recent trip to NZ
Aug 19th 2006, 6:07 am
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
recent trip to NZ
I just want to say thanks to everyone who gave me lots of advice on
planning my trip to NZ. I asked you alot of questions about road
conditions (they were excellent, no chains, even drove up to treble
cone and cardona), campervan in winter or not (we didn't, found super
values on www.wotif.com and highly recommend it to others traveling
anywhere!). Thanks for all your advice.
Our trip was July 29-Aug 9. We flew into Auckland, and connected to
Christchurch, and stayed in Christchurch. After a quick tour of city
center and cathedral we drove to Queenstown. On the way we started an
'o-wow' look at that which didn't stop until we hit Auckland the last
night. We did Milford Sound, skiied Cardona & Treble cone, saw the most
beautiful vineyard in the world at Rippon in Wanaka, walked Franz Josef
and Fox (the eateries in Franz Josef were the only disappointment.
After checking out each one we went into the market, bought stuff to
make our own sandwiches and had a picnic at the glacier parking lot).
Anyway, stayed in Hokitika, at this great beachfront chalet with only a
few shhep between our porch and the ocean.We bought Jade, drove to
Blenheim, toured four vineyards, ferry to picton, cruised throuh
Martinborogh and drove on to Napier, did a few more vineyards and
quickly on to Taupo, and Rotatoura. Taupo was a drive through, Huka
Falls was awesome. We started more '0-wow'ing' at the sight of our
first steam coming out of the ground. Then did several long walks
through the volcanic areas. Saw my first boiling mud, didn't get in any
of it but could see myself doing so under more informed circumstances.
Went to see a Maori ceremony and had a traditional dinner, with about
300 of our new best friends (LOL, wouldn't know how to contact even one
of them, tourists all of us).
The last day we drove up to Auckland and did the touristy things there
Space-needle stuff. and walked around some (husband's knee suffered a
bit on the slopes).
Anyway that's the quick and dirty version of 10 fantastic days. Thanks
for sharing your bit of paradise with two appreciative tourists from
Miami Florida. We were amazed, I don't think I have ever seen more
beauty and more friendly hospitable people.
Thanks again.
Patty
planning my trip to NZ. I asked you alot of questions about road
conditions (they were excellent, no chains, even drove up to treble
cone and cardona), campervan in winter or not (we didn't, found super
values on www.wotif.com and highly recommend it to others traveling
anywhere!). Thanks for all your advice.
Our trip was July 29-Aug 9. We flew into Auckland, and connected to
Christchurch, and stayed in Christchurch. After a quick tour of city
center and cathedral we drove to Queenstown. On the way we started an
'o-wow' look at that which didn't stop until we hit Auckland the last
night. We did Milford Sound, skiied Cardona & Treble cone, saw the most
beautiful vineyard in the world at Rippon in Wanaka, walked Franz Josef
and Fox (the eateries in Franz Josef were the only disappointment.
After checking out each one we went into the market, bought stuff to
make our own sandwiches and had a picnic at the glacier parking lot).
Anyway, stayed in Hokitika, at this great beachfront chalet with only a
few shhep between our porch and the ocean.We bought Jade, drove to
Blenheim, toured four vineyards, ferry to picton, cruised throuh
Martinborogh and drove on to Napier, did a few more vineyards and
quickly on to Taupo, and Rotatoura. Taupo was a drive through, Huka
Falls was awesome. We started more '0-wow'ing' at the sight of our
first steam coming out of the ground. Then did several long walks
through the volcanic areas. Saw my first boiling mud, didn't get in any
of it but could see myself doing so under more informed circumstances.
Went to see a Maori ceremony and had a traditional dinner, with about
300 of our new best friends (LOL, wouldn't know how to contact even one
of them, tourists all of us).
The last day we drove up to Auckland and did the touristy things there
Space-needle stuff. and walked around some (husband's knee suffered a
bit on the slopes).
Anyway that's the quick and dirty version of 10 fantastic days. Thanks
for sharing your bit of paradise with two appreciative tourists from
Miami Florida. We were amazed, I don't think I have ever seen more
beauty and more friendly hospitable people.
