New Zealand

[iloveoreo]

<font color="0000ff">kite</font>
I booked thru' an agency the last time.. but you might want to check the airline too. Sometimes, it could be cheaper to buy online directly.

I rented from this website -> http://www.autorentals.co.nz/
They are also the booking agent for the tranzapine train too.
Yup. The cars may not be very new.. but definitely decent, mostly japanese or korean cars.

I personally prefer motels esp. since we drive and we could cook our own meals too.
As for YHA, it's like a dormitory. They have 2,4,6 or 8 bed in a dorm.. i think and they might have a shared kitchen. The choice is up to you.

I have not been to milford sound as i heard all you see is just trees.. and like what sunny said, it will look beautiful after the rain.. and if you're lucky you'll be able to catch it.

 

[kite~]

hi oreo,

thanks for the website n it's very useful. thanks anyway. btw do u hv pics to share? thx.

 

[il_mare]

Hi all,
Does anyone has the road map of NZ? We intend to plan HM there, would like to find out more before decide self-drive or by tour. Can anyone help?

 

[sunny3]

Hi li_mare,

For country major road map, you can get from NZ tourism board in Ngee Ann City. For within town road map, you can get from the motel you stayed. They have free one.

 

[il_mare]

Hi Sunny,
Thanks for ur reply. We noe tat can get the routing we would like to go from NZ tourism board. Juz wan to c who can share wif us the detail road map. So tat we can decide to book tour package (to play safe) or self -drive. If reach NZ den get the road map, we afraid may face difficulties there., the HM will not b happy one. Juz we would like to plan nicely den wun feel "duck hand duck leg" at there.

 

[kpo]

FLY/DRIVE/STAY FROM S$1,298*
Includes:

Return economy airfare to Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington
5 nights accommodation at Kingsgate Hotel
5 days car rental 1.6L


Travel Period Day of Week Adult Child Remarks
Twin Triple No Bed With Bed
01May-28May Sun-Thu $1,298* $1,208* $698* $848* FREE -
1 day car rental.
1 room night
1 domestic flight Auckland to Christchurch

Minimum 2 adults must travel.

Fri-Sat $1,348* $1,258* $736* $886*
29May-20Jun Sun-Thu $1,348* $1,258* $736* $886*
Fri-Sat $1,398* $1,308* $774* $924*
21Jun-30Sep Sun-Thu $1,298* $1,208* $698* $848*
Fri-Sat $1,348* $1,258* $736* $886*
If travelling with 2 children, 1 child pay with bed, other child pay no bed rate.
Maximum one roll in bed per room.



Terms and conditions

AIR TICKET
Minimum 2 adults must travel on same itinerary.
Ticket is valid for minimum stay 5 days and maximum 14 days.
Travel must be completed by 30 Sep 04.
Wait listing of seats are not permitted.
International travel is valid on NZ 2 digit flights only.
Tickets has no refund value.
Airfare excludes all taxes and insurance levy.
Amendment fee S$150 per ticket for change of flight date and routing is applicable.
Not eligible for mileage accrual.
Offer cannot be combined with other promotions.
Normal terms and conditions of air travel apply.

CAR RENTAL
5 days car rental with National is based on IDAR category.
IDAR category - Holden Astra or similar - Auto, Power steering, air conditioning, cd / radio.
5 days hire must be used consecutively.
Rental include unlimited kilometres and insurance ( subject o excess of NZ$2,500 + GST)
Baby seats are available at NZ$35 +12.5% GST per rental. This must be pre-booked before departure.
National Car Rental vehicles are not allowed on the inter-island ferry.
Unused days are non refundable and non transferable.
Amendment fee of S$50 per change is applicable.
UPGRADE &amp; DAILY EXTENSION RATES - available on application.

ACCOMMODATION
5 nights based on Kingsgate, twin sharing.
Accommodation must be pre-booked before departure and are subject to availability.
Rooms nights need not be used consecutively.
Unused nights are non refundable and non transferable.
Child refers to children below 12 years of age.
Maximum persons per room is 3 adults or 2 adults &amp; 2 children.
Amendment fee of S$50 per change is applicable.


EXTENSION RATES - available on application.
List of participating Kingsgate Hotel:

CITY NAME OF HOTEL REMARKS
Bay of Islands Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia -
Auckland Kingsgate Hotel Parnell -
Auckland Kingsgate Hotel Greenlane -
Rotorua Kingsgate Hotel Rotorua -
Wellington Kingsgate Hotel Oriental Bay -
Wellington Kingsgate Hotel Willis Street -
Greymouth Kingsgate Hotel Greymouth -
Christchurch Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Christchurch -
Queenstown Kingsgate Hotel Terraces 1Jul - 30Sep, surcharge applies
Te Anau Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau -
Dunedin Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin -
Oamaru Kingsgate Hotel Brydone -

FREE ROOM, CAR &amp; DOMESTIC FLIGHT
1 Additional night accommodation

Must be used within the ticketed travel period.
Surcharge applies for stay in Queenstown between 1Jul - 30Sep 2004.

