LoobyHighland

Hiya, we're going out to New Zealand at the beginning of September and I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice/experience please whether we need to pre-book sites around the north island before we leave, or whether this time of year we could 'go with the flow' kind of thing??

On the one hand we don't want to be tied in to being at certain places at certain times, but if we get to places and they're all booked up - that would be awful too!! We're hoping to emigrate next year and are coming out for a reccie.

Any advice/past experiences much appreciated!
Thanks, Lou

Margaret Parkinson

We have visited our family twice but went off by ourselves for 10 days and we just rang a motel or similar the day before. This was in January the first time & February this year. (their summer) We did not have any trouble getting accommodation so it should be OK out of season.

There is a good book you can get for free with accommodation in all parts of NZ.

June

summer99

hi there we also are leaving for nz but we are gonig on the 26th august and we are going to the south were i have a job waiting for me. We have not booked anything yet as we spoke to a few people over ther and we were told there is an abundance of hotels motels property to look at even the hire car we have not booked yet infact the only thing we have done apart from shipping our beongings is change money up to dollars. We are getting nervous thou and excited at the same time , it seems like a holiday , don't think its really sunk in yet , how about you how are you feeling ?

LoobyHighland

Hiya, many thanks to you both for your replies. I thought it wouldn't be too booked up at this time of year, but always great to get other peoples experiences too.

I think its fantastic that you're going out at the end of the month (summer99), I bet you're heads spinning!! We're 50/50 at the moment about going as we've four kids in tow, and know that it may be a bit of a struggle to achieve similar out in NZ what we have here in the UK. Saying that, life is a big adventure and sometimes you have to just go for it! We've been really really lucky as we got on to a BBC tv programme and although we're being filmed the first week, we've got the second week to ourselves and are going to make the most of it and travel around the North Island. I would love to see the South Island too but we just don't have enough time. Looks absolutely breathtaking though. I'm sure you'll have a ball.
All the best, Lou x

Margaret Parkinson

What's this BBC programme I don't want to miss it? Let me know when its on please. Send me a PM.

June

LoobyHighland

Hi June, have sent you a PM. New to this site - so hope it gets to you ok! Lou x

nic.gem.soph

What's this BBC programme I don't want to miss it? Let me know when its on please.

oh me too please

ta nic

Am Loolah

We did what you're doing, a campervan reccie of both islands with 4 kids! Absolutely funtastic - I'd love to do it all again - but sadly we live here in a house now!!

We didn't book anything - which is just as well as we found everything took a lot longer to get to and to explore once there so our itinerary such as it was got abandoned on about day 4!

Enjoy - it is such a blast!

j19fmm

Do tell about the TV programme, pretty please

Margaret Parkinson

I think LoobyHighland is away for a few days but she sent me a PM and it will be screened next Jan/Feb.

June

LoobyHighland

Hiya, sorry I took so long to reply! The tv programme is called 'Wanted Down Under', and its on BBC1. It'll be screened from Jan '09, and usually lasts about 4-6 weeks. Its a morning tv show, but I think for this series (3) they may air it at tea time as well, on BBC2, as it's a popular programme. I don't know if you've heard of it but its really interesting and follows families/couples who are trying to decide whether to emigrate or not. 20 families have been selected in total; 13 for Australia, and 7 for New Zealand. This year there were over 5000 applications! We've had our couple of days filming here at home, and are now going out to New Plymouth for six days filming out there, from 5th Sept. It's exhausting, and they follow you everywhere, but I'm not complaining in the slightest as its such a fantastic opportunity, and we feel incredibly lucky to have got through. I just hope the show represents us accurately, as we have no say on the editing etc!!There is a dedicated 'Wanted Down Under - NZ' British Expat Forum, where everyone shares ideas and comments etc. Please let me know if you've any questions as I'd be delighted to help. TTFN, Lou x

LoobyHighland

Hi Am Loolah, thanks for the heads up re the camper van. Sounds like you had a blast!! I hope we have the same adventure as you had. I just want to 'go with the flow', but my OH wants to pre-book everything! I've showed him your message and he's warming more to my way! Lou x

cally49

Bring plenty of warm clothing its been freezing down there lately (and everywhere else......Lots of fresh snow down south you will feel like you havent left home lol
Enjoy your journey!
Cheers
Cally

nic.gem.soph

We hired a campervan on our reccie with two kids and it was amazing, I'm normally the sort of person who books everything and likes a schedule of where and when we're going, but NZ transformed me. It was great just going where you wanted, stopped in some lovely places right by the sea, stayed the night and waking up to great views. From one "anal" person to another go with the flow! You won't regret it...

nic

j19fmm

Hi Lou, if you have a camper van you're usually OK for a site, if you're going for the Cabins on a camp site it might be worth ringing the day before to check availability. Have a great time