Hello All,

I've decided to take the plunge and get hitched

We're planning a 3 week escape to New Zealand for the Honeymoon and want to ask people who live in or know the islands.

If anyone knows of any good companies to rent a fairly decent camper van that would be great.

Also people's opinions/views on "must see" areas/attractions. We're travelling in April so it would also be useful to know people's knowledge of the weather at that time of year and in case anything is affected by the season.

We've already got a good idea of what we want to do but there's still room to get a couple of extra bits in.

If anyone is able to provide some indicitive costs for the main attractions that would be absoultely fantastic (things like the Whale Watching in Kaikoura, Kayaking in Abel Tasman etc...)

Any info/feedback/opinions would be greatly appreciated

Many thanks,

Ah, NZ...............

I was born and raised in NW Ireland, a beautiful place, I know the Scottish highlands well, the Peak District, Wales, the Lakes, Devon, Cornwall, the Alps of Europe, the Atlas mountains of north Africa, the Cascades of NW USA and a considerable number of other areas of the world (though I am quite prepared to admit, there is still a lot to see) BUT.........

New Zealand..... quite the most beautiful place I have ever seen. stick a pin in the map, it just keeps going. 'round every corner another gob smacking view.

It just does not matter, north or south island, it's all great. My own personal fav was, I have to say, the shear grandeur of the west coast of south island. (and where else could you take an hilarious photo of your missus pretending to fart next to the sign for Cape Foulwind, and no, I'm not going to post a copy )

Really, NZ is wonderful and I could not recommend it enough, but the jet lag WILL be a horror... (do yourself a favor and once cleared from customs in Auckland, head for the Corromandel Peninsula, not far away (in Oz terms) but a world away.

More info available on request.

Dave

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the feedback - we both can't wait to get out there.

Our rough travel plan is:

Arrive Auckland 16th April and spend first night in hotel before collecting campervan.

The rest of the itineray is flexible on time scales but the rough route is:

Bay of Islands - 17th/18th April 2012
Coromandel Peninsula
Rotoura
Napier
Wellington - travel to south island
Nelson / Abel Tasman National Park
Kaikoura
Mount Cook
Queenstown
Te Anau
Stewart Island
Dunedin / Otago Peninsula
Christchurch - departing 3rd May 2012

Cape Foulwind sounds like a chuckle however I think my partner would suggest it would be more appropriate for me to be stood next to the picture

Went Jan-Feb North and South

You will love it. From Te Anu through the Homer tunnel and Alpine drive to fjord land. On South Island especially along the West Coast make sure you fill up with fuel as they are few and far between.(Fuel was $2 a litre) Hokatika is a very nice place with a beautiful beach and sunset. And the missus will like the glass makers.

Aurora lodge at Waitikia (towards bay of Islands) is a really nice place to stay.

You are trying to get alot in in three weeks. Internal flights between Aukland and Christchurch on Redstar are quite reasonable. $70 return.

Billy

I wish you All the Best, Chris.

But please heed this advice well:- whilst you are still young, start taking the steps necessary to emigrate to New Zealand.

That's what I would do, if I could have my time again.

Agree with the comment from Billy you are jamming in waaay to much for 3 weeks. What most people dont realise about NZ is the roads are not like overseas with straight freeways connecting towns etc.

Something might look close on a map but it might take you 6 hours to drive there. Have no idea why you would want to goto Stewart Island. Also the drive from Rotorua to Napier is a good 4 hours atleast from memory along some really windy roads. I would replace that with going to Lake Taupo, about an hours drive from Taupo.

Nick makes a very valid point. Most of the roads ain't that great (and full of slow moving camper vans!).
We went the hire car option (switching to a new one between islands, saving some $ on the ferry) and used B+Bs and cabins as the accommodation. There are loads available (see www.bnb.co.nz). The old lighthouse in Wellington was a highlight though I nearly broke my neck coming down the stairs but all were very well set up and welcoming. The other great advantage from our point of view of doing things this way is there was absolutely no option for cooking for ourselves so we were forced to eat out every day. Oh joy!
If I had one "problem" with NZ it is that I found the Maori place names utterly unpronounceable. I don't think those who are used to the English language have the necessary muscles to be able to deal with them. We just gave up and used initials instead

While I think about it I might also suggest that you read a book called "The New Zealand Wars" by James Belich (published by Penguin). A most interesting history of the European colonisation and it will make your trip all the more interesting

I was going to make a similar comment earlier, but held back out of er, ... politeness?

"If it were me" ... I would just head on out there with no detailed itinerary. Just chill out, take things nice and easy, and enjoy whatever happens.

I have never been one for the:- "If it's Tuesday then it must be [insert next tourist destination here]" gang myself. Shudder at the thought!

In fact my advice would be to avoid all such places altogether (as I do).

The bottom line? Apart from the bare essentials (flight, the first hotel, etc.) ... don't plan anything! Just take it as it comes, enjoying the company of your Truly Beloved along the way - surely that's what really matters here?

I should have said Rotorua is an hour or so drive from Taupo

Kiora Chris,

Nice to see you are visiting the South Island. Way prettier than the NI if you like mountains, rivers and stuff like that. The West Coast of the South Island should definately be on your itineary. Its a visual symphony. Westport, down through to Haast through to Queenstown area is a stunning drive. Personally, I would give Napier (a hassle to get to), the Otago Peninsular and Stewart Island a miss, unless you are really after a whirlwind trip. They are all nice, but nothing amazing. Abel Tasman is awesome, as is the Kaikoura Coast and Ta Anau / Fiordland. Just remember, its a lot to fit into three weeks. Let me know if you need any other info. I am based in the 'munted' city of Christchurch. Its a nice city, but following out seismic events of late, I am not really sure what their is to see apart from the International Antartic Center and a lot of broken buildings.

