I'm so spoiled by the high activity level of this European forum. All of our travel in the past has been in the Americas and Europe. Now we're planning a trip to NZ and I can't find a forum that comes close to this one. Any suggestions?

Agree. When I toyed with the NZ trip idea, I found I had to wade through hundreds of Australia posts.

Since New-Zealand is quite popular with backpackers, I'd try the Lonely Planet Australia & New Zealand board. At first sight there's quite some NZ there, but hopingtotravel might have experienced otherwise when looking a bit further.

I checked out the Lonely Planet/ Thorntree travel board; but, it seems to be geared to backpackers. I'm searching for info on nice lodges, wineries, fine dining, etc. ( I guess I looking for the balance of information available on this forum; but, located in NZ.

Pawleys,
You are so right!!
The last two years we have spent the month of May in NZ.
Planning the trips was different than planning european trips....I had to do a ton of independent searching.
If you'd like...send me an e-mail with questions....I'd be happy to pass along some information.
[email protected]

www.lonelyplanet.com and go to The Thorn Tree. Very active board there.

It's true that the Australia-Pacific forum is dominated by Australia, and resident New Zealanders are thin on the ground there - but have you actually tried asking your questions there, and using the search facility? I have yet to see a NZ query that doesn't attract at least a few helpful responses.

Another idea - why don't you post this particular question on the Australia-Pacific forum?

The relative paucity of posts (no doubt mirrored on other US-based travel sites) simply reflects the fact that many more Americans travel to Europe than to the SW Pacific, or for that matter Asia.

I'm not an expert, but I'll be happy to share with you about our experiences on the North Island if you'll visit the Australia/New Zealand forum right here on Fodor's.

Just don't whine - I have two kids at home and I get enough of that during the day, thank you.

Lee Ann

Lee Ann,
Don't hold back, tell us how you really feel!

I agree with other posters. I've occasionally visited Fodors Australia New Zealand forum, and usually find a few postings about NZ every time.

Actually, let me qualify that. I just checked the 'Change Forums' dropdown menu, and it lists Australia but no mention of NZ. Tsk, tsk - how bad is that? Those who don't know how close the 2 countries are (geographically at least) can be forgiven for thinking Fodors has no forum covering NZ. Can I suggest the forum's name be changed to "Australia/NZ"?

No problem with that, twoflower, but the forum also has to cover the SW Pacific islands. How about "Oceania"?

Australia and NZ are close culturally too, and 10% of Kiwis live in Australia at any given time. But they keep resisting our well-meant overtures to join the Commonwealth of Australia. (Actually, I sympathise with them - I'd resist too.)

Try googling 'new zealand travel forum'. You will find several good sites.

But I think that Fodors is still the most active and best. There are a number of NZ mavens who are more than willing to answer every question.

Thanks for the replies. I'll give the Australia/NZ Fodors a chance.