smileypigface

My parents (67 and 70) are coming to visit, from UK, for Christmas.

They plan to arrive at the beginning of December and leave mid January. I may kill them with my bare hands if I have to entertain them for that long!

I was thinking of packing them off on a coach tour - we are in Auckland, so was thinking maybe a tour that takes them to the South Island would be good - to see some of NZ that I won't be able to take them to!

They aren't 'independent' travellers (ie, I couldn't just buy them a guidebook and a train ticket).

Does anyone have any recommendations for organised tours they have experience of please? They are fairly fit for walking but are not up to anything more energetic like cycling or climbing.

janiejones

How about one of those cruises? I think they start in South Island, then work their way around the country, not sure about prices though. I think I've seen Princess Lines docked in Wellington.

There is a coach company that does trips, APT , or something similar? Maybe ask at your local travel agent.

kiwi wanna be

http://www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz

Have a look at trains - scenic trip from Auckland and as far as Christchurch and then a cheap flight back up

smileypigface

Thank you - appreciate the suggestions

Snap Shot

Northern Explorer is a scenic train trip on the north island of nz.

The Trans Alpine is a train journey around the S.I.

They could take the ferry from Wellington to Picton, great scenery from the boat. Tell them how great Invercargill is and would they like to walk back to Auckland to lessen the environmental impact of using a vehicle ? (only joking)

Take it Easy tours operates in Wanganui, NZ. It does days out for people who are mostly retired. If they come down this way, it could entertain them for a day.

Also, if they came to Wangas, they could take an excursion on the antique steam boat the Waimarie.

Whale watching in Kaikoura could be an option.

Write their itinerary for them, then you know where and when they're going and they are unlikely to return until you are ready !

Bo-Jangles

You do have to be very specific or they come back too soon. We flew with mine down to the bottom of the South Island (had to make sure they actually got there) and then left them to their own devices with some basic camping supplies, a hire car and a map to find their own way back to Auckland - the weather inevitably turned to custard and the buggers were back with me in double quick time.

Justcol

for a nice day out they could get the Red Boat from the city and go up to the riverhead for a nice lunch

smileypigface

Thank you again.

Definitely looking for something where they are not under their own steam .. or they would definitely only be gone a day or two! I'm putting together a list of suggested day trips they can do without me once they have their trip out of the way, with directions etc too!

nzneville

Try AAT Kings, who have a variety of coach tours covering both North Island and South Island. You could see them gone for two weeks or more.

Blade Down Under

Send them to Havelock to try the mussels. An experience to die for

Then stay at a place called Smiths Farm. The hosts there are lovely people. We were recommended to stay there by a lot of colleagues I work with, definitely can see why.

There's a walk at night that takes you up to see the glow worms. You definitely need a torch to see where your going.

Then a day in Picton and the sounds. Such a lovely seaside town. If it had the 2p arcade machine stalls, I'd have thought I was back at Clacton on Sea.

BEVS

I know Smiths farm.

I've not seen a 2p arcade at Picton though. Where is it.