To all the NZ Disers - need advice for a poss NZ trip

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

To all my NZ Disers - my DH turns 40 in Jan and whilst I had the greatest and grandest intentions to plan a big US or European January trip, due to FIL being very ill I have had to rule that out for now.

I would still like to do something to celebrate DH's birthday though. With that said, none of our family likes the heat so we wouldn't be looking to go away until the April school holidays.

DH has always been keen on visiting NZ and I figure it's fairly inexpensive and close by so perhaps we should consider going here. It would be nice to have a rough itinerary/plan as his gift. If I'm being honest, my impression of holidays in NZ is for people who either like to ski, bungee, white water raft etc - a more adventurous holiday.

Alas we are the "fraidy" family and none of these things would appeal to us.

I know the scenery is supposed to be stunning so that would be a lovely but I'm at a loss as to exactly what we would do in NZ.

Can any locals or even AusDisers who have holidayed there, please jump in with answers and advice.

1. Do you think 7 days would be adequate

2. Would we need to hire a car

3. What would be the must see cities/towns

4. Main touristy things to see and do

5. Hotel recommendations

6. A rough itinerary suggestion would be awesome???

7. General thoughts??????

Thanks in advance dear friends.

 

[Caroline NZ]

Hi there,
I can only answer some of your queries as we have tended to just casually travel, rather than plan any specific touring in NZ.
I don't actually think any of the cities/towns as such are must dos (previously I would have said beautiful Christchurch, but it has now been sadly ravaged by the earthquakes) it is more the natural / scenic beauty that attracts us.

A few random "must dos" from me:

South Island:
Milford Sound - cruise
Queenstown - jet boat in Skippers Canyon (not the over commercialised Shotover short one, instead take the spectacular bus trip into the canyon and the jetboat commences once you are in there), or alternatively the Dart River one.
Cruise on the Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu.
West Coast of the Sth Island - the Glaciers
Abel Tasman National Park (top of the Sth Island) - water taxi / walk combo
Golden Bay (Farewell Spit, Wharariki Beach)
Tranzalpine Express ( train from Chc to Greymouth through the Alps)
Hanmer Springs ( not a must see, but pretty enough and the hot pools are nice)

North Island:
Bay of Islands - cruise
Rotorua - thermal areas
Central Plateau

Bush walks anywhere in the beautiful National Parks in both the South & North Island

I have never been to the Caitlins (rugged coastline south of Dunedin) or the Albatross Colony. But they are both well recomended by others ( I am not sure when the best time of year for visiting the colony is though).

This list is by no means conclusive, and I'm sure others will be able to add alot more


With regards to accomodation, we have had fantastic experiences renting private holiday homes. But they have tended to be in 1 week blocks where we have gone skiing in Wanaka, or a summer beach holiday up in Golden Bay.
There are a few good holiday home websites which you could look at, but I am not sure how many would just rent for a night or 2 in peak season.
There are lots of nice hotels/motels in Queenstown as well.
We struggled to find decent accomodation that wasn't booked out months in advance at Te Anau (on the way to Milford Sound ), this would be the ideal base for a trip to Milford Sound, walks in the National Park etc. Lots of buses make day trips to the Sound from Queenstown, but it makes for a long day spent travelling.

Most definitely hiring a car is the way to go ( or Campervans are very popular over here as well).
For 7 days I think you would need to limit yourself to one island (biased here but without a doubt I would say the South).


General thoughts: I love our country

 

[Saskiwi]

My recommendations would depend on what do you like to do as a family (besides Disney of course!) - you said not so much of the adventure tourism stuff, but what about bushwalks, wildlife, shopping, museums, historic sites, arts and crafts??

My advice would be to probably hire a campervan - or else a car and use motels and maybe just focus on the South Island if you only have 7 days, otherwise you will be spending a lot of time travelling if you try to do both islands.

The SI scenery is the most spectacular and "different" for Australians IMHO - ok I am biased as I live in the South, but I am a Wellingtonian by birth and have travelled all over the North Island, and while it is pretty enough, the SI scenery is the really spectacular stuff!

So depending on your interests, I would say fly in to Christchurch, pick up a campervan or car at the airport and hit the road. (Yes, sadly I can't really recommend poor old Christchurch to tourists as a destination these days - the airport is absolutely fine and untouched by the quake, but the city centre is a right off and many of the nicest tourist attractions also) The one thing you might want to do in Christchurch is visit the Antarctic Centre which is right by the airport and well worth a few hours - they have penguins, an ice and snow room where you can experience Antarctic weather conditions, lots of hands on stuff for kids.

