[Paul]

OK we are planning trip November and plan is to have one week in SI and one week in NI. (Thanks for previous advice on sights to see) We really want to check out Christchurch and surrounding areas (Rangiora, Oxford and other areas a little way out) and will hopefully meet up with a few people out there to hear and see first hand the "real life NZ" !!

Second week we will travel upto Wellington and check out Wairapara and Porirua/Kapiti areas and the work situation in Welly

Bearing in mind we want to travel South to North and then back to South to fly home would it be best to drive up to Welly from Chch and take in some sights on way over 2 days say, and get Inter Islander across to Welly. We could either then dump hire car and fly back to Chch or again drive back slightly different route to Chch?

As far as accomodation I have seen "bookabach" website which seems to offer pretty good value self catering accomodation in a real Kiwi house which again may be a good idea to do rather than stay in motel all the time?

We only have two weeks and we will have a quite lively 22month old!

All advice gratefully received!

[GeorgeM]

Are you going as far North as Auckland? If so I would suggest trying to do an 'open jaw' flight - into CHC and out from AKL. That way you could get a good car rental deal as all the big car rental firms have problems with their cars flowing South (most people do open jaws the other way round).

Bear in mind that most car rental companies don't let you take cars from one island to the other - you have to give up one car at the ferry terminal, travel across Cook Strait as foot passengers and then pick up a second car when you get off the ferry.

[Paul]

Are you going as far North as Auckland? If so I would suggest trying to do an 'open jaw' flight - into CHC and out from AKL. That way you could get a good car rental deal as all the big car rental firms have problems with their cars flowing South (most people do open jaws the other way round).

No not going that far North George

Bear in mind that most car rental companies don't let you take cars from one island to the other - you have to give up one car at the ferry terminal, travel across Cook Strait as foot passengers and then pick up a second car when you get off the ferry.

Didn't realise that thanks - useful info

[zardell]

Hi Paul.

We really fancy doing some touring in a hired campervan. There are some really good camp sites apparently - and I'm not into camping !!

Have a looksee at www.top10.co.nz They have sites all over both Islands and do self contained units, log cabins and motels as well as catering for the 'camper' in either a tent or a motorhome. We sent off to them for some details and they sent us maps, info and the chance to purchase a clubcard which would entitles us to discounts off their fees.

Enjoy your trip, whatever you decide to do.

Julie

x

[mathmussim]

Hi Paul -

We're planning a similar itinerary. We weren't planning to go to Auckland either, but will probably take the Overlander up to Aukland and fly out from there (as per George M's reply) instead of backtrack to Christchurch. At least we'll see some more of North Island that way.

John

[gil]

Great link Zardell, thnx xx

[Paul]

Thanks Julie

Good link!

[zardell]

Gil, Paul..

You're very welcome...........enjoy.

Julie

x

[veronica]

a lot of the hire cars will allow you to take the car on the ferry but it is far cheaper for you to leave it at Picton as it costs a couple of hundred to take the car over on the ferry and pick up a new car that the company will have waiting for you in wellington.