I am a travelling to NZ with my grandma. She is energetic but still cannot walk for long periods of time or do hiking so I usually request a wheelchair when in themeparks. Aside from that, i have to carry both our luggages which is hard for a 5 feet small frame girl. Do you suggest we fly from christchurch to auckland or just skip auckland? my agent is suggesting to visit the glowworm caves. Will there be hiking in that trip? Do need your suggestions and insights on this matter.

There are actually 2 main glowworm caves in NZ. One is on the North Island at Waitomo and the other is in Te Anau on the South Island. In order to get to the glowworm cave in Te Anau, you have to take a short, scenic boat ride across Lake Te Anau which should probably not be a problem for your grandmother. I have visited both caves, but it's been a few years. As I recall, they were similar in that you walk for a bit in the cave and then take a boat ride on an underground lake in the cave to see the glowworms. I don't know if the walk inside the cave would be a problem for your grandmother (e.g. uneven paths, lots of steps, etc.), so I'd recommend contacting the caves and asking them for advice. We enjoyed both caves and I think it would be a memorable stop on your NZ trip.
We skipped Auckland (except for our flights) on all the trips that we made to NZ. We were mostly interested in active, outdoor activities--not cities. So, I can't really tell you if Auckland is worth a stop or not for you and your grandmother. (What are you interested in?)

Auckland (and it's suburbs) is a widespread city that you really need a car to do it well. It is possible to walk around downtown but a fair bit of walking involved. There are few sites there, a museum, tower, etc. It depends on what you want out of a holiday whether you go there.

Only pack what you need. You do not need a change of clothes every day. Even when away for months I take little as I continually wash and wear. You can of course buy extra there. Make sure you have cases with wheels on them and an extendable handle. Take a telescopic umbrella.

Thanks so much for both your advices. the available itineraries on the tour is the waitomo caves. But I am apprehensive about the uneven surfaces you mentioned so I will be checking with my travel agent if there is other activities possible.

actually my grandmother is easy to please - whether just to see nature or to see a city. any will do. But i do not want to do any outdoor activities like hiking or sports since I will be too worried most of the time about her to enjoy it! so anything will do since we have not yet been to NZ and will probably be curious by the culture and way of life there.

Littledot, I'm afraid I didn't make myself clear about the conditions inside Waitomo cave. It's been a few years since I've been there. By saying "I don't know if the walk inside the cave would be a problem for your grandmother e.g. uneven paths, lots of steps, etc." I meant to indicate that I didn't remember what the conditions were like inside the cave. They could be perfectly fine for your grandmother. That's why I thought that you (or your travel agent) could contact the cave directly and find out for sure. Sorry about the confusion.

Hi. I think you'll find wheelchairs on loan in most touristy places in NZ. ( we love our Nanas too ! ).
http://www.waitomo.com/ruakuri-cave.aspx

Send these chaps an email - just to check though.