NZ holiday spots

The Stinkette and I have booked our annual (2006-2007) holiday this year in New Zealand after a somewhat disappointing stay in Fiji (2005-2006).

Ok so for those who live or have been there what shouldn't we miss?

I was thinking along the lines of the Teknatool factory :D

Just kidding. We have about three weeks with nothing planned at this stage. We were thinking of hiring a car and seeing how it goes. Ideally we would like some sort of itinerary planned before we go.

Time frame will be December and January.

Thanks

Stinky.

Hi, you couldn't go to a better place for a holiday, but I have to ask, is 3 weeks going to be long enough? :D

I agree, definitely hire a car. The highlights I remember from growing up in NZ and from my week's visit last year are:

• Rotorua
• Mountains and their views
• The Cantebury Plains
• Wellington - you gotta experience those hills and the roads that go up, down, around and through them especially when one hilly corner is so tight one of the car wheels comes off the road :eek:
• The Moonshine, or rather Hutt River - I remember it so well because I fell into it, lucky it was only knee deep for a 3 year old:rolleyes:
• The drive all the way around Wellington Harbour - check out how the houses 'hang' off the side of the mountains
• Milford Sound.....

I'd better leave some of the places for the real NZ'ers to tell you about:D

cheers
Wendy

Oh, gotta add - don't forget to take a wind proof/rain proof jacket with hood as you'll find it more useful than an umbrella sometimes, especially when the rain is simply a light, steady drizzle that wafts around on the breeze, under the umbrella.

And a cardigan or jumper or jacket.

cheers
Wendy

Thanks for the start Wendy .... a few good spots to look up in the numerous guide books that we have from the library.

As for the three weeks I would love more however I only have four a year (to be taken over Christmas) and there is always a week lost at Christmas :mad:

Stinky,

Where do I start??:rolleyes:

Either start in Auckland, and drive down to Christchurch, or vice versa.
If starting in Christchurch a must is the train ride to Greymouth.

Great alpine sights and Greymouth isn't a bad little spot.
the contrasts between the "open planes" and the Southern Alpes is "sweet":cool:
Christchurch up the east coast to Nelson is also good, there is Whale watching at Kiakoura, (sorry spelling), put the car on the ferry then off to Windy Wellington. the trup through the sounds is also nice, or bloody terribale depending on the weather:(

I'll let some-one else take over from here.....

I'm going back in Oct for an Army Re-union so PM around then and we'll talk some more........

Happy holiday plans:D :D

The Bay of Islands is not bad as well, plenty of history and good fishing if you are into that sort of thing. Milford sound is a must see, and like Wendy said those roads, I've never seen so many white crosses, it really makes you think about yours and others driving skills. When it comes to the food, all I can say is the scenery is great.

John

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Originally Posted by johnc

...... When it comes to the food, all I can say is the scenery is great.

John

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John, sounds like you might have missed out on experiencing a hungi, what a shame!!!!! - Yuuummmmmmmm!!!!!!! sigh! brings back some very fond memories :D

cheers
Wendy

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Originally Posted by Sir Stinkalot

The Stinkette and I have booked our annual (2006-2007) holiday this year in New Zealand.

Ok so for those who live or have been there what shouldn't we miss?

We have about three weeks with nothing planned at this stage. We were thinking of hiring a car and seeing how it goes. Ideally we would like some sort of itinerary planned before we go.

Stinky.

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Where are you flying into? Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch?

If Auckland, I suggest you not leave the North Island
Rotorua, Lake Taupo, the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Islands, the west Auckland Beaches, Tongario (active volcano), Waiteri Caves (black water rafting), Napier (the art deco city), Wellington, Mt Taranaki will easily occupy 3 weeks

If Wellington, give yourself 10 days to two weeks on the North Island and go no further north than Rotorua, spend the balance on the South Island and go no further south than Christchurch. There's plenty to see and do in the wine area, Abel Tasman Nat Park, Queen Charlotte Sound, Kaikoura Manmer Springs, Christchurch

If Christchurch, forget about visiting the North Island entirely.
apart from Abel tasman, Queen Charlotte, there's Mount Cook (got to do a chopper flight), the West Coast and it's glaciers, salmon farms, Wanaka, Queenstown, Paradise, Milford Sound, Dunedin (don't miss the albatrosses, but the Cadbury factory will probably be closed), the Caitlins (penguins, sea lions, seals)

where ever you go, don't rush arround. Enjoy the slower pace, try to stay two or 3 nights some where and explore the surrounds. Allow time for some walks, there are some great nearly level half and full day walks along good tracks into the wilderness. You could even do the Milford Track (4 days) if you book soon. Milford is one of the world's great walks.


most of all, enjoy yourself and have a rest

ian
last

Heck. Not even 1 mention of sheep.:p

I'm confused. I thought the best New Zealand holiday spot was anywhere north of Sydney.. :confused: :confused: . That's where they all seem to be. :D

In the north island, you could try Waipu caves. Bloody dangerous though.
(That's where I met SWMBO)

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Originally Posted by Shedhand

I'm confused. I thought the best New Zealand holiday spot was anywhere north of Sydney.. :confused: :confused: . That's where they all seem to be. :D

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:D :D :D :D :D :D

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Originally Posted by AlexS

In the north island, you could try Waipu caves. Bloody dangerous though.
(That's where I met SWMBO)

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Is this her mate?

Stinky over the years as a marine engineer have been to most of the ports in N.Z.
If I was going back for a holiday I would make sure I went to Mount Maunganui next to Tauranga , in the holiday season this place grows by a factor of 10 , but in the off season its great, pleanty of accomodation at reasonable rates
Go to the heated pools and get a private room, the baths have 4/5 heated pools all at diffrent temps , but the private rooms you can take your own refreshments , wine cheese etc and enjoy the ambiance ,
for me a must visit BTW go to the sportsmans club on the waterfront and talk your way in great people. Or if Jimmys bar is still going another spot.

the other spots mentioned are also great as are all the tourist attractions in N.Z. but after 20 odd years of visiting the Mount is my favorite

Rgds

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Originally Posted by ian

Where are you flying into? Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch?

If Christchurch, forget about visiting the North Island entirely.......ian
last

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Can't disagree with that! C'mon down South. Get a rental and drive down to Wanaka/Queenstown on the Scenic Route through Geraldine etc, Lindis Pass, then over the Haast Pass to the West Coast there is a real nice hotel on the beach at Punakaiki near the rocks- up to Nelson, then down via Blenheim and Kaikoura. November can be a bit wet - but can also be warm and beautiful. If you are short of time omit the top bit and come back via the Lewis Pass. Have a good stay.