[upnorthkyosa]

My wife and I are so excited. Only 16 days until we arrive in NZ on our Reccy. We are going to be flying out of Duluth Minnesota on August 2nd and we won't be flying back until August 17th.

Both of us are teachers, so we are going to be spending some time in each of the most likely places that we will be working. This vacation isn't all business though. We'll also be planning on having lots of fun along the way.

Anyway, if you are interested, this is our itinerary for the trip.

Aug 2nd - 4th - fly to New Zealand Arrive in Auckland early in the morning on the 4th.

August 5th - Taking the bus to Rotorua spending all day on the 6th in that area. On the 6th we are going to be taking part in a Maori Cultural Event. Hopefully its a good introduction to Maori Culture.

August 7th - we'll be driving to Taupo to a B&B and then taking a charter to go fishing on the big lake. If we catch any fish, we plan on taking them to a local restaurant that is known for cooking up your catch.

August 8th - drive to Wellington, spend the day.

August 9th - spend the day in Wellington, seeing the sights and learning about the city.

August 10th - we are taking the ferry over to Picton and then catching the intercoastal train to Christchurch.

August 11th - we are planning on spending the whole day in Christchurch to learn about the city and see the sights.

August 12 - we take the Transalpine to Greymouth and pick up a car that we have on reserve to drive our way down to the Franz Josef Glacier.

August 13th - my birthday - we'll be driving from the Glacier to Queenstown.

August 14th and 15th - We'll be spending in Queentown and the surrounding area.

August 16th - We'll be catching a plane back to Auckland and spending the afternoon back in Auckland.

August 17th - We'll be leaving NZ. THAT is going to be sad, but I'm not going to think about that.

This trip is going to be really great and if anyone has any suggestions for things to do along our path of planned activities, please let us know.

John

[lockstock]

Sounds brilliant. I'm a teacher off on my reccie on August 18th returning 29th. I've only got as far as landing in Auckland with my plans! Oh, and I've hired a car. I think the Rotorua and Maori culture visits will be on my itinerary too. I don't think I'll manage the South Island this time round. I'm going to check out some schools in the Waikato but other than that, still not sure. End of term for the summer in two days time. I will then be able to focus on all things Kiwi for several weeks :clap :clap :clap . And yes, teachers do have long holidays. I'd love a company car, overtime and performance related bonus payments but, hey, you can't have everything can you?!!

[DMcG]

If the weather looks at all reasonable on the day you arrive in Auckland (and depending on where you're staying). Try and take a trip up either Mount Eden or One Tree Hill. Both are fairly accessible and both will give you a good overall view of Auckland.

In Rotorua, take a trip around the city park - there's quite a few bubbling water /mud pools that you can see for free. Classic places to visit the geothermal stuff are Wai-O-Tapu and the Whakarewarewa Village.

When you're down at Franz Josef, nip down the road to Fox Glacier. The carpark is much closer to the glacier and you can get a lot closer (but not too close!) to the terminal face - oh, and watch out for Keas (big green parrots).

That trip from Franz Josef to Queenstown is going to be a long drive - start early and be careful (and check that the Haast Pass is still open!)

When in Queenstown, visit nearby Wanaka. Not quite as busy but just as beautiful.

Dougie

Oh, and have fun !

[dilanium]

That sounds like an absolutely wonderful trip!