Thanks again.
Patty
Aug 19th 2006, 9:51 am
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: recent trip to NZ
"patty" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected] ups.com...
>I just want to say thanks to everyone who gave me lots of advice on
> planning my trip to NZ. I asked you alot of questions about road
> conditions (they were excellent, no chains, even drove up to treble
> cone and cardona), campervan in winter or not (we didn't, found super
> values on www.wotif.com and highly recommend it to others traveling
> anywhere!). Thanks for all your advice.
> Our trip was July 29-Aug 9. We flew into Auckland, and connected to
> Christchurch, and stayed in Christchurch. After a quick tour of city
> center and cathedral we drove to Queenstown. On the way we started an
> 'o-wow' look at that which didn't stop until we hit Auckland the last
> night. We did Milford Sound, skiied Cardona & Treble cone, saw the most
> beautiful vineyard in the world at Rippon in Wanaka, walked Franz Josef
> and Fox (the eateries in Franz Josef were the only disappointment.
> After checking out each one we went into the market, bought stuff to
> make our own sandwiches and had a picnic at the glacier parking lot).
> Anyway, stayed in Hokitika, at this great beachfront chalet with only a
> few shhep between our porch and the ocean.We bought Jade, drove to
> Blenheim, toured four vineyards, ferry to picton, cruised throuh
> Martinborogh and drove on to Napier, did a few more vineyards and
> quickly on to Taupo, and Rotatoura. Taupo was a drive through, Huka
> Falls was awesome. We started more '0-wow'ing' at the sight of our
> first steam coming out of the ground. Then did several long walks
> through the volcanic areas. Saw my first boiling mud, didn't get in any
> of it but could see myself doing so under more informed circumstances.
> Went to see a Maori ceremony and had a traditional dinner, with about
> 300 of our new best friends (LOL, wouldn't know how to contact even one
> of them, tourists all of us).
> The last day we drove up to Auckland and did the touristy things there
> Space-needle stuff. and walked around some (husband's knee suffered a
> bit on the slopes).
> Anyway that's the quick and dirty version of 10 fantastic days. Thanks
> for sharing your bit of paradise with two appreciative tourists from
> Miami Florida. We were amazed, I don't think I have ever seen more
> beauty and more friendly hospitable people.
> Thanks again.
> Patty
Glad you enjoyed it; it's good to hear. Next time spend longer - you need
minimum 3 weeks in the Sth. Island (including a couple of days on Stewart
Island) and 2 weeks in the Nth Island. It may be a small country, but
there's a lot to see.
Fred - a totally non-biased South Islander (Dunedin)
>
news:[email protected] ups.com...
>I just want to say thanks to everyone who gave me lots of advice on
> planning my trip to NZ. I asked you alot of questions about road
> conditions (they were excellent, no chains, even drove up to treble
> cone and cardona), campervan in winter or not (we didn't, found super
> values on www.wotif.com and highly recommend it to others traveling
> anywhere!). Thanks for all your advice.
> Our trip was July 29-Aug 9. We flew into Auckland, and connected to
> Christchurch, and stayed in Christchurch. After a quick tour of city
> center and cathedral we drove to Queenstown. On the way we started an
> 'o-wow' look at that which didn't stop until we hit Auckland the last
> night. We did Milford Sound, skiied Cardona & Treble cone, saw the most
> beautiful vineyard in the world at Rippon in Wanaka, walked Franz Josef
> and Fox (the eateries in Franz Josef were the only disappointment.
> After checking out each one we went into the market, bought stuff to
> make our own sandwiches and had a picnic at the glacier parking lot).
> Anyway, stayed in Hokitika, at this great beachfront chalet with only a
> few shhep between our porch and the ocean.We bought Jade, drove to
> Blenheim, toured four vineyards, ferry to picton, cruised throuh
> Martinborogh and drove on to Napier, did a few more vineyards and
> quickly on to Taupo, and Rotatoura. Taupo was a drive through, Huka
> Falls was awesome. We started more '0-wow'ing' at the sight of our
> first steam coming out of the ground. Then did several long walks
> through the volcanic areas. Saw my first boiling mud, didn't get in any
> of it but could see myself doing so under more informed circumstances.
