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Family of 7, family holiday to New Zealand.Where to go, what to do.? |
Travel Info We are a family of 7,(2adults 5 kids) planning on going to NZ next April for a holiday. We are still deceiding whether to do a organised self drive tour, hire a large motorhome or just hire a people mover and stay in accomodation such as hotels, cabins etc.. What are the places that we shouldn't miss, what things should we do, should we plan it , or just see where the wind takes us. we are hoping to go for about 10 days. We don't need to pay for airfare( frequent flyer points) so is it still ideal to book organised holidays. we love the scenic aspects of holidays, not so much the bungee jumping or radical sports and events. Any suggestions would be greatful. you can email me directly if you have more ideas. Travel Tips Wow - you are going to have your hands full with 5 kids, I find it hard enough with two! 10 days is not alot of time - nowhere enough to do both islands anyhow. Large motorhome or people mover. Depends, are you doing both islands? Why not rent a people mover in the North Island and a Motorhome in the South Island - best of both worlds. I used to live in the South Island so will give you my advice on family things to do. Nelson, the sunniest place in NZ! 鈥?http://www.nelsonnz.com - if you want a motorhome in Nelson go to http://www.tourism-nelson.co.nz... Abel Tasman National Park, http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/placepr... (you only need to book if you want a hut to stay in, just for walking the track is fine) Golden sand beaches - Awesome lodge at the end of the track although a bit pricey... Awaroa Lodge, http://www.awaroalodge.co.nz swim with the seals, http://www.sealswim.com You can hike down one way (or even just a couple hours into the track - you can walk down to the beach - stick your hand out when you see an aqua taxi and jump on board ....or even kayak around for a few hours. Whale watching is in Kaikoura. http://www.kaikoura.co.nz http://www.whalewatch.co.nz Christchurch, the garden city - http://www.christchurchnz.net/visitchch... The Gondola is great - http://www.gondola.co.nz Christchurch's International Antarctic Centre - http://www.iceberg.co.nz great for the family. There is also a 'Science alive show' - http://www.sciencealive.co.nz haven't been there for years, you may have to ask a local on how it is ... Franz Joseph Glacier - http://www.franzjosefglacier.com... - how often would you see a Glacier! Lake Wanaka - http://www.lakewanaka.co.nz/index.cfm/ho... Queenstown http://www.queenstown-nz.co.nz is the adventure capital of NZ - The world famous Shotover Jet doing full 360潞 spins! http://shotoverjet.co.nz - I tell you that is awesome! And The Milford Sounds, http://www.fiordland.org.nz Cheaper car rental deals here - http://www.standbycars.com.au/default.as... (click on NZ) I would also suggest keeping an eye on this site - NZ Events coming up - http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/whatson/eve... see if something catches your eye ..... Happy trip planning. Others Well scenery wise I think the South Island is hard to miss really...there are lots of places to go to. I will put a couple of websites that may be of use, the tourism one and the places that Kiwis love to go to!! (I guess that will give you an idea of things that we recommend too). THe Abel Tasman area (north of the south island) might be good for visiting as it has stunning beaches where you can walk the tracks (booking??? hmm I think it does need that) or you can kayak as well (age limit tho). THe Marlborough Sounds is always nice for a trip either fishing or sightseeing (as I grew up in Marlborough I always have a soft spot for this place!!). Something like taking a couple of train rides like from Chrsitchurch to Greymouth (Tranz Alpine), which is often listed in the top train rides in the world (probalby better in winter with the snow, but still lovely) or the Coastal Pacific (Picton-Christchurch or the other way) and you could go Whale watching in Kaikoura. In the trains see if you can get a backpackers seat for cheaper fares (i know it exists on the coastal pacific) if its too expensive..ie lots of people means more expense) Queenstown, even tho it has the adrenaline sports there are other things like taking the Ernslaw across lake Wakatipu (gives you great views of the mountains) or up the gondola (especially good at the end of the day to see it in day light and when the lights come on). You can also do some jet boating off the wharf at Queenstown rather than the Shotover river and is less "exhilrating" (but still fun and you can get wet)and cheaper. I love the West Coast of the South Island with the Glaciers (Franz Josef and Fox Glacier)..there are lots of little walks you can do as a family (even if you don't want to walk on the glacier (some age restrictions I think) or fly over it etc)... I recommend Lake Matheson (on a nice clear day) to see stunning reflections of Mount Cook and Tasman (Its the most photographed lake in NZ).....the whole area is lovely...I also love a little easy walk called Ship Creek between Fox Glacier and Haast which has a beach walk (nice in the late afternoon on a nice day) or the bush walk which is lovely. I think along the coast it might be an idea to get your own transport as its reasonably isolated and it gives you more freedom. I have always wanted to go to Fiordland and see Milford and Doubtful Sounds as they are supposed to be stunning...so maybe you can go instead!! I would "wing it" as I think organised trips (while they save some hassle) are more expensive...I am not sure if it will be cheaper to have a motorhome or booking cheap accommodation....some of these websites will help give you an idea I hope! Have fun http://www.newzealand.com/ http://www.aatravel.co.nz/101-must-dos-f... http://www.ezy.co.nz/ http://www.whalewatch.co.nz/ http://www.tranzalpine.co.nz/ http://www.bbh.co.nz/default.aspx... You're going to have a hard time seeing both islands in 10 days...but good luck to you! For scenery, definitely the south island. Assuming you fly in to Auckland most people miss going to the Far North (of the North island) because you have to double back and it feels like time is wasted doing that. The Bay of Islands is a magnificent place with a lot of founding NZ history. You can take 'The Cream Trip' which is a scenic cruise around the Bay of Islands. The boat delivers mail and groceries to residents on the several islands that scatter 'the bay of islands'. And the major attraction of the day is going out to Cape Brett through 'the hole in the rock'. There is a lot of very interesting history - and visitors to NZ will understand that the relationship between the Maori and European was vastly different from other wars/founding relationships between 'europeans and natives' of other countries. Auckland is a city like any other -- though there is a lot to see and do, if it's scenery you're after then keep heading south. Hot Water Beach at the Coromandel is lovely - though you have to go at low tide or else you won't be able to dig a hole and sit in the hot sand! If you follow State Highway 1 all the way down the country you can't really go wrong (and you certainly won't get lost). You will cross with the Ferry from Wellington to Picton-which is about a three and a half hour ride (all going well). You can take vehicles on board, though check the cost of this. Wellington has a fantastic museum called 'Te Papa' - free to get in. Do a loop around the south island, perhaps across to Nelson, down the West Coast to the Fiords and through Queenstown, Dunedin and up to Christchurch etc. I would organise to fly out of NZ at a different location to where you fly in. Motorhomes are expensive and slow on our roads. Some of the south island roads on the west coast are not well suited to motor homes, but that said, it's quite possible to drive on them. I have American friends who have only just finished a rushed 15 day tour of NZ in a motor home -- they said they needed to add a lot more time to their daily travel because of the vehicle and condition of the roads (ie not freeway travelling). You'll need to do a price comparison for motor home v. self drive and camp ground or motel accomodation. Your travel agent will be able to do this for you. The cost of accomodation could well be more expensive than hiring a motor home for the 10 days. Tourism is one of NZ's major industries so be prepared for things to be expensive, especially during high season! You can find lots of interesting things to do that will not cost the earth--information centres are fantastic, pop in to see them along the way. Good luck! Have a large family and travel a lot also. |
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