Cruzeirense

Hi,

Once I wrote the itinerary for my trip (thanks to everybody here), I'll take a step further.

Do you think it is necessary to book tickets in advance for the major attractions in NZ (trip between mid february and march)?

If so, with which of the attractions should I be careful and book beforehand?

To be more exact, is there any need to book in advance for the following attractions:

- caves in Waitomo?

- geothermal area in Rotorua and Wai-o-Tapu?

- sports in Agroventures (Rotorua)?

- Tongariro alpine cross (and pick up service)?

- wine tours in Marlborough and Blenheim?

- Ferry from NI to SI?

- cruise on a boat in Marlborough Sounds (Picton)?

- whale watching in Kaikoura?

- thermal pools in Hanmer Springs?

- glacier hikes in Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers?

- bungee jumping (Kawarau and Ledge)?

- jet boating - Shotover River?

- night cruise / day cruise - Milford Sound?

Thank you again!

Melnq8

We never book in advance in NZ (other than lodging and a car) and some of the places on your list don't even take bookings (thermal pools, bungy jumping).

Exceptions: I would definitely book the Milford/Doubtful Overnight Cruise, but not necessarily way in advance. No need to book the daytime Milford Cruise, you can just walk on a boat when you get there.

I would also book the glacier hikes, but booking a few days in advance should be sufficient. If in doubt, contact the operator and see what they suggest.

I'd also book the Wellington/Picton Ferry.

The other activities can wait until you get there. You can usually book most actitivies the day of, or a day in advance. Personally, we prefer to see what the weather is going to be like before we book an activity. Booking too far in advance makes you inflexible and IMO there's nothing worse than being inflexible on holiday.

You'll be visiting outside of NZ school holidays, which are Dec/Jan and April/May, so you should have no issues in that regard.

Melnq8

I assume you meant guided glacier hikes or helihikes. If you're freedom hiking, you just turn up and go.

Cruzeirense

First of all, I am sorry.

Thogh the title I gave to the topic was "Campervan rental", the text didn`t correspond to that.

So, that`s the text I meant to send you (about renting a campervan):

Hi,

Which rental company would you say offers a good deal and a reliable service for campervans for 2 people (pick up spot Auckland and retunrning place Queenstown)?

Thank you

Cruzeirense

Melnq8,

Thank you again for the info on booking activities. I'll book for Milford Sounds night cruise, the Ferry and glacier hikes, some days before the trip. And, yes, we will try to see the glaciers with a guided tour.

Melnq8

Can't help with your campervan question, sorry. We always go the car/self-contained accommodation route. Someone else will probably pipe in though.

We're currently considering our 9th visit (or is it 10th?) to the SI. NZ is a wonderful place, you really can't go wrong, have a great trip!

Cruzeirense

Thank you again. Wow, ten times there?!

AlanJG

As NZ is one of those countries with an emphasis on regulation rather than litigation you should be safe with whoever you book.

crellston

We used http://www.adventurevans.co.nz/ to rent a van in 2008 for 2 months and found them to be absolutely excellent. renting for such a long time we expected one or two issues and these were sorted out very quickly no matter where we were. We started off with a small van but after the first couple of days we realised we had made a mistake and went back to them and they upgraded us to a much bigger and more luxurious van at only a nominal charge. Can't recommend them highly enough

janisj

Folks . . . This thread is 8 months old. (It was topped by advertisers)

The OP posted the trip report back in March

http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...rip-report.cfm