> Went to see a Maori ceremony and had a traditional dinner, with about
> 300 of our new best friends (LOL, wouldn't know how to contact even one
> of them, tourists all of us).
> The last day we drove up to Auckland and did the touristy things there
> Space-needle stuff. and walked around some (husband's knee suffered a
> bit on the slopes).
> Anyway that's the quick and dirty version of 10 fantastic days. Thanks
> for sharing your bit of paradise with two appreciative tourists from
> Miami Florida. We were amazed, I don't think I have ever seen more
> beauty and more friendly hospitable people.
> Thanks again.
> Patty
Glad you enjoyed it; it's good to hear. Next time spend longer - you need
minimum 3 weeks in the Sth. Island (including a couple of days on Stewart
Island) and 2 weeks in the Nth Island. It may be a small country, but
there's a lot to see.
Fred - a totally non-biased South Islander (Dunedin)
>
Aug 19th 2006, 3:51 pm
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: recent trip to NZ
On 19 Aug 2006 11:07:13 -0700, "patty" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>I just want to say thanks to everyone who gave me lots of advice on
>planning my trip to NZ. I asked you alot of questions about road
>conditions (they were excellent, no chains, even drove up to treble
>cone and cardona), campervan in winter or not (we didn't, found super
>values on www.wotif.com and highly recommend it to others traveling
>anywhere!). Thanks for all your advice.
>Our trip was July 29-Aug 9. We flew into Auckland, and connected to
>Christchurch, and stayed in Christchurch. After a quick tour of city
>center and cathedral we drove to Queenstown. On the way we started an
>'o-wow' look at that which didn't stop until we hit Auckland the last
>night. We did Milford Sound, skiied Cardona & Treble cone, saw the most
>beautiful vineyard in the world at Rippon in Wanaka, walked Franz Josef
>and Fox (the eateries in Franz Josef were the only disappointment.
>After checking out each one we went into the market, bought stuff to
>make our own sandwiches and had a picnic at the glacier parking lot).
>Anyway, stayed in Hokitika, at this great beachfront chalet with only a
>few shhep between our porch and the ocean.We bought Jade, drove to
>Blenheim, toured four vineyards, ferry to picton, cruised throuh
>Martinborogh and drove on to Napier, did a few more vineyards and
>quickly on to Taupo, and Rotatoura. Taupo was a drive through, Huka
>Falls was awesome. We started more '0-wow'ing' at the sight of our
>first steam coming out of the ground. Then did several long walks
>through the volcanic areas. Saw my first boiling mud, didn't get in any
>of it but could see myself doing so under more informed circumstances.
>Went to see a Maori ceremony and had a traditional dinner, with about
>300 of our new best friends (LOL, wouldn't know how to contact even one
>of them, tourists all of us).
>The last day we drove up to Auckland and did the touristy things there
>Space-needle stuff. and walked around some (husband's knee suffered a
>bit on the slopes).
>Anyway that's the quick and dirty version of 10 fantastic days. Thanks
>for sharing your bit of paradise with two appreciative tourists from
>Miami Florida. We were amazed, I don't think I have ever seen more
>beauty and more friendly hospitable people.
>Thanks again.
>Patty
Thanks Patty for your most welcome update!
You were lucky re the roads!
Yep, I found Franz not the best place to stay.
We did likewise - grabbed bread and filings and just stopped to
picnic.
We had a thermos flask and had to use canned coffee and milk as
couldn't buy even a small jar of instant coffee; coffee to go was
basically non-existant!
Did you find many service stations had coffee to go?
Cath
wrote:
>I just want to say thanks to everyone who gave me lots of advice on
>planning my trip to NZ. I asked you alot of questions about road
>conditions (they were excellent, no chains, even drove up to treble
>cone and cardona), campervan in winter or not (we didn't, found super
>values on www.wotif.com and highly recommend it to others traveling
>anywhere!). Thanks for all your advice.
