New Zealand

[veracity]

Hi all

My fiance and I have got tix to NZ via Qantas - q ex, ard S$1,770.

For about 3 wks is our duration. May I have some gd contacts for land tours, whether in SG or via Internet? While we wanna see as much as poss (& the key attractions) in both islands, we are also mindful of costs being jacked up :-( Esp since we are still gg for a Sydney stopover on the way back. I'm a little anxious, pls help. Tx

 

[mscarpediem]

Hi Veracity,

When I had first started my research on New Zealand, I used the itineraries found in http://www.newzealandspecialist.net/ as my starting point in coming up with my own itinerary. It had opened my eyes to the interesting things to do in New Zealand which had led me to other interesting things to do in New Zealand in my internet search.

The price charged by them is higher than for me to source and contact the individual vendors myself (part of the reason is also because I had gone for cheaper accommodation while the accommodation they appear to be using are the higher end ones.) But I guess that's the price to pay for having 1 consolidated point of contact as compared to having to liase and co-ordinate things ourselves?

Right now, my itinerary is quite a bit different from what they have on their website, but their itineraries gave me a sense of some of the things that should be in my itinerary.

 

[angy]

veracity and carpe diem

the best website is this one

http://www.aa.co.nz/travel/Pages/default.aspx

AA travel gives you alot of idea where to go, how long is the distance and depending on the days, where you can go.

 

[mscarpediem]

Thanks Angy, I've quickly scanned it and it seems to contain a broad coverage of information. Will look through it in my further (internet) exploration of NZ!

I'm currently using this: http://www.new-zealand-camper-van-adventures.com/new-zealand-driving-distances.html to estimate my driving time and distances (I figured we would be faster than a camper van so it would make for a good conservative estimate.) as well as the book "Lonely Planet" for their recommendations of places to stay and things to do.

 

[angy]

carpe diem

very straight forward website. Not bad.

Anyway, very simple to drive in NZ, dont have to worry to much. Just allocate about 300-400km of drivig a day and you should be ok.

 

[reneylle]

Hi Angy,

Read through lots of your posts and replies..being really helpful and insight-ful

Me and hubby and parents going on 18th Sept, for 10 days, only South Island.

Have done the full itinerary after reading lots...tempted to send to you privately for advice/opinions

Can post here too but it's quite long hahaha

Before we do that, need to ask:

1) Is it true that Deer Heights Park @ Queenstown is closed already? That will be such a waste if it's true..

2) Need snow chains for the car? That would be quite a scary thought if that's needed..ahahah...

We be in NZ from 18th to 27th Sept.

Hope to hear from you.

Thanks!!

 

[angy]

lavender,

you are coming on 18 sep ah, ok, here goes

a. Deer Heights Park? yes, closed.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/business/2716147/Deer-Park-Heights-closed-indefinitely

b. Snow chains?
are you intending to go skiing at Mt Hutt? if you are not, you should. If you are, enjoy it. It is the best ski field in the world. Even if you have not ski before, you should try.

Snow chains usually not necessary. However, if required, the Mt Hutt boys are very innovative. They offer snow chain services at the bottom of the mountain so that you can go to the ski fields.

Since you are coming on the 18, you come very very close to school holidays. School holidays start on 22nd. What does that means? There will be alot of skiers in the ski fields. I advice you to do skiing before 22nd or else the ski fields will be packed with people.

at present, Mt Hutt is hosting an international skiing event. So, Queenstown and Wanaka will be packed with visitors.

Try to avoid these places during school holidays.

The weather has been excellent and spring comes early. When you arrived, the tulips will be out in the Botanical gardens in Christchurch and you should visit those places.

If you like lavender, i believed there are some lavender farms you can visit. You can buy some lavender oil from those farms as well. Lavendar oil are vetry expensive as you need all of lavender to extract the just one ounce of pure oil.

Dont PM me, share your questions with others. I believe everyone will ask similar questions

 

[reneylle]

Hi Angy,

Thanks for your suggestions! Ski sounds great! haha...we didnt plan for it mainly because parents are old and might not be suitable...but after your post maybe we will try squeeze in...

Below is the first 2-3 days of our itinerary...since we staying at Brinkley which is at foot of Mt Hutt, maybe we would try leave CHC earlier and reach Methven so that we can go up ski field then that seems the only available slot to squeeze in...i would say not exactly ski but to enjoy the stunning views and loads of photos maybe...yup we never ski before hahaha

tulips in CHC sounds good...should be possible too..hmm wahhh so many things extra now hahaah...




Day 1 (18th Sept) Singapore - Christchurch
(Friday)

Day 2 (19th Sept) Reach Christchurch at 9+am. Pick up car.
(Saturday) City Tour of Christchurch + Lunch. Leave about 2pm. Stock up necessary things from Pak and Save.
Go for Christchurch Gondola! 22NZD per pax. (http://www.gondola.co.nz)
Drive to Methven. (1.5hour, 106km). Check in Hotel + Rest + walkaround Methven town.