1 Additional day car rental
Must be used within the ticketed travel period.
Must be used consecutively with basic package of 5 days car hire.

1 Domestic flight
Qualifying sector is Auckland - Christchurch or vice versa.
Subject to seat availability.
Waitlisting of seat is not permitted>
Reservation must be made at time of booking.
Add-on is not permitted once ticket is issued.

1 Discount Booklet to Shop, Dine and Sightsee
Per adult couple

CITIBANK CARD HOLDER

Charge your purchase to Citibank Card and receive


Cheez Movix Digital camera
Valid for travel departing in May 2004
Limited to the 1st 50 couples.
Or

Guy Laroche Travel Bag
Valid for travel May - Sep 2004

DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT

A non refundable deposit of $300 per person is payable once flight is confirmed.
All travel documents must be issued no later than 5 May 2004.

Prices exclude airport taxes and insurance surcharges.

 

[kpo]

can anyone tell me if it's possible to drive from Auckland to Christchurch? if yes, how long will it take? THANKS!

 

[tohdj]

Hi all,

Do I need to get the International Driving Permit if i am driving in NZ?

what's the temperature like in 3rd week of may to 1st week of June?

does the cars have heater?

if i stay in motel with cooking facilities, then where can i buy food to cook?

what's the rental car prices? motel prices?

i'll be going to NZ late may...free&amp;easy and following the recommended routes given in www.purenz.com. but i noticed that the prices of purenz seems to be a lot higher than other nz sites. so pretty confused about the prices.

 

[tohdj]

btw, what's comprehensive insurance coverage for rental car per day?

 

[kite~]

Hi KPO,

when u gg? wow e deal from air NZ is very good. U can drive from Auckland (North island) to Christchurch (South island). U have to take a dosmetic flight.

 

[kpo]

hi kite,

hoping to go mid-may...yup, i thot it's quite a decent deal too.

do you mean i CAN'T drive from Auckland to Christchurch? no way to bring the car across the water (i.e. ferry drive-in)?

my hub and i will really like to do a long drive.

 

[kite~]

Hi KPO,

yup i saw the deals recently at Air NZ website too, very great deal. But then not sure in Jan 05, the deal will still be that good anot?

yes u can drive from Auckland, then take ferry. but not worth it as quite troublesome. y dont u leave ur car at north island, take ferry, then pick up another car at south island?

 

[kpo]

hi kite,

thanks for the suggestion..that's also a good option. i sure hope it's not too cold in NZ during may/june! think it's quite likely we'll take up the ANZ offer..looking fwd to a nice long holiday! =P

 

[kite~]

hi KPO,

May/june in NZ is considered Winter! definitely very cold, bring more warm clothings.

hv u plan ur itinerary? got borrow books fr the library?

 

[iloveoreo]

<font color="0000ff">tohdj</font>

You do not need a International driving license unless your license is not in English.

May-Jun , i think is the autumn to winter season.

Yes, Cars do have heater.

For motels, it all depends on the location of the motel that you choose. Some could be near town.. and they have supermarket or minimart where you can get your stuff.

Hope that helps!

 

[kite~]

just wan to share abt driving safely in NZ.

http://www.cityofdunedin.com/city/?page=tp_drivingsafely_en#Driving%20Safely%20in%20the%20Scenic%20South

 

[tohdj]

oreo,

thanks for the info.

 

[tohdj]

hi all,

this is the quotation which i got from National Car Rental...which is also offering it as part of the AirNZ S$1298 deal...

===============================================
Thank you for your email regarding hiring a car with National Car Rental in New Zealand, I can offer you the following rate for your requested vehicle for 14 till 18 days at the end of May.

1.6 -1.8 litre automatic (Toyota Corolla or similar) - NZD$70.00 per day.

2.2 litre automatic (Toyota Camry Altise or similar) - NZD$82.00 per day.

The above rates include GST, unlimited kilometres and the mandatory insurance, the excess on our vehicles is NZD$2500.00 + GST, this can be reduced to NZD$350.00 + GST by paying an additional NZD$15.00 per day extra. All our cars are an average age of 9 - 12 months and feature air-conditioning, power-steering, and central-locking. For you convenience we have a 24-hour emergency phone service, for your peace of mind motoring or should you require our assistance during your travels.

 

[halo]

I rented from Hertz when I was there. NZD954 for 13days. 2.3litre Mazda 6.

 

[kite~]

hi halo,

Mazda 6 is real cool manz! wow!