>Our trip was July 29-Aug 9. We flew into Auckland, and connected to
>Christchurch, and stayed in Christchurch. After a quick tour of city
>center and cathedral we drove to Queenstown. On the way we started an
>'o-wow' look at that which didn't stop until we hit Auckland the last
>night. We did Milford Sound, skiied Cardona & Treble cone, saw the most
>beautiful vineyard in the world at Rippon in Wanaka, walked Franz Josef
>and Fox (the eateries in Franz Josef were the only disappointment.
>After checking out each one we went into the market, bought stuff to
>make our own sandwiches and had a picnic at the glacier parking lot).
>Anyway, stayed in Hokitika, at this great beachfront chalet with only a
>few shhep between our porch and the ocean.We bought Jade, drove to
>Blenheim, toured four vineyards, ferry to picton, cruised throuh
>Martinborogh and drove on to Napier, did a few more vineyards and
>quickly on to Taupo, and Rotatoura. Taupo was a drive through, Huka
>Falls was awesome. We started more '0-wow'ing' at the sight of our
>first steam coming out of the ground. Then did several long walks
>through the volcanic areas. Saw my first boiling mud, didn't get in any
>of it but could see myself doing so under more informed circumstances.
>Went to see a Maori ceremony and had a traditional dinner, with about
>300 of our new best friends (LOL, wouldn't know how to contact even one
>of them, tourists all of us).
>The last day we drove up to Auckland and did the touristy things there
>Space-needle stuff. and walked around some (husband's knee suffered a
>bit on the slopes).
>Anyway that's the quick and dirty version of 10 fantastic days. Thanks
>for sharing your bit of paradise with two appreciative tourists from
>Miami Florida. We were amazed, I don't think I have ever seen more
>beauty and more friendly hospitable people.
>Thanks again.
>Patty
Thanks Patty for your most welcome update!
You were lucky re the roads!
Yep, I found Franz not the best place to stay.
We did likewise - grabbed bread and filings and just stopped to
picnic.
We had a thermos flask and had to use canned coffee and milk as
couldn't buy even a small jar of instant coffee; coffee to go was
basically non-existant!
Did you find many service stations had coffee to go?
Cath
Aug 20th 2006, 4:12 am
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: recent trip to NZ
Fred,
We didn't even touch the south Island south of the diagonal bewteen CC
& QT. I absolutely agree we need to get down there I'd love to get over
to Stewart Island. We also missed the entire west coast of SI and never
went North of Auckland. We both are dying to get back, we like the
offseason, Winter was not cold , but maybe October or May.
Patty
Fred wrote:
> "patty" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected] ups.com...
> >I just want to say thanks to everyone who gave me lots of advice on
> > planning my trip to NZ. I asked you alot of questions about road
> > conditions (they were excellent, no chains, even drove up to treble
> > cone and cardona), campervan in winter or not (we didn't, found super
> > values on www.wotif.com and highly recommend it to others traveling
> > anywhere!). Thanks for all your advice.
> >
> > Our trip was July 29-Aug 9. We flew into Auckland, and connected to
> > Christchurch, and stayed in Christchurch. After a quick tour of city
> > center and cathedral we drove to Queenstown. On the way we started an
> > 'o-wow' look at that which didn't stop until we hit Auckland the last
> > night. We did Milford Sound, skiied Cardona & Treble cone, saw the most
> > beautiful vineyard in the world at Rippon in Wanaka, walked Franz Josef
> > and Fox (the eateries in Franz Josef were the only disappointment.
> > After checking out each one we went into the market, bought stuff to
> > make our own sandwiches and had a picnic at the glacier parking lot).
> >
> > Anyway, stayed in Hokitika, at this great beachfront chalet with only a
> > few shhep between our porch and the ocean.We bought Jade, drove to
> > Blenheim, toured four vineyards, ferry to picton, cruised throuh
> > Martinborogh and drove on to Napier, did a few more vineyards and
> > quickly on to Taupo, and Rotatoura. Taupo was a drive through, Huka
> > Falls was awesome. We started more '0-wow'ing' at the sight of our
> > first steam coming out of the ground. Then did several long walks
> > through the volcanic areas. Saw my first boiling mud, didn't get in any
> > of it but could see myself doing so under more informed circumstances.