Stay in Methven
Hotel: Brinkley Resort (43 Barkers Road, Methven) Phone: +64 43 3028 885
(http://www.brinkleyresort.co.nz/)


Day 3 (20th Sept) Hot Air Balloon. 320NZD per pax. 4hours. Finish around 11am+.
(Sunday) Leave and drive to Lake Tekapo. (2.5hours, 173km)
Rest + Lunch + Photos.
Drive to Mt Cook Village (1.5hours, 102km) (Pass by Lake Pukaki??)
Check in Hotel.

Stay in Mt Cook Village:
Hotel: The Hermitage Hotel
www.hermitage.co.nz/

 

[angy]

lavender

you have no chance to go to the skifields. It will be a tight schedule. Btw, Christchurch gondola is boring. Just my opinion.

Wa, you also know Pak n Save? steady lah, very good place to shop and stock up. I dont think you have time to goto the skifields for skiing.

Your day three is an easy day. Since you are in Mt Cook area, you might as well visit the following:

http://www.glacierexplorers.com/glacier/glacier-home/

Last, not sure abot tulips now, could be a bit early. Daffoils are everywhere at the Christchurch gardens.

If you want to try skiing, you have to be at the top of the mountain by 1pm. If you cannot do that, dont bother to rush there.

 

[reneylle]

ya read somewhere from SB forum too, that people stock up at Pak n Save..ahhaa

hmm...looks like have to forgo skifields then..unless forgo the CHC town walkabout or Gondola, and drive straight to Methven after taking car and stoking up necessary things...

Can ask, from foot of Mt Hutt to the top, how long is required?

As for glaciers, because we will also drive to Fox Glaciers around day 7/8 and contemplating the helicopter up, should be able to give this glacier explorers a miss then? Are we right to assume that it's the same thing?

Thanks.

 

[veracity]

Hi angy

What abt Rotorua gondola? Better?

My fiance and I are also doubtful abt whether it's worth it to go on any of the gondolas... jz like anoth cable car ride what.

 

[reneylle]

We were actually thinking of the great view once we get to the top....people were recommending to view the scenery on top of Port Hills, that's why we wanted to try Gondola CHC...if it's nothing much then ya we may be able to change the itinerary around abit..this is not booked in advance anyway

Heard most people do Gondolas in Queenstown though...hmmm...but we wont have time for that in Queenstown

 

[angy]

lavender,

it all depends whether you want to "cheong" the skifields? From the resort to the ski field, around 40 minutes. Like I said, you need to be there around 1pm. So, planned your travel correctly.

The drive from Tekapo to Mt Cook is "boring" to me. But you might find it interesting. In my opinion, there is nothing much to do at the Hermitage. But I could be wrong. i suggest you have plan B just in case you find Hermitage plain jane.

Yes, everyone said goto Port Hills. But seriously Christmas is boring compared to Queenstown and Wanaka. If you really want view, I recommend Queenstown and Wanaka.

Last, Queenstown and Wanaka food is more expensive than anywhere else. So, you might want to shop elsewhere before heading there. WIth regards to supermarket, there are Pak n Save, Countdown and Woolworth. The prices are competitive.

 

[angy]

veracity

if you want to goto rotorua, combine the gondola with the luge ride. The Luge ride is similar to Sentosa but better, bigger and longer. All the luge ride requires you to go up by the gondola.

 

[reneylle]

yup Angy, thanks!

have tweaked the itinerary slightly..ahhaa..
no more CHC Gondola, it's now Queenstown Gondola instead (replacing the Deer Heights Park, after Shotover JetBoating in the morning).

So for CHC, have slightly more time. Most likely after picking up car and stocking up from PakNSave, will drive straight to Methven and check in and cheong up ski fields..ahhaha

was thinking, even if reach up there at 2pm, for example, it's still ok, ya? Not necessary need to have full ski-ing (since we really novice), but rather to enjoy the "best ski field in the world" in your words

and take photos all the way ahhaha

Transport up the field from the foot, about 40minutes you mentioned...what about cost? Roughly?

Thanks!

 

[angy]

lavender,

wa, you really cheong ski field, steady lah. OK, here is the long term weather forecast

http://www.snowreports.co.nz/new-zealand/mt-hutt/

Here are some information

http://www.snowreports.co.nz/new-zealand/mt-hutt/index.cfm/area-detail/

You are looking at the beginning package.

Btw, if you really want to cheong skiing, i suggest wear dark glasses, ski jacket, buy ski gloves and have long socks (army socks length). DOnt worry, if you have no snow pants, can rent at the field.