Itinerary-wise, if wine arts and crafts are of interest, head north to the Nelson, Golden Bay region, maybe stopping off overnight in Hamner Springs or Maruia Springs which are mountain natural hot pools - very relaxing!

After Nelson, head back down the West Coast of the island which is a very scenic drive - amazing rainforests, glaciers etc etc - that could easily take you another couple of days. I would probably stay somewhere around Westport and then at Franz Josef Glacier.

Then drive over to Wanaka or Queenstown via Haast Pass. Qtown is worth a visit even if you aren't into bungy jumping and jetboating - it is a gorgeous spot and there is lots to do - more wineries, history-Arrowtown, cruise the lake etc. Easily another 2 nights worth here- especially if you want to get down to Milford Sound which is often an NZ "must-see" - it takes a whole day to do. you could stay at Te Anau which is the closest town to Milford Sound, if you wanted to .

Then drive back to Christchurch via the inland route which takes you past Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo - just gorgeous - you could stay overnight at Mt Cook if mountain scenery and walks are of interest.

As Caroline said, the Caitlins region and Dunedin and Oamaru, which are on the south east coast, are also great, especially if you are interested in wildlife (seals, penguin and albatross colonies)
Anyway, let us know what you interests are and we can "refine" the recommendations further!

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Caroline and Saskiwi - thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me with such detail. I truly am so grateful.

From what you both say, it sounds like the South Island is prettier. We could definitely do longer than 7 days but I feel like that may be enough for the kids if it is mainly lovely scenery. And who am I kidding, my husband will probably think 7 days is enough. Hopefully that will be enough to get a little taste of your country.

I would say big bush walks aren't really our thing - we prefer wineries, history, arts and crafts, DH loves to shop, Mildford Sound would def be on the list. Probably would prefer to hire a car and stay in motels rather than a campervan. My DH and DD like a little luxury in their accom, whilst my DS and I would be happy sleeping anywhere.

We would definitely want to learn more about the Maori history and culture, and I think the kids would enjoy that also.

 

[shushh]

Ms Shuttergirl, I am glad that you have decided on a destination. Whilst it isn't what you had planned originally, I think once you get into the planning, the trip will be amazing. I for one, would like to visit NZ. I've never been! My parents went, took my brothers and left me behind!!!

 

[shushh]

Ms Shuttergirl, I am glad that you have decided on a destination. Whilst it isn't what you had planned originally, I think once you get into the planning, the trip will be amazing. I for one, would like to visit NZ. I've never been! My parents went, took my brothers and left me behind!!!

 

[jacs1234]

I was wondering when we'd hear about your next plans. My mum is a Fraidy cat too and loves New Zealand, I'm sure you'll find lots to do while getting an extra stamp in your passport and conquering another country. I would love to rent a camper van and go around New Zealand with my fam one day.

 

[Caroline NZ]

With regards to the Maori culture, my perspective on this is that you will be more exposed to it in the Nth Island,(especially around Rotorua in the tourist attractions) rather than the Sth Island. But that is just my experience, others may disagree.
There are lots and lots of small bush walks that don't require any sense of adventure, but can take you to really pretty destinations.
I wouldn't have general shopping high on the agenda, the retail experience is not great here (once again just my opinion).
However with regards to arts and crafts, there are lots of shops/establishments owned & operated by skiiled craftspeople in Hokitika, a small town on the West Coast of the South Island.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Ms Shuttergirl, I am glad that you have decided on a destination. Whilst it isn't what you had planned originally, I think once you get into the planning, the trip will be amazing. I for one, would like to visit NZ. I've never been! My parents went, took my brothers and left me behind!!!

Well not entirely sure about it all, wish I could convince him to do something more exciting but he'll worry about the expense lol . We will just see how much I can save between now and January and perhaps re-evaluate but I definitely think this would be a good alternative.

I was wondering when we'd hear about your next plans. My mum is a Fraidy cat too and loves New Zealand, I'm sure you'll find lots to do while getting an extra stamp in your passport and conquering another country. I would love to rent a camper van and go around New Zealand with my fam one day.

Jacs, you know me, always planning something . It doesn't always work out but I'm always planning.

With regards to the Maori culture, my perspective on this is that you will be more exposed to it in the Nth Island,(especially around Rotorua in the tourist attractions) rather than the Sth Island. But that is just my experience, others may disagree.
There are lots and lots of small bush walks that don't require any sense of adventure, but can take you to really pretty destinations.
I wouldn't have general shopping high on the agenda, the retail experience is not great here (once again just my opinion).
However with regards to arts and crafts, there are lots of shops/establishments owned & operated by skiiled craftspeople in Hokitika, a small town on the West Coast of the South Island.

