Hello,
I am starting to plan a trip to New Zealand for sometime next year. I just don't know where to start. I don't even know the basics about New Zealand...
Is there a book that anyone recommends that will be a good start? Or a website? I would first like to determine what part of the island I would like to stay and then go from there. Oh yes, time of year would also help me get started. I am pretty flexible regarding when I can go.
Thank you!
Becca

Becca

Right a blank canvas to start with.

You may wish to have a look at the official New Zealand tourism site.

http://www.newzealand.com/travel/

This will give you some basic information with great links to more detialed information.

As far as when to visit it would depend on what you want ot see and do.

Beaches for swimming only really comfortable between December and March.

Snow skiing of course in winter is between July and October.

So whatever activity you choose MAY be seaonally affected.

Do a bit of reading of the information on the website and come back to me with any ideas you may have. Either I or one of the many experienced other fodorites on here will be able to assist.

Steve

That was exactly the reply I was hoping for. Thanks Steve! I will check out the site, take notes and get back with you.
Becca

Hi Becca,

You're going to have a wonderful time in NZ!

I suggest that you go to the New Zealand Tourism Board's site at www.purenz.com. Once there, click on "Getting to NZ", and then "Travel Agents". Next, "Select Country", pass thru the Disclaimer and then you'll see "Specialists" - find your state and your local Kiwi Specialist to help you plan your trip.

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Kiwi Specialist

Becca

One of our best ever holidays was 6 weeks in NZ - Jan,Feb, a very good time to go. Weather mostly warm but never too hot. We spent 4 weeks in south island, 2 weeks in north - about the right proportion as SI is just beautiful, but NI also has lots worth seeing. Recommend Lonely Planet as a good book to start. Favourite city - Christchurch, favourite sight - Mount Cook, also loved Te Anau, Napier, Te Papa museum in Wellington - I could go on all day. Go, you'll love it.

Joe

The South Island was great in August for adventure sports like skiing, snowboarding, hang gliding (i highly recommend), paragliding.

The first thing I did when I planned my trip was get one of the Major travel companies brochures. I used their iteneraries for a time and sightseeing reference. Then I got the Fodors book, which helped me plan the rest. It gave me a synopsis of just about everything from weather, hotels to transportation. For me it was easier to start there then zero in on some websites once I knew what i wanted.

If you stay in Queenstown, I recommend the Quality Terraces. It was a great hotel for its value and close to town with a bus stop right out front!

Have Fun!

Becca -

Planning a trip to NZ can indeed be daunting, because there's so much to see and do!

In addition to purenz.com, you might want to take a look at www.southislandescapes.com. They're a tour company, but they suggest itineries that might help you plan your own trip. You might also find the following site helpful in determining travel distances between locations in NZ:

www.accommodationz.co.nz/distances2.html

I've found Lonely Planet NZ to be very helpful. I don't pay much attention to their lodging advice, but their advice on what to see in each area can be quite helpful. You can take a look online at www.lonelyplanet.com.

As far as when to go, that's a personal thing, but we prefer the off season of September-October. Weather during this time can be unpredictible, but there are fewer tourists and we feel like we have the whole country to ourselves.

You really can't go wrong. You've made the right decision in visiting NZ. It's a wonderful country!