Shotover Jetboating is fun. If you dont want to get wet, sit in the middle.

 

[reneylle]

wahhh not cheap...ahhahaha

ok thanks!!

hey...all those gear that you mentioned, can rent all? like ski jacket and gloves, etc...can no need buy?

wahhahaha...must budget lahhh

 

[angy]

lavender

ok, minimum you need, dark glasses, thermal clothes and socks (army socks length). All can rent. If you want to play with snow, you need gloves. Do you have a wollen hat? NZ call it beanie.

 

[reneylle]

ok noted!

yup have got beanie! hahaha

thanks for all info Angy.

Looking forward to tomorrow

 

[reneylle]

sorry,

anyone, hopefully can see this message before we fly this evening...

calling card in NZ? Need to buy...any advice/recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[angy]

lavender

no need to bring a calling card. But a prepaid card when u are in NZ. Buy along your mobile phone from Singapore. Then either buy a prepaid card from Vodafone or 2degree. Very cheap to call home. You can get them in alot of places. Check out their website

 

[reneylle]

yup will bring along phone from singapore..

yup prepaid card...that's what we wanna buy...

Ok Vodafone or 2degree...will buy tomorrow morning once we reach airport.

Thanks!!

 

[angy]

for those going to NZ, please change your money now. NZD is going up and will go up further.

 

[veracity]

Hi angy

Yes indeed. My fiance has been monitoring the rate and it is a bit of a regret tt we didn't chg some mths earlier when the rate was almost 1 to 1. Well, even the NZ govt din anticipate their strong rate now...

We are on the verge of booking some tours in NZD. Is there really no chance of it gg down? Must say I'm tempted to hold out...

 

[angy]

veracity,

NZD is going even higher. I recommend buy now. By Dec, it will easily hit 1.2

 

[veracity]

Hi angy

What are your views on the Mt John Observatory? http://www.earthandsky.co.nz/ My fiance would like to go but I find the cost of the tours high. The options are either the Cowan's Hill Star Tour(http://www.earthandsky.co.nz/cowans_hill_tours/cowans_hill_tours.html) or Stargazing Night Tour http://www.earthandsky.co.nz/mt_john_tours/mt_john_tours.html). Although the latter sounds better, it is also much more costly & I was wondering if the Cowan tour is really a much lesser option.

Hope to hear fr u. Tx!

 

[angy]

veracity. nothing is cheap in NZ. You have to pay whatever you want to do. Star gazing is interesting. I done it with a friend of mine when it was a cloudless night. Very beautiful.

However, I know nuts about star gazing. All i know is NZ is in the Southern hemisphere and thefore the best place to see the constellation of the Southern Cross.

My advice is, if you are passing by Lake Tekapo, why not? You come all the way to NZ.

Have you book your accomodations in NZ yet?

 

[veracity]

Hi angy

We hc pretty much confirmed our accomodation.

Would you recommend Rotorua Gondola + Luge or Queenstown Gondola + Luge? From online videos, Queenstown one looks better. Pls advise. We decided ti try a Luge.

As for Christchurch gondola, I recall you mentioning it's boring but we are taking a Grand Tour which includes it already (dunno got Luge or not tho).

 

[angy]

veracity

skyline owns both the luge in rotorua and queenstown. you cannot compare rotorua and queenstown. YOu should try both luges.

If you take a Christchurch tour, there is no luge.

 

[sunny~gal]

Hi brides..any of u tried cooking using their kitchenette while at nz?groceries expensive or not?if lets say buying rice?

 

[angy]

sunny-gal

you can buy almost anythng you want in NZ,even rice. Some motels have simple cooking facilities. When you ask if the groceries are expensive, it is relative. If you are looking for chinese vegetables in a supermarket, of course it will be expensive. However, on the other hand, those that are in season will be cheap.

Not sure when u are coming, but strawberries are in season now.

 

[sunny~gal]

hihi angy

ok,noted thanks thanks
i will be going to nz in a week's time yeahoo~~
can i also ask,if i am going to abel tasman,and i dun wish to engage water taxis,is there possibility that i can tramp around the area near marahau?

 

[sunny~gal]

hey veracity,..
i booked the tour at earth and sky, i find the price is consider fair as the observatory equipments are expensive to maintain and upgrade, thus i find its justifiable for the price,worth to book to see the amazing sky at night

 

[angy]

sunny-gal and veracity

check this out

http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/3058530/Star-park-one-step-from-world-recognition

 

[angy]

sunny-gal

There are so many things to do in Abel Tasman.

However, please dont be hero. Plan your trip carefully if you like tramping and following the tracks. If you are keen in tramping, make sure you are well equip with the right gear and shoes. You need proper tramping shoes and not track shoes. Also you need you bring the right clothes just in case the weather turned to the worse.