Thanks for letting me know about that. Something to bear in mind when planning.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Anyone got any ideas on what 7-9 days in NZ, flights, hire car, medium priced accom, etc would cost?

Just want to have a little think about budget.

 

[WAMUMOF4]

Congrats on having plans for another trip in place
Cant help you with any thing NZ except that they are often on sale in Virgin blue or whatever it is called now's happy hour.

 

[queenie82]

It would cost more...we all know Aussie holidays cost more...but what about Western Australia???

You aren't a fan of dust from memory??? So the stunning north (Kunnannurra, Bungle bungles) might not be your cup of tea??
But the south is lovely too...

Just a thought...

What can I say...keeping it local...

 

[Aussie Wendy]

We most recently took a short trip in November 2010 as couldn't resist cheap Jetstar airfares. This was not our first visit but first time our now adult daughter had been. We only had 7 days so focussed on just the South Island. Thats enough to get a taste though longer you could see so much more like the stunning Otago Peninsula with all its wildlife. There are lots of great advice on itinerary's and accom for families on the travel forums in Tripadvisor.

If you can fit it in and afford it I would go for 10-12 days as you need really at least 2 full days in Queenstown and if you do a later cruise on Milford its quite a drive back you might prefer to stay 2 nights at Te Anau.

In our 7 days we spent our first night in Akaroa which is a little town just over an hour out of Christchurch. I had always wanted to visit here and its very small and quiet but we loved it. Then drove south and across the range to Lake Tekapo for one night-stunning scenery and you will love the little church by the lake and show the kids the statue of the sheep dog.

Next day we drove via a short detour route to have a picnic lunch by the lake in Wanaka - the maze place just before you get into town is a must if you have kids-and then bypassed Queenstown to Lake Te Anau for the night. On arrival we walked around the lake to the small wildlife refuge for the rare Takahe bird before doing the evening boat trip across the lake to the Te Anau glowworm caves (not very glow wormy compared to our lst visit but still a fun trip and you do see some).

The next day we drove down to Milford Sound early (leaving around 5.30am) to get the first boat of the day before the crowds. Beautiful reflections on the lakes and lots of places to stop en route. The boat trip is excellent and I would highly recommend it for a
1st visit especially. The kids will enjoy this too.

We drove back to Queenstown straight afterwards for 2 nights but you can easily spend a lot more -our 1st visit we stayed 4. You can spend a lot of money doing stuff here like jet boats, mild river rafts as well as the white water, horse rides in Lord of the Rings country, steamer on the lake (TSS Earnshaw), luge run, skiing in winter etc. I would like to do the river raft (not white water) next visit. We have done some of the others before-the jetboat is fun.This visit my daughter paid to go horse riding in LOR country and adored it. We just wandered around town and did a scenic drive along the lake. In the pm we all enjoyed a walk in the botanical gardens before dinner (we were watching pennies).

Our 6th day we drove from Queenstown up to Mt Cook and did a late afternoon Glacier Explorer Trip-this was expensive but was brilliant and again the kids would love-on a rubber raft in the lake at the foot of the glacier-get close to huge icebergs that have broken off the glacier-not scary but fascinating and very beautiful. We stayed the night here and our 7th and last full day did a hike up to Kea Point in the morning before leaving driving up to Christchurch for a late lunch, returned the hire car and explored Christchurch (inbetween earthquakes so the beautiful cathedral was standing). Stayed in a motel close to the airport (caught bus back from town where dropped off hire car) and had an early flight home the next day.

Costs: 3 airfares retn Christchurch Jetstar Friday frenzy deal $284; Europcar hire car for 7 days $347; accommodation booked direct with suppliers using TA recoms mostly almost all self catering, some cottages, some motels, some cabin in caravan park $990; special sightseeing expenses for 3 adults-Glacier trip $310, Te Anau glowworms and boat trip$160; Southern Discovery Cruise on Milford Sound $140. Daughter's half day horse ride for advanced riders cost her $150. Other expenditure (petrol, groceries, take-aways, snacks) around $680-we took $500 NZ cash (=$410 Aus) and credit carded an additional$270 according to my accounts on groceries ($120), petrol ($60) and a more expensive meal out ($90).

Happy to share pics (on FB), where we stayed, any other info. This felt relaxing not rushed and daughter really enjoyed it too but if you have the time I would extend-don't try a mad 10 day both islands. Do watch out for Jetstar airfares-had very good deals only recently and can pay extra to get FF points if you do that.

Have fun planning!!

 

[Aussie Wendy]

It would cost more...we all know Aussie holidays cost more...but what about Western Australia???

You aren't a fan of dust from memory??? So the stunning north (Kunnannurra, Bungle bungles) might not be your cup of tea??
But the south is lovely too...

Just a thought...

