[Myrkk]

We originally weren't going to do a reccie to NZ but have decided it may be a good idea after all. Especially since our departure date has been set back a little.

We're hoping to come out in Sept this year and were thinking of the campervan route but tbh I've never done the hotel thing and from reading otehr threads it seems the campervan option is just as expensive as the the hotel option. Although we would probably have to hire a car anyway.

My question is this....... since we will be moving all over the place, is it feasible to not book any hotels and just turn up on spec hoping they have rooms free? Or should we plan a route and book hotels along the way? What sort of average price would be looking at for 2 adults per night?

Just noticed that isn't one question anymore...... darn things multiply once you get going........ bit like tribbles.:yes

[zardell]

As far as motels go, I can only comment on the North Island, but for two people in an average motel you would probably pay a minimum of around $100 per night per room, not per person.

Obviously you could pay a lot more dependant upon your choices.

Motels are in abundance and even in the remotest of places I'm sure you will find somewhere.

We never stayed in a hotel, so can't help you there.

We didn't do a recce as such - we arrived with PR, but no job so therefor no commitments and we we were able to do our looking around NZ without any time restrictions. We didn't book rooms in advance, we knew the places we wanted to look at and we just followed our noses. It worked well for us, however there are forumites who chose the 'plan and book ahead' route due to their time commitments, so I'm sure that their posts will be a long soon.

Julie

xx

[lockstock]

First of all what's a tribble? Then I thought I'd sneak this in so I don't sound too much of a numpty...when you apply for a visitors visa, don't you have to put down where you'll be staying? I want to go over in August but having only just recovered from filling in EOI, NZQA and Teacher reg, I can't make out the form for the Visitors whatsit.

[Xaviera]

I agree, you will not find much under $100 for either motel or hotel. In the bigger centres it will be higher. Get hold of a Jasons accomodation book (they are free) when you arrive. The cheaper option is to use a backpackers that have private rooms. Or maybe a furnished tourist cabin in one of the better (usually top ten) camping grounds.

During september you should be able to get around without booking - certainly in the less touristy areas.

Good luck!

[Marie P]

The I-Sites [Information centres] are very useful ,when we went touring at Christmas with 12 of us !!! They managed to find us accommadation with just a few phone calls and showing us a little brochure about the places .

I think most towns have them .

Marie x

[SarahEDH]

I agree that the calendar makes a difference re: availability of hotel rooms. If not booking ahead, you might want to ensure your trip doesn't coincide with kids' school holidays or big public events in the cities you're visiting. I came to Wellington in late February this year and found a huge street fair going on. I had pre-booked a rental car and bach, thankfully. When I tried to change the car for a cleaner one, no agency in town had another car available in my price range -- they were fully booked while the fair was on.

[thirtysomethings]

Hi there,

I have sent you a list of some excellent accomodation we recently stayed at Wellington & Kapiti Coast.

Have a great trip :)

[Billy]

I would say there are plenty cheaper places around. Most campsites have a good choice, ranging from the very basic, sharing the camp facilities, to the fully self-contained. I always go for the cheapest, and have never been disappointed. Stayed in Taupo recently and paid $23 for a night, just myself on that occasion, but fairly central, clean and comfortable.

[Myrkk]

thanks guys and thanks thirtysomethings for the recommendations.

[benandclare]

We did the South Island last Nov with nothing booked except car hire from omega in ChCh :clap very good firm to deal with.
Never had any problems, saw one we liked the look of and generally there was room at the inn :cheers and very reasonable prices.

[Darkrider]

P.S.

Tribbles are small furry things that Captain James T Kirk allowed onto the starship enterprise only for them to multiply at an alarming rate until the ship was nearly full of the things......... they make a squeaky noise like Darryl Hannah in Splash :yes

Erm, this is my hubbies sign in, it's Myrkk posting.....:D

[thirtysomethings]

no worries enjoy your trip :)


thanks guys and thanks thirtysomethings for the recommendations.