 

[tasblue]

Hi,

Anyone knows where exactly is the New Zealand tourism board at Ngee Ann City?

 

[kpo]

we are probably going to auckland and christchurch. as the car rental included in the package is not to be split at 2 different locations..anyone can suggest whether its better to drive around in auckland or christchurch? i think it's quite easy to travel around in public transport in auckland as compared to christchurch? will welcome any feedback regarding driving in NZ.

 

[kpo]

hi tasblue,

the NZ tourism board is at:

391A Orchard Road, #15-01
Ngee Ann City, Tower A
SINGAPORE 238873
Tel: (65) 67385844
Fax: (65) 62352550

 

[kite~]

check tis local tour agency out. Price quite reasonable.

http://www.newzealandspecialist.net/index.htm

 

[zenn]

Any idea when is the best time to go NZ?

 

[kite~]

Hi zenn,

when r u planning to go NZ? which month?

 

[zenn]

Hi kite,

I am looking at oct/nov. Was told sept still quite cold rite? Any idea wats the weather during sep-nov?

 

[kite~]

Hi zenn,

in fact, june is winter. Sep/Nov is still considered cold. Dec to Feb is summer. Though summer, weather still cold esp in the South island.

 

[zenn]

Hi kite,

Any idea is oct/nov raining season? Was told oct is ard 6-16 degrees.

 

[mngo]

hi there, i was in nz two yrs ago in nov. weather depends on the place. i will be there in this august.
in fact NOV is the best as the weather is cooling from 9 degrees to 18 degrees. i encountered raining days when i touched christchurch. it rained full day for a few days.

 

[mngo]

hi KPO, we drove from upper north all the way to down south dunedin. we din have any much problems driving around . furthermore the road motorists are friendly and helpful.

 

[mngo]

possible to drive from auckland to christchurch. but dun forgetting tat from auckland to wellington is a long journey abt 6 or more hours. and you have to take a ferry from to picton and drive up to Christchurch. u may want to stay overnight at wellington or picton befor u start your journey

 

[zenn]

Mngo,

How many days did you spend?

 

[juzloy]

Hi gals

I'm planning to go New Zealand (South Island) for my Honeymoon in Jan 2005. Care to share some experience?

 

[pamela]

Hi

I visited New Zealand last Nov! The experience is so wonderful that I am dying to go back there!! I think it is better to travel from North Island to South Island if you are going to both. I was quite upset and stressed up by the traffic and lack of nature (auckland and wellington) when I first arrived from South Island!

Must try:
South island
Tracking at Mt Cook (to Hooker Valley)
Heli ride (can take at Mt cook or Franz Josef)
Glacier climb at Franz Josef
Lots of activities at Queenstown for the adventurous (and for the HRC collectors, the only HardRock is at Queenstown)

Weather dependent:
Milford South (quite scenic.. but nothing much to do.. caught sight of a few penguines and the water falls along the way - road and cruise)
Kaikora - we missed the dolphins and whale watching coz of bad weather.. still get to see massive seal colony there! ;(

North Island
Wellington - botanic garden, Church and Museum
Rotorua has qute a amazing volcanic history (amazing sulphuric smell too). get to see boiling mud pool, geysers, warm lakes, the Maori culture etc

For the interested, love to share my NZ photos!
http://www.equinox.iconrate.net/coppermine/thumbnails.php?album=6

 

[mngo]

zenn, i spent 15 days. mad rush man!

 

[eggie]

Dear Pamela,
I'm thinking of going in end Nov to early Dec. How's the weather then? From your pics, it seems still quite cold. I'm quite concerned that it's hot as Dec is already summer.

 

[zenn]

Hi pamela,
Thanks for sharing with us your photos! Which part of nov did you go? Seems quite cold too ya? Was it raining then?

I am looking at end oct for 10days. Think will b enough to cover south island?

 

[kite~]

hi pamela,

wow thanks for sharing ur pics, really enjoy viewing them. nice pics u taken.

 

[pamela]

Hi Kite,

Thanks!

Hi Eggie, Zenn
I went from 15Nov to 1 Dec. Maybe we looked a bit layered coz me and my sis both very afraid of cold weather.. haha

But it is quite cold in Mt Cook! I saw a bit of snow flakes early in the morning on 1 of the day!

It was drizzling when I went for the glacier climb and Milford Sound Cruise.. but overall did not rain as much.. I would say the weather is very nice.. cooling ard the town areas.. but a bit chilling at the mountain areas.