> > Went to see a Maori ceremony and had a traditional dinner, with about
> > 300 of our new best friends (LOL, wouldn't know how to contact even one
> > of them, tourists all of us).
> >
> > The last day we drove up to Auckland and did the touristy things there
> > Space-needle stuff. and walked around some (husband's knee suffered a
> > bit on the slopes).
> >
> > Anyway that's the quick and dirty version of 10 fantastic days. Thanks
> > for sharing your bit of paradise with two appreciative tourists from
> > Miami Florida. We were amazed, I don't think I have ever seen more
> > beauty and more friendly hospitable people.
> >
> > Thanks again.
> > Patty
> Glad you enjoyed it; it's good to hear. Next time spend longer - you need
> minimum 3 weeks in the Sth. Island (including a couple of days on Stewart
> Island) and 2 weeks in the Nth Island. It may be a small country, but
> there's a lot to see.
>
> Fred - a totally non-biased South Islander (Dunedin)
> >
We didn't even touch the south Island south of the diagonal bewteen CC
& QT. I absolutely agree we need to get down there I'd love to get over
to Stewart Island. We also missed the entire west coast of SI and never
went North of Auckland. We both are dying to get back, we like the
offseason, Winter was not cold , but maybe October or May.
Patty
Fred wrote:
> "patty" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected] ups.com...
> >I just want to say thanks to everyone who gave me lots of advice on
> > planning my trip to NZ. I asked you alot of questions about road
> > conditions (they were excellent, no chains, even drove up to treble
> > cone and cardona), campervan in winter or not (we didn't, found super
> > values on www.wotif.com and highly recommend it to others traveling
> > anywhere!). Thanks for all your advice.
> >
> > Our trip was July 29-Aug 9. We flew into Auckland, and connected to
> > Christchurch, and stayed in Christchurch. After a quick tour of city
> > center and cathedral we drove to Queenstown. On the way we started an
> > 'o-wow' look at that which didn't stop until we hit Auckland the last
> > night. We did Milford Sound, skiied Cardona & Treble cone, saw the most
> > beautiful vineyard in the world at Rippon in Wanaka, walked Franz Josef
> > and Fox (the eateries in Franz Josef were the only disappointment.
> > After checking out each one we went into the market, bought stuff to
> > make our own sandwiches and had a picnic at the glacier parking lot).
> >
> > Anyway, stayed in Hokitika, at this great beachfront chalet with only a
> > few shhep between our porch and the ocean.We bought Jade, drove to
> > Blenheim, toured four vineyards, ferry to picton, cruised throuh
> > Martinborogh and drove on to Napier, did a few more vineyards and
> > quickly on to Taupo, and Rotatoura. Taupo was a drive through, Huka
> > Falls was awesome. We started more '0-wow'ing' at the sight of our
> > first steam coming out of the ground. Then did several long walks
> > through the volcanic areas. Saw my first boiling mud, didn't get in any
> > of it but could see myself doing so under more informed circumstances.
> > Went to see a Maori ceremony and had a traditional dinner, with about
> > 300 of our new best friends (LOL, wouldn't know how to contact even one
> > of them, tourists all of us).
> >
> > The last day we drove up to Auckland and did the touristy things there
> > Space-needle stuff. and walked around some (husband's knee suffered a
> > bit on the slopes).
> >
> > Anyway that's the quick and dirty version of 10 fantastic days. Thanks
> > for sharing your bit of paradise with two appreciative tourists from
> > Miami Florida. We were amazed, I don't think I have ever seen more
> > beauty and more friendly hospitable people.
> >
> > Thanks again.
> > Patty
> Glad you enjoyed it; it's good to hear. Next time spend longer - you need
> minimum 3 weeks in the Sth. Island (including a couple of days on Stewart
> Island) and 2 weeks in the Nth Island. It may be a small country, but
> there's a lot to see.
