Hi Bebe,
I drove from north to south. basically in north, they are famous for rotorua their thermal hot springs. the place is just so amazing..they can just have a pool of water and it will be heated. they even use it for steaming their food. and the funny part is at the bus stop, there is a pool of water for the passengers to soak their feet while waiting for bus. the place is really amazing although i didn't really like the sulphur smell. but its just amazing that such place is full of thermal heated area. North is famous for their maori culture.
then there is wellington (capital of NZ) of course..who can forget their botantic garden especially their rose garden. it is so beautiful...different colours of roses which is really big. nice place for photo taking. then there is also their tram that goes from the botanic garden and right to the heart of the city. shopping and lots of shopping!!! so we can tour and shop at the same time..same place. then we took the ferry across from wellington(north) to picton(south). it was a beautiful sight and great journey. so if you are planning for north, don't miss out those places.
My thoughts is that since you have already paid so much for the flight...might as well extend your stay and cover both north and south. In all, I spend 5 days in north...and 10 days in south.
I drove from north to south. basically in north, they are famous for rotorua their thermal hot springs. the place is just so amazing..they can just have a pool of water and it will be heated. they even use it for steaming their food. and the funny part is at the bus stop, there is a pool of water for the passengers to soak their feet while waiting for bus. the place is really amazing although i didn't really like the sulphur smell. but its just amazing that such place is full of thermal heated area. North is famous for their maori culture.
then there is wellington (capital of NZ) of course..who can forget their botantic garden especially their rose garden. it is so beautiful...different colours of roses which is really big. nice place for photo taking. then there is also their tram that goes from the botanic garden and right to the heart of the city. shopping and lots of shopping!!! so we can tour and shop at the same time..same place. then we took the ferry across from wellington(north) to picton(south). it was a beautiful sight and great journey. so if you are planning for north, don't miss out those places.
My thoughts is that since you have already paid so much for the flight...might as well extend your stay and cover both north and south. In all, I spend 5 days in north...and 10 days in south.
hi maylim,
i was with Omega rental and apparently the car was pretty cheap at NZ39 per day but its 1.5CC. The car was not too bad. i mean it didnt give us any problem. we didnt buy any insurance at all as I mentioned previously if you scroll further or the archive ones, they are not really particular about checking every part and spot of the car. they just check on the windows and the 4 corners. as long as no dent, they are OK. they don;t really inspect every paint ..maybe because the car has quite a few paint coming off. so we are very kiasu like afraid he will miss any spot and charge us. haha..so we said here got paint off..and there got paint off. and he said no worries, there will be more when you return. hahaa...so they are not particular about the paint. so we didnt buy any further insurance at all...we really save a lot. when we returned, they check 4 corners and windows and said OK. Omega even send us to the ferry terminal when we returned the car in North island.
i was with Omega rental and apparently the car was pretty cheap at NZ39 per day but its 1.5CC. The car was not too bad. i mean it didnt give us any problem. we didnt buy any insurance at all as I mentioned previously if you scroll further or the archive ones, they are not really particular about checking every part and spot of the car. they just check on the windows and the 4 corners. as long as no dent, they are OK. they don;t really inspect every paint ..maybe because the car has quite a few paint coming off. so we are very kiasu like afraid he will miss any spot and charge us. haha..so we said here got paint off..and there got paint off. and he said no worries, there will be more when you return. hahaa...so they are not particular about the paint. so we didnt buy any further insurance at all...we really save a lot. when we returned, they check 4 corners and windows and said OK. Omega even send us to the ferry terminal when we returned the car in North island.
Hi
I thought of using Ace rental... they provide shuttle from airport to their office and but when return, we have to return at their office and then take taxi to airport.... is it troublesome to call taxi with all our luagges? The ezy car rental and travel services new zealand car rental is more expensive by NZ$100 than ace rental lor... so what you all think? should take cheaper one rite?
I thought of using Ace rental... they provide shuttle from airport to their office and but when return, we have to return at their office and then take taxi to airport.... is it troublesome to call taxi with all our luagges? The ezy car rental and travel services new zealand car rental is more expensive by NZ$100 than ace rental lor... so what you all think? should take cheaper one rite?
Hi MNGO,
After reading through the net, seems that South is more fun? Maybe you can give me for each if u dun mind?
