Hi TP! I was perusing Fodors and came across this TR. I always loved your TRs and photos and this did not disappoint. Hope all is good with you. DC is sure a mess, eh?

yestravel, Happy New Year. Thank you. Definitely more tense in DC these days if nothing else although the quiet of the holidays has helped some.

Thank you for this great report. I am in early stages of planning to visit New Zealand and Fiji next year. I am not clear on how you travelled around New Zealand however. Did you rent a car and also take uber and other transport? Or just the transport. We are planning to rent a car so wondered if that is the best option. Thanks for your report on Fiji too. I was there 40years ago and loved it, I am a beach person though, although at this age may get bored just lying around on the beach all day. May be rethinking other than a two day stop over on the way .

live42day, in the cities in New Zealand, we walked, used Uber and public transport. To get between cities, we hired a driver. It's expensive, but we're non-drivers and prefer not to go on a group tour. If renting a car is an option, it is the best option when going between cities. Having a car will give you the freedom to stop and go as you please, and in New Zealand there are plenty of places to stop and have a look. Happy planning. If you have questions as you plan, just ask.

tripplanner001 Wow!!! I never can imagine one can visit New Zealand and covered a vast part of the region without a car. Kudos to you excellent planning.

We visited New Zealand in April 2019, covering parts of South Island and North Island, but we rented cars in both islands. I am thinking of visiting NZ again when we visit my sister who lives in Perth. I want to visit the northern part of South Island which we did not go the last time.

I was thinking about Tongariro Alpine crossing that we did not do last trip. After reading your report, I think I have to let it go. We did the trail to the upper Tama Lake which turned out to be fabulous.











New Zealand is beautiful but weather can be unpredictable when planning a trip.

Cherthor, those photos are gorgeous. The good thing about NZ is that there are trails for all abilities and the scenery is fantastic anywhere you turn.