>
> Fred - a totally non-biased South Islander (Dunedin)
> >
Aug 20th 2006, 5:07 am
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: recent trip to NZ
On 20 Aug 2006 09:12:47 -0700, "patty" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Fred,
>We didn't even touch the south Island south of the diagonal bewteen CC
>& QT. I absolutely agree we need to get down there I'd love to get over
>to Stewart Island. We also missed the entire west coast of SI and never
>went North of Auckland. We both are dying to get back, we like the
>offseason, Winter was not cold , but maybe October or May.
>Patty
Patty, hate to tell you but the West Coast in May can be hairy!
We stopped at Franz overnight - the next morning, we had a good inch
of frost over the car.
The road up to Hokitika was equally hairy with the ice patches - a lot
of slow driving.
October would be better but with NZ, you can get literally 4 seasons
in a day!
Cath
wrote:
>Fred,
>We didn't even touch the south Island south of the diagonal bewteen CC
>& QT. I absolutely agree we need to get down there I'd love to get over
>to Stewart Island. We also missed the entire west coast of SI and never
>went North of Auckland. We both are dying to get back, we like the
>offseason, Winter was not cold , but maybe October or May.
>Patty
Patty, hate to tell you but the West Coast in May can be hairy!
We stopped at Franz overnight - the next morning, we had a good inch
of frost over the car.
The road up to Hokitika was equally hairy with the ice patches - a lot
of slow driving.
October would be better but with NZ, you can get literally 4 seasons
in a day!
Cath
Aug 20th 2006, 9:00 am
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: recent trip to NZ
"patty" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected] ups.com...
> Fred,
> We didn't even touch the south Island south of the diagonal bewteen CC
> & QT. I absolutely agree we need to get down there I'd love to get over
> to Stewart Island. We also missed the entire west coast of SI and never
> went North of Auckland.
> Patty
Well - not really - Fox, Franz, Hokitika are all on the S.I. West coast.
(But you are right about cafes and restaurants in Franz Josef)
We both are dying to get back, we like the
> offseason, Winter was not cold , but maybe October or May.
Well - it's not the Sahara, and certainly a little different than Florida,
but it's never that bad. (Says me, who has several decades of
acclimatising.)
> Fred wrote:
>> "patty" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected] ups.com...
>> >I just want to say thanks to everyone who gave me lots of advice on
>> > planning my trip to NZ. I asked you alot of questions about road
>> > conditions (they were excellent, no chains, even drove up to treble
>> > cone and cardona), campervan in winter or not (we didn't, found super
>> > values on www.wotif.com and highly recommend it to others traveling
>> > anywhere!). Thanks for all your advice.
>> >
>> > Our trip was July 29-Aug 9. We flew into Auckland, and connected to
>> > Christchurch, and stayed in Christchurch. After a quick tour of city
>> > center and cathedral we drove to Queenstown. On the way we started an
>> > 'o-wow' look at that which didn't stop until we hit Auckland the last
>> > night. We did Milford Sound, skiied Cardona & Treble cone, saw the most
>> > beautiful vineyard in the world at Rippon in Wanaka, walked Franz Josef
>> > and Fox (the eateries in Franz Josef were the only disappointment.
>> > After checking out each one we went into the market, bought stuff to
>> > make our own sandwiches and had a picnic at the glacier parking lot).
>> >
>> > Anyway, stayed in Hokitika, at this great beachfront chalet with only a
>> > few shhep between our porch and the ocean.We bought Jade, drove to
>> > Blenheim, toured four vineyards, ferry to picton, cruised throuh
>> > Martinborogh and drove on to Napier, did a few more vineyards and
>> > quickly on to Taupo, and Rotatoura. Taupo was a drive through, Huka
>> > Falls was awesome. We started more '0-wow'ing' at the sight of our
>> > first steam coming out of the ground. Then did several long walks
>> > through the volcanic areas. Saw my first boiling mud, didn't get in any
>> > of it but could see myself doing so under more informed circumstances.
>> > Went to see a Maori ceremony and had a traditional dinner, with about
>> > 300 of our new best friends (LOL, wouldn't know how to contact even one
>> > of them, tourists all of us).
>> >
>> > The last day we drove up to Auckland and did the touristy things there
>> > Space-needle stuff. and walked around some (husband's knee suffered a
>> > bit on the slopes).