I spent 10 days in South Island too.. but it is a bit rush if you want to visit too many places and do too many activites

Below is my rough itinery:
day 1 - arrive and walk around Christchurch
day 2 - arrive at Mt cook (raining)
day 3 - trek to KEA point (abt 3-4 hrs)
day 4 - trek to Hookers Valley (abt 5 hrs), leave for queenstown
day 5 - R&amp;R at Queenstown (but a lot of activities here.. you might want to stay longer)
day 6 - went Milford Sound
Day 7 - Leave for Franz Josef
Day 8 - Went for full day Galcier climb (trek abt 9 hrs)
Day 9 - Took train back to Christchurch (r&amp;r)
Day 10 - Went Kaikora (missed the whale watching, you might want to stay longer to catch this, but since it is weather dependent, we chose not to)

Day 11 - 17 Spent in North Island (Wellington, Auckland and Rotorua)

 

[juzloy]

Hi Pamela
Thx 4 sharing, enjoy viewing ur photos.
Care to list out which locations r not 2 b miss in South Island? I only plan 4 a 10 days trip.

 

[pamela]

I would say..
-Mt Cook (super scenic.. if got no time.. just do the Hooker Valley trek (but some point in the valley is freezing.. bring gloves.. if u see from my pics.. the rocks in the river is frosty!). Other activites, you can check at www.mount-cook.com (if you do all here, maybe can skip Franz Josef?)
-Queenstown (activites town..)
-Franz Josef (only if you want to do the guided glacier climb guided NZD99.. try if you do not have height phobia).. if you want to skip Franz Josef, take the heli ride at Mt Cook (if u go the budget.. quite ex.. cost NZD 180 to abt 350 for diff routes - landing/non landing).. it will fly pass Franz Josef glacier if you chose the longer ride.
- Kaikora shld be wonderful if you get to go out to the sea.. cannot advise. Else, very peaceful town.. also got vineyard.. if you enjoy wine..

All in all.. if you are more into adventure/activities. stay longer at Queenstown.. skip Milford.. but if you are more into scenery.. go for Milford/Doubtful Sound


Can skip Christchurch.. more of a skiing town during winter.. else very quiet.. but I guess u will be arriving in Christchurch.. can travel by next day.. or even same day if you self drive.. All intercity buses leave in the morning.. and arrives in next city in 4-9 hrs..depending on where u go.. what we did was to book for accomdation (all YHA) 2 days in advance.. and when we reach the next YHA, if we want to stay extra, extend and then book for next destination. Then again I heard Dunedin quite nice!! next trip.. haha

 

[cassie]

hi pamela,

did you have any problems booking accommodation at franz josef? someone told me have to book way ahead.

also the glacier trek - advance booking required or can we just book like 2 days ahead? don't feel like locking in our itinerary before we even arrive

is the glacier climb difficult?

 

[pamela]

hi cassie

YHA at Franz Josef is quite popular.. so may have to book in advance! but we were quite lucky.. booked 2 days in advance, extend on the spot for additional day (as we saw the climb!) The climb does not have to be booked in advance (2 guiding companies) we booked when we arrived! The climb is quite challenging.. need to be physically fit.(we had muscle ache for few days!) . but it is worth every single effort ;> especially for first time climbers like me! There is a half day climb as well (but not so shiok).

Just a note for the self drive or those staying in YHA, Christchurch is a good place to stock up your food supplies.. not many supermarkets around (YHA does hv limited selection)! There are free shuttle buses in Christchurch that will take you to Pak n Save huge megamart.

 

[zenn]

Hi pamela,

Thanks for sharing so much wif us. So basically you just book the air ticket in spore and book ur accomodation n car when u reach there?

Is there a website for YHA? Any diff btw YHA n golden chain hotel/motel?

For those planning to go NZ, air new zealand having $840 air tix promo!

 

[pamela]

hi zenn

No worries! Hope you all enjoy yourself as much as I did.. will definitely go back there some day!

www.stayyha.com.. if u intend to stay YHA throughout your journey.. it is better if u sign up as a YHA member (NZD40 per person. I think) which will entitle you u cheaper room rates and YHA discounts on some activities and intercity coaches. We did not drive.. coz think it is quite stressful

We booked the air ticket and first 2 accomdations.. subsequently.. book along the way.

 

[zenn]

Hi pamela,

Thanks thanks! Oh so you took the travel magic bus or joined the day trip?

 

[pamela]

hi zenn..

There are a few companies operating intercity coaches..

I took Intercity coach and another dunno what Shuttle (cheaper) Magic and KIWI travellers more expensive..

 

[cassie]

hi pamela,
thanks! hahaha, i better start working on my fitness! will prob book the franz josef yha after i get my flight tix and get together an itinerary

and thanks for all the advice

 

[tohdj]

juz came back from NZ. 20 days. drove from south to north island.

imo, south island needs 15 days to see and experience all sights. milford sound is overrated, hobbiton (north island) is lousy. mt cook is great...franz josef is nice...greymouth is nice, lake tekapo is nice. all the big cities are boring...esp wellington, auckland.