Thanks
Usually how many days are recommended? Me thinkning of going ard 8 days...Self-Drive if possible...
Do you noe how's the weather like during Feb/Mar?
Thank You!
After reading through the net, seems that South is more fun? Maybe you can give me for each if u dun mind?
Thanks
Usually how many days are recommended? Me thinkning of going ard 8 days...Self-Drive if possible...
Do you noe how's the weather like during Feb/Mar?
Thank You!
cookiecreamie
New Member
Hi gals,
Anyone tried the Hooker Valley Walk? Now comtemplating whether to try the full day or half day walk. Heard it is a must-try but hoping it's not too siong also.
Anyone took the day cruise to Milford Sound? Read from Real Journey that scenic and nature cruises are available. Any idea which one is better?
I'm forgoing Hanmer Spring and Kaikoura cos its too out of the way. Now thinking of heading Christchurch straight from Mt Cook. Is it advisable to travel 4 hrs from Mt Cook to Christchurch (after the hooker velly walk) or should I stay 1 night somewhere. If the latter, where inbetween Mt Cook and Christchurch do you suggest?
Anyone tried the Hooker Valley Walk? Now comtemplating whether to try the full day or half day walk. Heard it is a must-try but hoping it's not too siong also.
Anyone took the day cruise to Milford Sound? Read from Real Journey that scenic and nature cruises are available. Any idea which one is better?
I'm forgoing Hanmer Spring and Kaikoura cos its too out of the way. Now thinking of heading Christchurch straight from Mt Cook. Is it advisable to travel 4 hrs from Mt Cook to Christchurch (after the hooker velly walk) or should I stay 1 night somewhere. If the latter, where inbetween Mt Cook and Christchurch do you suggest?
SSF,
how's your trip? got photos to share?
C&C,
I took the Kea Point walk...didn't have time to do Hooker Valley walk.
I took the Milford Sound cruise...mine was the red company. NZ$66 per person with lunch. Book thru motel reception.
Don't miss Hanmer Spring...if you enjoy thermal pools. You'll feel great after a dip. I dipped for almost 2 hours!!!
There's a place called Twizel, which is near Mt Cook. You'll drive pass there from Christchurch. Stay there for a nice, and wake up to see Lake Twizel.
how's your trip? got photos to share?
C&C,
I took the Kea Point walk...didn't have time to do Hooker Valley walk.
I took the Milford Sound cruise...mine was the red company. NZ$66 per person with lunch. Book thru motel reception.
Don't miss Hanmer Spring...if you enjoy thermal pools. You'll feel great after a dip. I dipped for almost 2 hours!!!
There's a place called Twizel, which is near Mt Cook. You'll drive pass there from Christchurch. Stay there for a nice, and wake up to see Lake Twizel.
cookiecreamie
New Member
Hi tohdj,
How was Kea Point Walk? There is a half-day Hooker Valley Walk (about 3.5 hrs) and it costs $70.
What is the website for your Milford Sound cruise? $66 is quite a steal. Saw a 2.5 hrs cruise at real journey and it's over $130 (lunch excluded somemore!)!
How was Kea Point Walk? There is a half-day Hooker Valley Walk (about 3.5 hrs) and it costs $70.
What is the website for your Milford Sound cruise? $66 is quite a steal. Saw a 2.5 hrs cruise at real journey and it's over $130 (lunch excluded somemore!)!
>How was Kea Point Walk? There is a half-day Hooker Valley Walk (about 3.5 hrs) and it costs $70.
Nice and peaceful. We spent close to an hour to enjoy the view and serenity. We were the only people there for a period of 20 minutes.
No need to pay money for these walks. Just follow directions. Ask the i-Site for the map.
>What is the website for your Milford Sound cruise? $66 is quite a steal. Saw a 2.5 hrs cruise at real journey and it's over $130 (lunch excluded somemore!)!
Can't remember the company name...i booked through the motel.
Nice and peaceful. We spent close to an hour to enjoy the view and serenity. We were the only people there for a period of 20 minutes.
No need to pay money for these walks. Just follow directions. Ask the i-Site for the map.
>What is the website for your Milford Sound cruise? $66 is quite a steal. Saw a 2.5 hrs cruise at real journey and it's over $130 (lunch excluded somemore!)!
