Bokhara2

Welcome home, Mel
Looks like another great NZ immersion for you & Bob. I've enjoyed your report enormously - thanks so much.

Melnq8

annhig -

It's comforting to learn that it's not just me! I can find my way cross country, but the minute I get into a city, all bets are off. My husband has a built-in compass, but Bob and I can get lost with maps in our hands.

Thank you Bokhara - immersion - I like that.

dottyp

Pleased you and Bob had a wonderful time (apart from the unpredictable weather) while in NZ, and that Bob had no hassle with his return flights. The Dreamliner sounds a good step up for AirNZ. Sounds like a perfect ending for a near-perfect holiday. Do come back again, please.

The one time I went to the Skytower I could not understand why people wanted to walk around outside let alone jump off! It was bad enough being so high with all the glass around! Now I have visited some very high places overseas I might not find the height and glass so bad but I still wouldn't want to jump off or walk outside.

Melnq8

Hi dotty -

Overall we had exceptional weather; much better than last year when the SI reared its ugly head with a particularly ferocious storm, but as far as I'm concerned, it just made the NZ experience more realistic for then first time visitor Bob. You can't fully appreciate the beautiful days until you've experienced NZ's dark side.

I don't get the whole jumping/dangling from heights either - I'll stay inside thank-you-very-much.

tomarkot

Hi Melnq8,

Glad that you and Bob had such a wonderful trip!

Thanks again for your suggestions when we visited the SI. We had a great time driving over Arthur's Pass, and a gorgeous day exploring the Punakaki Rocks area and coastline. It was enjoyable to read about your experiences.

We're starting to work on our TR from the Alps. Are you getting geared up for your December visit to Switzerland and Germany? We'll stay tuned.

Melnq8

I certainly am getting geared up tomarkot, especially as the days on this side of the world heat up and the Aussie flies buzz around my head.

I look forward to reading your report over on the Europe board.

martharap

Melnq8

Bumping this up in preparation for a trip to this area.

Do you have the info for the "lifestyle" property of Rennie and Karen that you mentioned was near Kina Beach/Ruby Bay?? I tried to google using the info you posted but couldn't find anything.

Thanks

Melnq8

Hi Martha -

Rennie and Karen have taken down the ad for their property.

It was listed on www.holidayhouses.co.nz.

If you're looking for a place in the near vicinity, we stayed here many years ago and loved it:

http://www.kinabeach.co.nz/index.php...d=3&Itemid=106

Happy to help if any other questions come up.

Melnq8

Martha -

Here's a listing of the current holiday houses for rent in Mapua, Ruby Bay and Kina Beach:

https://www.holidayhouses.co.nz/Ruby-Bay.asp

martharap

Once again many thanks!

martharap

I have another question for you. If we go to Abel Tasman area in late May to early June, will we be doing any swimming? I'm guessing the resounding answer is NO, but I have no idea what the weather might be like.

Melnq8

I'm thinking no, unless you really like cold water.

nelsonian

I would definitely say NO!!.

martharap

Well that settles that!

I've also noticed that some places close down from May 1 until September/October.

This wouldn't be my preferred time to visit, but our son is coming for a month and this is the only time (mid-May to mid-June) he can visit so we're trying to come up with a 7-10 day trip we can take with him when he's not traveling on his own.

We're interested in day hikes and love beautiful scenery. Would this be an okay time for a walk on the Queen Charlotte track and somewhere on the Abel Tasman track? If this really isn't a good time to go, any other destination suggestions?

Melnq8

I'd not hesitate a single minute to visit in May/June, but I prefer traveling in the off season regardless of where I go.

Sure, the weather can be iffy, but the weather on the SI is unpredictable at any time of year. Generally speaking, it will be warmer on the north of the SI, and areas like Nelson (near Abel Tasman) get more sunshine than further south.

What specific closures are you referring to?

Most 'attractions' are open year round, although some do operate on reduced schedules. The boat to the start of the Milford Track is one exception that springs to mind.

Some tracks might be closed due to track damage, but should you run into a closed track there are plenty of alternatives, believe me.

You can get some great accommodation deals in the low season. I can think of a handful of cafes in tourist driven spots that might close, but otherwise, I can't think of much that would be affected in MayJune.

martharap

Thanks. Some of the accommodations I checked out were closed. And it seems that water taxis run on a reduced schedule.

How do you figure out when to get picked up from a hike (water taxi)? Just take the published time and then add a bit for a buffer?

Melnq8

You get picked up based on their schedule, which is more than adequate. They know how long it takes to walk a section and they've got plenty of buffer time worked in.

I strongly suggest you not book until a day or two before, so you'll have an idea of what the weather is up to.