Michael.

Hi All,

Many thanks for the posts and information.

We are expecting that some places will be some-what 'flying' visits - such as Napier. The main purpose of stopping at Napier is to take a break from driving and take a look at some of the architecture before continuing on our route.

@ Geoff - I completely agree with your views on having a scheduled itinery so a lot of what we are going ot do is a touch of route planning but other than the arrival date and date of departure we are pretty much going to take our time (as much as possible) and do what ever there is to be done in that area.

I think that most of our time is going to be spent in the South island and, by the sounds of it, working our way down the west coast. We're both very into our nature (not naturism I hasten to add! )and wildlife so hence the visits to Stewart Island and Otago Peninsula - I've heard/read that they are meant to be very good for resident wildlife.

To be fair there's so much to do I don't think we'll be able to get it all done in a measley 3 weeks but I don't know when/if we'l get another chance to come back so we want to make the most of our time and see as much as posible but without running around like headless chickens - I'll have to let you know if we manage to do both!

On another note I have heard that my fiancee has been looking at land/property prices in NZ Have to wait and see about that.

Kind regards,

Why not simply quit your job ... then you can take as long as you like (until your dough runs out, of course). And then, whilst you're out there having a good look around, keep your eyes open for work opportunities as well.

PS: that's what I would do. It would add a bit more "spice" to your adventures, would it not?

Hi Geoff,

I don't like to live my life that close to the edge!

Besides - I actually really enjoy the job that I do and who I do it for

Get them to set up in NZ!

(then call me out there to lend a hand)

It's a good enough "business model" to work anywhere in the world, I would have thought.

You only live once. So why not go for it?

Kia ora again,
www.tradeMe.co.nz is a great place to start looking at property prices. Prepare to be depressed though; the last UK visitor I had, I showed a real estate cataloue to, and he got very upset! New Zealand is full of English emigrants. In my workshop I work with two, in a department of nine people. So you will be more than welcome here! Funny how the grass always looks greener. I personally would love to work as a Biomed in the UK somewhere......

... why on earth would you want to do that?

Go on then Geoff, humour me....

How do I find out more information about emigrating to New Zealand?

NZ thread 1
NZ thread 2

Thanks for the links Geoff - however I don't think I would be classed as a "skilled worker" (unless professional qualifications in Sales and Marketing Management count)

I've seen a bit about the 'working holiday visa'. Does anyone know more on how that works?

Never mind all that ... just go out there with the aim of setting up a business (along the lines of what you're doing now, if you like ... and why not?).

If my information is correct, I believe there is a net loss of useful folk out there (as the younger ones set off on the traditional back-backing trip around the world ... but then end up in Adelaide, London, Edmonton, Seattle, Vancouver ... and/or wherever).

Once you're in a position to employ a couple of locals, you'll be home and dry. And if you ever need technical help ... well, here it is, right here.

There you are:- a business plan, and a pathway to a better life. And all free of charge!

Kia Ora Zachy, I hope you get to work in the UK if you want to. We can't compete with NZ for amazing scenery and open spaces, but this old country has a lot to recommend it. Top arts, theatre and culture for example.

All the best,
Moira

Geoff, I have to admire the enthusiasm! I just don't think I'm the kind of person that can just drop everything without any kind of security blanket

I certainly don't have the financial background to invest in any company start-up let alone the cost of just emigrating.

I would say that that is my biggest fear - leaving everything behind and being basically broke

I don't think it's change that scares me just the lack of security.

OK ... I'll let it rest.

But (regarding finances etc.) it might be worth running the idea by Mr.JP!

Thanks! I was fortunate many years ago the have a job driving a tour coach around the UK. I used to drive a six day tour starting from London, across to Wales, up to Edinburgh, then back to London, taking in all the best the UK has to offer. I must say I loved the place, although after six months of working, I still managed to leave with less money than I arrived with! I often dream of going back, even though I know the long dark winters would depress me.....

What an interesting job!
But yes, rubbish winters. I fantasise about spending mine in South India, I love it there!

Almost just 8 weeks until departure! Can't wait.

Got the new passports, flights are booked, hotel and campervan sorted!

Just a matter of waiting!

Something to note Chris, are you flying via LA and if so make sure you have your esta and if your flight number is changing at LA you have to collect your bags and put them back through.

The reason I say this is that mine nearly ended up going around the carousel for its holiday.

If you are flying internally when you get there try red star. Its a breeze compared to this country.

If you are going down the south island west coast (fjord land) make sure you get some insect repellant as the sand flies are like the scottish midge on steroids.

Hi Billy,

No we're flying non-stop via Hong Kong both directions - worked out cheaper.

Also we're hiring a campervan so won't be taking internal flights (other than when we fly home, we go Christchurch - Auckland - UK).

We are planning to visit the west coast of the south island so I'll be sure to note your comments about the insect repellant.

Many thanks,

Finally - the flight is tomorrow.

Got to admit that the 26 hour flight is a bit daunting but it'll all be worth it once we land.

Current planned activities are:

Swim with Dolpins in Bay of Islands
Kayak around Abel Tasman bay - possibly swim with seals
Whale watching in Kaikoura

Other than that I think it's just a case of where ever the road leads us.

Thank you for your previous comments and suggestions. Definately going to be spending more time in the South Island taking in those picturesque views.

Will let you know how things went when I get back.

All the best,

Have a great time and post some photos in the gallery when you return

Hi Huw,

Would be my pleasure to. Though I may call upon your help to guide me through uploading pics

Cheers,