>> >
>> > Anyway that's the quick and dirty version of 10 fantastic days. Thanks
>> > for sharing your bit of paradise with two appreciative tourists from
>> > Miami Florida. We were amazed, I don't think I have ever seen more
>> > beauty and more friendly hospitable people.
>> >
>> > Thanks again.
>> > Patty
>> Glad you enjoyed it; it's good to hear. Next time spend longer - you need
>> minimum 3 weeks in the Sth. Island (including a couple of days on Stewart
>> Island) and 2 weeks in the Nth Island. It may be a small country, but
>> there's a lot to see.
>> Fred - a totally non-biased South Islander (Dunedin)
>> >
>
news:[email protected] ups.com...
> Fred,
> We didn't even touch the south Island south of the diagonal bewteen CC
> & QT. I absolutely agree we need to get down there I'd love to get over
> to Stewart Island. We also missed the entire west coast of SI and never
> went North of Auckland.
> Patty
Well - not really - Fox, Franz, Hokitika are all on the S.I. West coast.
(But you are right about cafes and restaurants in Franz Josef)
We both are dying to get back, we like the
> offseason, Winter was not cold , but maybe October or May.
Well - it's not the Sahara, and certainly a little different than Florida,
but it's never that bad. (Says me, who has several decades of
acclimatising.)
> Fred wrote:
>> "patty" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected] ups.com...
>> >I just want to say thanks to everyone who gave me lots of advice on
>> > planning my trip to NZ. I asked you alot of questions about road
>> > conditions (they were excellent, no chains, even drove up to treble
>> > cone and cardona), campervan in winter or not (we didn't, found super
>> > values on www.wotif.com and highly recommend it to others traveling
>> > anywhere!). Thanks for all your advice.
>> >
>> > Our trip was July 29-Aug 9. We flew into Auckland, and connected to
>> > Christchurch, and stayed in Christchurch. After a quick tour of city
>> > center and cathedral we drove to Queenstown. On the way we started an
>> > 'o-wow' look at that which didn't stop until we hit Auckland the last
>> > night. We did Milford Sound, skiied Cardona & Treble cone, saw the most
>> > beautiful vineyard in the world at Rippon in Wanaka, walked Franz Josef
>> > and Fox (the eateries in Franz Josef were the only disappointment.
>> > After checking out each one we went into the market, bought stuff to
>> > make our own sandwiches and had a picnic at the glacier parking lot).
>> >
>> > Anyway, stayed in Hokitika, at this great beachfront chalet with only a
>> > few shhep between our porch and the ocean.We bought Jade, drove to
>> > Blenheim, toured four vineyards, ferry to picton, cruised throuh
>> > Martinborogh and drove on to Napier, did a few more vineyards and
>> > quickly on to Taupo, and Rotatoura. Taupo was a drive through, Huka
>> > Falls was awesome. We started more '0-wow'ing' at the sight of our
>> > first steam coming out of the ground. Then did several long walks
>> > through the volcanic areas. Saw my first boiling mud, didn't get in any
>> > of it but could see myself doing so under more informed circumstances.
>> > Went to see a Maori ceremony and had a traditional dinner, with about
>> > 300 of our new best friends (LOL, wouldn't know how to contact even one
>> > of them, tourists all of us).
>> >
>> > The last day we drove up to Auckland and did the touristy things there
>> > Space-needle stuff. and walked around some (husband's knee suffered a
>> > bit on the slopes).
>> >
>> > Anyway that's the quick and dirty version of 10 fantastic days. Thanks
>> > for sharing your bit of paradise with two appreciative tourists from
>> > Miami Florida. We were amazed, I don't think I have ever seen more
>> > beauty and more friendly hospitable people.
>> >
>> > Thanks again.
>> > Patty
>> Glad you enjoyed it; it's good to hear. Next time spend longer - you need
>> minimum 3 weeks in the Sth. Island (including a couple of days on Stewart
>> Island) and 2 weeks in the Nth Island. It may be a small country, but
>> there's a lot to see.
>> Fred - a totally non-biased South Islander (Dunedin)
>> >
>
