New Zealand

Thorn Tree forumCountry forumsAustralia, New Zealand & Antarctica
Enter custom title (optional)
This topic is locked
Last reply was
16
…
Send as an e-mail
Send as an e-mail
tammyp17
tammyp17

My sister and I area are planning a 3 week trip to New Zealand beginning of December. We have never been to NZ before. We would be flying in from Vancouver, BC and were thinking of flying to Christchurch, spending a week or so in that area and then flying to Rotorua, spend a few days there and then end in Auckland where we would fly home from but are totally open to any suggestions. We are wondering what the best areas to visit are when you only have three weeks. Seems like there is lots to do on both the North Island and South Island so wondering how doable it is to visit both islands or should we stick with just one. We are more into relaxing, seeing the sites kind of people than partying, nightlife kind of people. Help?

Any ideas would be appreciated.

View last reply
Report
1
westwood
westwood

You can do both but how do you plan to get around. Maybe you could read back through posts because there are lots of ideas for those using public transport and for those who rent a vehicle.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report
2
mwoaster
mwoaster

NZ is not that big. So I suggest skipping the planes and get around with ground transportation. That way you can gaze at the wonderfull scenery.

There are a lot of wonderful places in NZ. I suggest doing a bit of research and list the things you would like to see. After that, you can draw up a route.

Best of travels!

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report
3
tammyp17
tammyp17
In response to #1

We are thinking of renting a car and driving. Our thought is to spend a few days in Auckland and while there do a day trip to Piha to the Black Sand Beach. After a few days in Auckland we were going to head to Waitomo and view the caves and depending on time either spend the night in Waitomo or continue on to Rotorua. Spend a night or two in Rotorua and then head to Taupo to see the Mine Bay Rock Carvings and then off to Wellington. From there we will catch the ferry to Picton, head to Christchurch for a day or two and eventuslly make out way to Queenstown (still researching the South Island) where we will fly out of for home. My sister is very adventurous and wants to do as many activities as she can while we are there. I will read through the other posts and get advice from others who have done the same thing. I am just hoping in December that accommodations are available on short notice as we don't really know what day we will be in each place,

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report
4
westwood
westwood

Auckland to Waitomo then on to Rotorua is possible but it makes for a very long day.
December is a busy month but you should still be able to get accommodation at short notice in the north island places. I live in Rotorua and there were still vacancies right through that month.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report
5
Thorn Tree

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.

This topic has been locked by a moderator.

Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner