Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   Australia & the Pacific (https://www.fodors.com/community/australia-and-the-pacific/)
-   -   What's best to do see in New Zealand in a month (https://www.fodors.com/community/australia-and-the-pacific/whats-best-to-do-see-in-new-zealand-in-a-month-38200/)

Diane Burn Feb 9th, 1999 09:09 AM

What's best to do see in New Zealand in a month
 
I'm going to NZ on April 16th for 1 month. As it is not much time I'd like some advice on best places to see/do that are value for money. I fly in and out of Auckland and plan to visit Rotorua to see the thermal activity. I'd also like to go to the Coromandel Peninsula,East Cape,Gisborne then to Wellington (I'm visiting friends there) for a few days. I want to go to the South Island and do the coastal track in Abel Tasman NP then go down the West Coast to Greymouth, Franz Josef/fox glacier then to Queenstown as a base to Milford Sound and take a cruise. I'd also like to go to Kiakoura to the dolphins & whales but not fussed with C'church or Dundedin. Any suggestions on best way to do this alone and on public transport? Will be staying in hostels. Many thanks <BR>Diane

Christine Feb 11th, 1999 12:27 AM

Diane <BR>You are covering many of the good areas of New Zealand. <BR>There is a bus that is called The Kiwi Experience and that travels through most places of New Zealand. It drops people off at Backpackers or Hostels. You book it for when you wanted picked up again. <BR>For more information e-mail me. <BR>Christine <BR>

Denise Feb 12th, 1999 06:51 AM

Just returned from 5 weeks touring NZ by car and found it just wonderful. The people are warm and friendly and it is a beautiful country. You are wise to take at least a month. We only made it as far north as Pahia then down to the Coramandel, on to the South Island as far South as Hokitika and over to Christchurch. We just didn't have enough time unless we wanted to drive continuously. Don't miss the west coast highway on the South Island. It is spectacular. Pahia is quite resorty but there are some lovely smaller towns on the way there. Depends on what you like. We tried to stay away from the busy centres and stick to the smaller towns. If you go to the Coramandel I would recommend staying at the first town on the west side rather than Thames. More to see and do on that side of the pen. Auckland is just a big city as is Wellington but we did enjoy Christchurch. Feel free to contact me with specific requests. Cheers!

Trudy Meredith Apr 10th, 1999 04:13 AM

Hi Diane, you are very game to travel around new Zealand on your own. Public transport would be the best bet. Dont forget to come to Gisborne. Off the beaten trip but the trip through the Waioeka Gorge, i hour long, is a fantastic experience. Gisborne people are very friendly and helpful. If you decide to come this way I will glad to <BR>help you. <BR>he <BR>ci <BR>yy

Jo Apr 11th, 1999 08:49 AM

Diane, <BR> <BR>I spent 2 months in NZ last year. Arrived there on my own, but not for long! I travelled with Kiwi Experience, as Christine has already mentioned. I had the best time! NZ is one of the friendliest places I've ever been. Kiwi Exp covers most of the places you mention, and you can easily stay longer in one place, and skimp on others if you wish. It's a great way to make friends, and have a fab time. If you want to know anything else (I could go on for hours!), email me. <BR> <BR>Jo


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:24 AM.