure, and I'm not worried. I keep on checking availibility at the places I plan on visiting and everything is still available and for the same rates I saw 2-3 months ago. I'm like you. Never been there so I really don't want to tie myself down to a certain itn. Just because others rave about (whatever), it doesn't mean that I will like it. Traveling on a fly gives me that freedom. If I like the spot I stay longer, if I don't I move on.

Have a great trip!

You should be able to pick up accomodation guides at the airport.

Lee Ann

Hi there Lia

Jasons gudes are available at the airport and at most motels at reception. They are free.

You should be OK with out booking accomodation. Be aware that school holidays fall in the later part of April. The link below provides all school term and holiday dates through to 2009 in New Zealand. This may be useful for other planners. The holidays will only impact upon major attractions and will probably at worst mean your choices are limited but not totally wiped out.

http://www.minedu.govt.nz/index.cfm?...xid=1010#P3_95

For others reading this thread, I attach a link from Jasons online site regarding the forthcoming tour to New Zealand by the Lions Rugby team. There is anticipated to be a huge following of overseas fans for this which will put a lot of pressure on accomodation.

http://www.jasons.co.nz/lionstour/

If you plan to be in the same city as one of the games at the same time and you have not booked accomodation, I would suggest you get to it. Lia this does not impact upon you though as the tour is in June not April.

Hope this helps

Steve

The auto club in NZ also has accomodations guides. They are free if you are a US autoclub member. I've also seen them at the Info Centres at the airports. I would probably book ahead for arrival, Christchurch city, and night before departure, and the glaciers on the west coast.

Thank you so much everyone!!

Kiwi_acct thanks for the info!! I'll be in NZ in late June and it's great to know what will be going on throughout the country. I won't be in any of the same places at the same times as the games, but I'll try to catch one in pub!

Lia-

We spent last April driving around NZ and only booked our first couple of nights in Christchurch. Those nights ended up as our most expensive. We never had any difficulty finding accomodations. You'll be surprised at the discounted rates offered by many hotels if you call a day or two before arrival.

Just wanted to update in case anyone uses this thread for their own trip later. Other than the first night after arriving in Christchurch, we didn't make any reservations. No problems at all. Of the 19 nights we were in NZ, we only encountered one place which was full when we arrived to inquire about vacancies, and we no problems finding an alternate. We mainly used the automobile club books which are free and everywhere to find accommodations. Oh, I should also mention Mount Cook National Park. We did not realize all of the accommodations were so pricey in this area. We just stayed in the youth hostel for one night. Hope this helps!

Your response with your experience is appreciated as it will help others who will be in the same situation. Thanks.