What can I say...keeping it local...

I know lots of people say that and I am in the minority as I disagree-we have done numerous road trips around Aus over the years-average 2K to 5K for the biggies (like across the Nullabor by car to southern WA and back taking the car on the train to Adelaide for return trip) which for 3 is less than what I have spent on any of our overseas trips-albeit I haven't gone just to LA Disneyland for a week when airfares to LA have been cheap as if I'm spendng the airfare I tend to go crazy and add more in

We stay in self-contained houses often booked via Stayz or in cabins in caravan parks (brilliantly equipped, brilliantly located and so much quieter and nicer but same price as cheap motels). Eat in a lot of time, picnic lunches a speciality in scenic surroundings especially when on the road, and splurge on a nice meal once or twice a week and a couple of fish and chip type take aways.

Appreciate others find a different experience especially when add in airfares and a big family!

 

[Aussie Wendy]

[Mind you I can also vote for the southern areas of WA-beaches, sunsets, wineries, forests, museums, lots of interesting things for kids to enjoy...

 

[Aussie Wendy]

and I forgot to add the Franz Joseph Glacier walk on the other coast is worth doing-not sure what age limit the kids have to be to participate-walk up onto the glacier with crampons etc and near Greymouth is Shanty town-for mining history-recreation of a gold rush town. Popular is circular route as described by a NZ poster (forget who sorry) above which is what we did first visit.

 

[WAMUMOF4]

It would cost more...we all know Aussie holidays cost more...but what about Western Australia???

You aren't a fan of dust from memory??? So the stunning north (Kunnannurra, Bungle bungles) might not be your cup of tea??
But the south is lovely too...

Just a thought...

What can I say...keeping it local...

Good idea queenie WA especially the south has a lot of things you would love Margaret river has lots of wineries and there is so much to explore but the reality is it will cost the same to go to NZ as to fly here

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Queenie, glad to see you are still alive luv. DH and I have both done Perth and I have spent 2 months (1 month each time) staying around the Kimberlys etc. I know, shocking. It was the younger me who didn't require the creature comforts that the older me now does .

Too hot. Full stop. Too hot. We are not only the "fraidy" family, we are the "heat hating" family too .

Wendy - I could absolutely kiss you. That is such great information. I believe we would definitely only do the South Island and feel that somewhere around the 9 day mark would suit us. The glow worm thing sounds AWESOME!!!! I think my DS9 would love that. I'm happy to stay in cabins in caravan parks (did Queenie just keel over in shock ) and small motels. Just not true camping for us.

Thank you so much for including the costing, you are a sensation. I had thought in my head perhaps 4k all up and your figures kind of support that which is promising.

Would love to see some pics if you are happy to share and any hotel/cabin/tour recommendations would be so welcome.

 

[Aussie Wendy]

My pleasure Shuttergirl. Here is the link to the pics.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1571298167799.2075425.1395851267&l=ded3da5d71&type=1.

I'll dig out some of the places we stayed tonight and pm you. We also are too old (but lots more than you!) to rough it-the last time was a backpackers style tour around Alice Springs and Uluru-around 2003-was great but decided that would be the last for us. Remind me you have 2 children? so will see if any places slept 4 rather than 3-I am sure several did.

 

[queenie82]

Good idea queenie WA especially the south has a lot of things you would love Margaret river has lots of wineries and there is so much to explore but the reality is it will cost the same to go to NZ as to fly here

Queenie, glad to see you are still alive luv. DH and I have both done Perth and I have spent 2 months (1 month each time) staying around the Kimberlys etc. I know, shocking. It was the younger me who didn't require the creature comforts that the older me now does .

Too hot. Full stop. Too hot. We are not only the "fraidy" family, we are the "heat hating" family too .

Wendy - I could absolutely kiss you. That is such great information. I believe we would definitely only do the South Island and feel that somewhere around the 9 day mark would suit us. The glow worm thing sounds AWESOME!!!! I think my DS9 would love that. I'm happy to stay in cabins in caravan parks (did Queenie just keel over in shock ) and small motels. Just not true camping for us.

Thank you so much for including the costing, you are a sensation. I had thought in my head perhaps 4k all up and your figures kind of support that which is promising.

Would love to see some pics if you are happy to share and any hotel/cabin/tour recommendations would be so welcome.

Who mentioned Perth

I despise the heat...why do you think we travel in December January....getting lots of Winter time If I could...I'd spend 2 months a year in a ski resort.

I never plan to go back to Singapore...nor back to LA during September
But I ADORE the outback of Australia. It is simply amazing.
Rottnest Island is lovely too

Just a thought...I'd sooner go there than Nu Zuland is all...so thought I'd mention it.