Can't remember the company name...i booked through the motel.
cookiecreamie
New Member
hi tohdj,
oh... so you actually trek without a guide. is that advisable? trying to save as much $$$ cos our budget seems to be bursting.
Think your milford cruise excludes return coach, right? so you drove there? from Queenstown or Te Anau? How was the drive up?
oh... so you actually trek without a guide. is that advisable? trying to save as much $$$ cos our budget seems to be bursting.
Think your milford cruise excludes return coach, right? so you drove there? from Queenstown or Te Anau? How was the drive up?
cookiecreamie
New Member
Hi everyone,
Anyone took the TransAlpine? Just realised that there are different tickets at different prices - Saver, Economy and Standard. Anyone brought any of the tickets directly from TranzScenic? Other than the pricing, any difference in terms of seat allocation? The Saver ticket is so much cheaper than the other fares but I'm afraid I may end up seating at somewhere without windows instead of admiring the paranomic views.
Anyone took the TransAlpine? Just realised that there are different tickets at different prices - Saver, Economy and Standard. Anyone brought any of the tickets directly from TranzScenic? Other than the pricing, any difference in terms of seat allocation? The Saver ticket is so much cheaper than the other fares but I'm afraid I may end up seating at somewhere without windows instead of admiring the paranomic views.
bamboobride
New Member
ladies,
can anyone advise me what is the temperature and season like in jan?
is it very hectic to go nz during honeymoon? we would like to relax during our honeymoon n the last thing we want to do is to wakr up at 0600 to catch the package tour. is it better to go with package tour or free and easy? will 12 days be enough? thanks
can anyone advise me what is the temperature and season like in jan?
is it very hectic to go nz during honeymoon? we would like to relax during our honeymoon n the last thing we want to do is to wakr up at 0600 to catch the package tour. is it better to go with package tour or free and easy? will 12 days be enough? thanks
bamboobride
New Member
hi mngo,
thanks for the advise. yah. dun want to tired myself during the honeymoon. cos the purpose is to relax after the wedding. my frd who went to europe told me that hers was so rush. everyday got to wake up at 6 + n constantly on the coach. though it was fun but end up she was so tired that she got to take 3 more days to rest after her honeymoon.
is it easy to f & e in new zealand? will it be more ex compared to taking package?
thanks! : )
thanks for the advise. yah. dun want to tired myself during the honeymoon. cos the purpose is to relax after the wedding. my frd who went to europe told me that hers was so rush. everyday got to wake up at 6 + n constantly on the coach. though it was fun but end up she was so tired that she got to take 3 more days to rest after her honeymoon.
is it easy to f & e in new zealand? will it be more ex compared to taking package?
thanks! : )
hi gals,
just wondering how much do u spend for ur NZ f&e trip? usually how much extra $ to bring?
total expenditure?
i wld like to focus on south island only, prefer 10 days, f&e self drive.
cos i m planning towards it for HM in Jan 2005 but yet to confirm. thanks.
just wondering how much do u spend for ur NZ f&e trip? usually how much extra $ to bring?
total expenditure?
i wld like to focus on south island only, prefer 10 days, f&e self drive.
cos i m planning towards it for HM in Jan 2005 but yet to confirm. thanks.
hi vni, if u are going early november where holidays has not started, u can go without booking of accomodation. tat was wat we did.
but if u are going much later , then i suggest u to secure yr accomodation
hi kite, if u are booking in dec for jan tour, then there might be a risk of no available flights for your desired dates or even motels will be fully occupied.
hi may, i spent less than 2k for myself F&E (car, lodging, food and admission tickets!) . it was 16 days tour - winter
but if u are going much later , then i suggest u to secure yr accomodation
hi kite, if u are booking in dec for jan tour, then there might be a risk of no available flights for your desired dates or even motels will be fully occupied.
hi may, i spent less than 2k for myself F&E (car, lodging, food and admission tickets!) . it was 16 days tour - winter
Hi mngo & planner,
Thanks.
Wow u spent less than 2k only for 16 days tour is very worth while. which yr did u travel to NZ?
i m planning to bring $1k cash there for both person, not sure enough to spend there anot.
What kind of sovernirs can be purchased there? cos need to buy for colleagues, families n frens. got cheap cheap ones. hehe me cheapo.
Thanks.
