julianaoctavia

Hey all..

I need helps for planning my trip to New Zealand on October 2013.. I have never been there before and I would appreciate any suggestion...

First, what is the weather like during October? What do I need to pack during that season?
Second, I will only travel on the north island, and do you have any suggestion on the places, cities, or events that I should visit? Just FYI, I am looking forward to find authentic food, great sceneries, and great wines (and places to shop too). I will be there for 10 days and I am looking forward to have great experience.
Third, is the prices of goods and service in New Zealand expensive? Like for transportation and food.
Fourth, should I take the public transportations, or should I rent a car?

Thank you for any assistance.. I really do not know where to start in planning because New Zealand is new to me... Help please....

Regards,

Julie

ElendilPickle

If you like, take a look at my 2004 trip report. We also spent 10 days on the North Island.
http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...april-2004.cfm

Obviously, prices and some of the lodging suggestions are out of date, but you can see how we spent our time.

I would rent a car so you'll have freedom to stop where you like.

Lee Ann

julianaoctavia

Thank you Lee Ann...

GuerillaSurgeon

The weather in New Zealand depends quite a bit on where you are, because it runs from north to south. In October for instance Northland and Auckland will probably be mild, the South Island would probably be cool, though God knows it could be in the 20s as well. Seriously, spring weather is not particularly predictable. Renting a car could be good but also depends on where you're from. We do drive on the left. New Zealand drivers are not particularly considerate. Public transport outside of the major cities is not brilliant. But again that depends on whether you want to use train bus or plane. Perhaps if you could be a bit more specific?

bridget_from_oz

The weather will be early spring .... probably will still be cool though, and snow should still be on the mountains although you should have some nice sunny days.

The north island is not as spectacular as the south island, but google the following and you'll fill up 10 days easy.

Auckland - If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, don't miss a visit to "Hobbiton"
Bay of Islands
Waikato
Rotorua - geothermal national park - definitely not to be missed
Taupo (Lake Taupo)
Ruapehu
Mount Taranaki
Wanganui
Wellington - capital city of New Zealand built on a "fault-line", see the Te Papa Museum, ride the cable-car to the Botanical Gardens,see the Weta Workshop / Museum.
We took the "OVERLANDER" train from Auckland to Wellington, which is approximately 12 hour train trip, the train has a glass viewing cabin, so if you like train journeys this would be worth considering. You could drive at your own pace to the bottom of the Island (Wellington) and then catch the Overlander back to Auckland for your return flight home (or visa-versa).

We spent two days in Auckland and two days in Wellington before we moved on to the south island, and it wasn't enough.

There's lots to do, you'll probably just wet your appetite to go back and see the south Island next time.

annhig

bmking

real_travellers_tips

Wellington is great for shopping and foodies! there are lots of wineries in the area. for scenery nothing beats the drive through Tongariro national park, with three volcanoes that sometimes put on a show. New Zealand is one place you definitely should rent a car as there are so many sites off the beaten track that you need the freedom of your own car to explore.

julianaoctavia

Thanks for the responses...

I am from Indonesia, and we drive on the right side. However, I used to live in the United States for several years, so I am used to driving on the left side. Renting a car will be our first priority, because it will make our trip easier without waiting for the public transportation.

Is there any suggestion on restaurants or cafe in aucland and wellington areas?

Thanks for your help....

Melnq8

<I am from Indonesia, and we drive on the right side.>

You mean the left side, which in the case of NZ is the right side (meaning the same side)

Unless of course you're referring to the side the driver's seat is on, which would be the right side for a car designed to drive on the left side of the road.

Who's on first?

Regardless, it sounds as if you're an ambidextrous driver, which is a good thing.

julianaoctavia

lol thanks... Yeah, I meant the reverse .. Yes I can drive on both sides as long as it will be an automatic car I'll be alright Thanks for everyone's help.. Well I'm still building my itinerary, and I have to book the hotels pretty soon before requesting the visa...

any suggestion on where to stay in Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, and Wellington? Looking for the affordable lodgings but clean.
One more thing, while in Auckland should I stay in the city center or should I find a bit further hotel to stay in? I read it from forums that the parking is kinda expensive in the center, but how about in other areas?

thank u again... sorry for making y'all confuse... I really appreciate your responses...

Regards,

Julie

LakesideChick

Joining in as we'll be on the North Island at the same time as you!

mareeS55

julianaoctavia May 30, re where to stay/car parking, Auckland has a good public transport system, so you don't really need a car until you are ready to leave the city on your travels. Stay in the central area, as it's the transport hub and has great variety of food, bars, shopping, as well as easy access to surrounding attractions.

julianaoctavia

hi lakesidechick... r u gonna be in north island too? well, we should share for any information on deals during that time..

Maree, i will be fly in and out from auckland, so I am thinking that I should go to other cities first and enjoy auckland in my last 4 days there... However, I am opened to any suggestions that make my trip is more convenient...

thanks for the kind replies

regards,

Julie

LakesideChick

Julie, sounds great, I wish we could tag people in these posts. Are you going to Milford Sound?

julianaoctavia

Hey Lakesidechick...

Well my trip should be: auckland, rotorua, hawke's bay, wellington, lake taupo, hamilton, and go back to auckland... But the details are unclear... I havent book any accomodation, but I will do it on July. How bout your self? What is your route? Any suggestions on places that I should go to?

julianaoctavia

And I will only travel within the north island

LakesideChick

Hi again, we have a week on the North Island, though for 2 of those days I am working. We then have about 11 days on the South Island. We are flying into Wellington and then taking 5 days to get to Auckland, where I will work for 2 days. We then fly to Queenstown and make our way up the coast to Greymouth, where we will get the tranz alpine trin back to Christchurch to fly out.

julianaoctavia

Hey everyone... My trip will be in the next 2 weeks... Any suggestion on the clothing during that days? I heard it will be spring. But, do I need any coat or sweaters and cardigans will be ok? How the weather gonna be? Thank you...

Diamantina

Here's a link to metservice, which will give you a 9-day weather forecast:
http://www.metservice.com/national/home

Be prepared to dress in layers for "four seasons in a day." Bring a water-resistant jacket for the rain, a fleece top that you can wear underneath for the cold--just in case. If you don't have anything like this, don't worry, you can buy something here for not too much money

Right now, it is sunny on the North Island, but last week there was bad flooding around Auckland. The North Island gets a lot of rain this time of year.

I was just in Wellington this weekend. A thunderstorm was predicted, so I brought a heavy warm coat and a light waterproof jacket. Instead it was sunny with blue skies, not a rain cloud in sight. My second day there started off sunny, so I went out with just a sweater. By afternoon, the clouds rolled in and it became windy and cold. By night it was raining. In two days in Wellington, I encountered everything but snow and ice.

Diamantina

For sure New Zealand will be colder than Indonesia!