There are too many tourists tramping in NZ thinking it is easy walk but they got lost in the forest.

check this out

http://www.abeltasman.co.nz/

The weather is beautiful now, however, it is still unpredictable.

 

[sunny~gal]

Halo angy

thanks for the info on the night sky and congrats to nz
i am looking forward to the night tour hee

and yes i did have tramping shoes as i do mountaineering at times. Actually i was planning to take water taxis from marahau to bark bay and then do a short walk from bark bay to torrent bay and water taxis back to marahau.

however i was thinking if i dun wish to engage water taxis, and just tramp around marahau, is it a not so good option as i would only be able to see a small part of abel tasman.

 

[angy]

sunny-gal,

if you tramp before, make sure you clean the shoe soles before you come. The customs officers will inspect the soles. NZ is very strict on soil dirt.

If you done montaineering before, you would know what to bring. Also, you might want to get some mountaineering clothing in NZ now as Kathmandu has a 70% discount on some tramping clothing now.

http://www.kathmandu.co.nz/

It is still not warm in NZ yet, the weather is very changeable. So suggest you get the right clothing.

 

[sunny~gal]

hi angy,

thanks for the reminder, after each usage, i normally wash and scrub my shoes but i did a double check on the soles,just in case

thanks for the weather information, i would prepare more light jackets.

 

[chipydale]

Am planning to go to New Zealand next yr during winter. Is winter a good time to visit New Zealand ? And what is the weather like ?

Are the attractions or places of interest close during winter season ?

 

[angy]

winter starts around may and finishes around September. Which part of winter do you want to come?

Tell me when you like to come and I will tell you where you can go

 

[chipydale]

I'm planning to go in July. So what's the weather like and does it snow there ? Thanks angy.

 

[angy]

Brenda,

There are snow in the mountains but not sure about snow on the main streets of New Zealand. This year, there was snow in Dunedin, Taupo and Rotorua.

Winter is going to be cold and wet. That is winter for you. If you are in NZ for the snow, I recommend go skiing. Google Mt Hutt ski fields or Mt Ruapheu ski fields. Both have good ski facilities.

 

[chipydale]

I'm actually comtemplating whether to go F & E or by tour. After reading what the others went through, it seems that F&E is a better choice with more flexibilities.

Any idea what will be cost be like for an 8days F&E inclusive of skiing & car rental.

 

[angy]

allocate the following

$300 - $400 per day for car, food, motel and petrol

$100 per day skiing

 

[chipydale]

What is the expected temperature in Auckland & Christchurch respectively if I come around July ?

 

[elf88]

Hi all,

I'm planning for my trip this mid May 2010.
Here is my itinerary, do let me know if there are any comments on them (P.S: I actually improvised from the earlier threads on this itinerary courtesy of Angy , Thanks

)

South Island 14D

Reach CHC 0920
16/5 Stay in Christchurch
Sightseeing and grocery shopping for self drive tours. Collect car and depart to Kaikora early next morning – 17/5

17/5 Christchurch to Kaikoura (2 to 2.5 hours) or Hammer Springs
See the whales, was told that the best time to go, is in the morning.( Price: Adult: $140 )

18/5 Kaikoura to Nelson (2 to 2.5 hours)

19/5 Nelson via Murchison to Greymouth or Hokitika (4 to 5 hour drive) -- Abel Tasman National Park

20/5 Hokitika via Frank Josef to Wanaka (6 to 7 hour drive)
2N Stay overnight at Wanaka.
(considering the Heli Hike at Frank Josef, any review on this?)

22/5 Wanaka via Cromwell via Arrowtown to Queestown (3 to 4 hours)
Will probably stay 3N in Queenstown and use it as a base to go to nearby place and hopefully muster the courage to try bungee, rafting, etc

25/5 Queenstown via Te Anau to Milford Sound (4 hours to 5 hours)
Stay overnight in Milford Sound (overnight cruise - $329 /pax)

26/5 Milford Sound via to Dunedin (4 to 5 hours)
Stay overnight in Dunedin

27/5 Dunedin ->Christchurch

28/5 – 29/5 Christchurch

30/5 ---> fly to SIN

 

[chipydale]

what is the estimated cost for this trip? All inclusive.

 

[elf88]

hmm...if i'm to acc $400 per day for Petrol, Accom n food , inclusive of flight, should be about $4300.. and take into acc of the activities we'll be doing there, say about another 1-1.5K

so i guess about $6K each should be a comfortable budget, right?

 

[mscarpediem]

Does anyone have any recommendations for reliable, honest car rental in the South Island of New Zealand? Mainly between Christchurch to Queenstown and Queenstown to Greymouth?

 

[elf88]

I am looking at Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Anzed car rental.
HTHs