Wow u spent less than 2k only for 16 days tour is very worth while. which yr did u travel to NZ?
i m planning to bring $1k cash there for both person, not sure enough to spend there anot.
What kind of sovernirs can be purchased there? cos need to buy for colleagues, families n frens. got cheap cheap ones. hehe me cheapo.
Hi kite I went in april. oh i tot u going during dec 
, jan shd be quite alrite. nt sch holiday but better book b4 u go, most of them allows cancellation within certain no. of days. u can email them to ask abt the price and conditions. mayb u like to consider those b&b. quite nice oso.
mngo, did u go with a big group? 2k is like kite says very worth it.
i din buy any sovernirs.. cos like no pt if i buy those key chains or paper weight.. my colleagues have too much of it.. when ppl give to us we oso duno wan to put where. I bought alot of those macadania nuts etc for them to share. for families mayb u will wan to buy some manuka honey or lanolin cream or t-shirts for them.
, jan shd be quite alrite. nt sch holiday but better book b4 u go, most of them allows cancellation within certain no. of days. u can email them to ask abt the price and conditions. mayb u like to consider those b&b. quite nice oso. mngo, did u go with a big group? 2k is like kite says very worth it.
i din buy any sovernirs.. cos like no pt if i buy those key chains or paper weight.. my colleagues have too much of it.. when ppl give to us we oso duno wan to put where. I bought alot of those macadania nuts etc for them to share. for families mayb u will wan to buy some manuka honey or lanolin cream or t-shirts for them.
cookiecreamie
New Member
Hi gals,
Anyone went Mt Cook and did not take on those guided walks? Now in a dilemma cos not too sure if we should pay to go on those guided walks or to just follow those trails. Heard the Hooker Valley Walk is fantestic so not too sure if we should miss it at all. Someone, please advise.
Anyone went Mt Cook and did not take on those guided walks? Now in a dilemma cos not too sure if we should pay to go on those guided walks or to just follow those trails. Heard the Hooker Valley Walk is fantestic so not too sure if we should miss it at all. Someone, please advise.
Hi may n the rest,
just checking most of you here book your f&e tour from tour agency or DIY?
as i thought of booking from agencies n at least they can help take care of booking the air tix, car rental plus accomodation for us. however, i will plan my own itinerary on where to go. just book its f&e package. do u think its cheaper in tis way? or DIY better?
just checking most of you here book your f&e tour from tour agency or DIY?
as i thought of booking from agencies n at least they can help take care of booking the air tix, car rental plus accomodation for us. however, i will plan my own itinerary on where to go. just book its f&e package. do u think its cheaper in tis way? or DIY better?
cookiecreamie
New Member
DIY would costs lesser. Only thing is you may have to spend time researching for suitable and value for money accommodation.
cookiecreamie
New Member
Hi kite,
Will be going in dec for about 10 days.
Will be going in dec for about 10 days.
Hi Kite & C&C,
1. DIY will give you much freedom. Cos at certain places, no matter how good or how nice pple describe, you may not like it. So you can jus touch and go. Save u a lot of time. Also alot of towns are quite quiet from Mon ~ Thur, so you can actually do planning at nite. But of cos you must have a rough guide on your route lar.
2. Souvenirs : Got a lot of gift shops cater for tourist. There the key chains is still okay. But you may like to look ard few shops before buying, cos diff shop give diff discount. Basically the tourist attractions souvenirs are not too expensive. If you see something you like, can buy some.
3. If you dun like the key chains and magnets, can try places like the (1) fudge shop in CHC art centre; (2) Winery all over the places (3) Farms also all over the places. These places will sell things more unique and prices still quite reasonable.
4. Self drive is definitely my recommendation. More freedom, also at night you will not be trap in your hotel & motel.
Feel free to ask qn. Still fresh from my trip.
1. DIY will give you much freedom. Cos at certain places, no matter how good or how nice pple describe, you may not like it. So you can jus touch and go. Save u a lot of time. Also alot of towns are quite quiet from Mon ~ Thur, so you can actually do planning at nite. But of cos you must have a rough guide on your route lar.
2. Souvenirs : Got a lot of gift shops cater for tourist. There the key chains is still okay. But you may like to look ard few shops before buying, cos diff shop give diff discount. Basically the tourist attractions souvenirs are not too expensive. If you see something you like, can buy some.
3. If you dun like the key chains and magnets, can try places like the (1) fudge shop in CHC art centre; (2) Winery all over the places (3) Farms also all over the places. These places will sell things more unique and prices still quite reasonable.
4. Self drive is definitely my recommendation. More freedom, also at night you will not be trap in your hotel & motel.
Feel free to ask qn. Still fresh from my trip.
cookiecreamie
New Member
Hi Stussey,
Did you go mt cook? taken any of the walks?
We'll be staying a night in Christchurch before leaving for Greymouth the next day. We'll be staying some 5km away from town. Is the bus transport frequent? Anything to do while in town?
Did you go mt cook? taken any of the walks?
We'll be staying a night in Christchurch before leaving for Greymouth the next day. We'll be staying some 5km away from town. Is the bus transport frequent? Anything to do while in town?
Hi C&C, I went Mt Cook. But basically i drove in. I taken the valley walk. Hermitage very nice. But basically nothing much except scenery.
I dun think the bus there frequent. Me drive, so did not pay much attention to bus. But as far as i can rem, dun see much buses there. If you in CHC, better to drive, cos u can head south to the hill to see CHC town. Also go shopping mall which is not within the central. Also take short trip to places like Akaroa. CHC to me is quite dead.
But must go is the Botanic garden. There is a rose garden. When i went it wasn't blooming. But think will be nice if bloom.
Other then that, nothing much in CHC.
I dun think the bus there frequent. Me drive, so did not pay much attention to bus. But as far as i can rem, dun see much buses there. If you in CHC, better to drive, cos u can head south to the hill to see CHC town. Also go shopping mall which is not within the central. Also take short trip to places like Akaroa. CHC to me is quite dead.
But must go is the Botanic garden. There is a rose garden. When i went it wasn't blooming. But think will be nice if bloom.
Other then that, nothing much in CHC.
hi C&C,
oic u gg in dec. hv u booked everything yet? how much budget set aside for NZ?
hi stussy,
any pics to share? how much did u stay n spend?
Btw my fren just came back fr NZ n now its spring n flowers are beautiful. she lives in CHC n is a resident there, brought some brochures bk for me.
oic u gg in dec. hv u booked everything yet? how much budget set aside for NZ?
hi stussy,
any pics to share? how much did u stay n spend?
Btw my fren just came back fr NZ n now its spring n flowers are beautiful. she lives in CHC n is a resident there, brought some brochures bk for me.
cookiecreamie
New Member
Hi Stussy,
Thanks for info on Mt Cook. Guess we might skip the hooker valley walk to save some $$$. We are not renting car for 1st day cos we'll be taking the transalpine the next day but we should have the car on our last day of our trip, which will be christchurch.
kite,
for now, we're setting aside $6k but I figure we'll burst the budget when we are there. air tickets itself already over $2.5k.
Thanks for info on Mt Cook. Guess we might skip the hooker valley walk to save some $$$. We are not renting car for 1st day cos we'll be taking the transalpine the next day but we should have the car on our last day of our trip, which will be christchurch.
kite,
for now, we're setting aside $6k but I figure we'll burst the budget when we are there. air tickets itself already over $2.5k.
Hi C&C, i will personally recommend Hanmer Spring and Kaikora. Nice place.
Also, do try Gibson Valley & there is this sheep farm in Kaikora that do shearing of sheep perf. Only NZ$10. The owner very friendly. Perf is at 1.30 $ 4 o'clock. Do give it a try if you there.
Also, do try Gibson Valley & there is this sheep farm in Kaikora that do shearing of sheep perf. Only NZ$10. The owner very friendly. Perf is at 1.30 $ 4 o'clock. Do give it a try if you there.
hi stussy,
its alrite. take ur time.
hi C&C,
my wedding in fact in end of Dec, that's y going in Jan wil be cheaper (air tixs).
Ur air tixs very ex cos u are going during peak period in Dec which is the highest in price. which airline u taking? air NZ? how much is e tax?
its alrite. take ur time.
hi C&C,
my wedding in fact in end of Dec, that's y going in Jan wil be cheaper (air tixs).
Ur air tixs very ex cos u are going during peak period in Dec which is the highest in price. which airline u taking? air NZ? how much is e tax?