The man and I are planning a trip to New Zealand. In addition to booking our bungee jumping and kayaking activities, we thought it may be wise to have a place to stay as well. Our itinerary hasn’t solidified yet, but I’d love to get recommendations in the following:
Auckland
Rotorua
Wellington
Queenstown
Christchurch (bed & breakfasts are especially welcome here)
Nelson
We don’t need 5-star opulence (or even 3) but something above sleeping bags on the floor with backpackers would be nice. Not that we oppose sleeping bags on the floor, but well, we should probably do something nicer for our honeymoon. Centrally located is a definite plus. Thanks!
I plan to visit NZ, too, but have not set up anything yet. I suggest sites like Fodor’s, Frommer’s, and Eurotrip.com boards. Eurotrip has a “rest of the world” spot. Also, there are NZ tourism cites with lodging suggestions, like
I could point you to a very nice motel in Opotiki (top of the East Cape, Nth Island), as it’s my dad’s… but that seems to be a bit off your route.
Depending on the time of year that you are visiting, and depending on how organised you want to be, booking everything in advance may not be necessary.
A few years back my wife and I toured the South Island at the end of summer with no pre-bookings. We had either a Jason or AA motel book (either can be picked up at most motels/hotels/tourist centres) and a cell-phone. We’d drive until we felt we’d had enough for the day, look up the next town in the book, pick a likely looking motel and call ahead and arrange a room.
Well, not accomodation, but one enthusiastic recommendation for something to do / see in Rotorua.
The very popular (and touristy) geothermal park (Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley) in the city itself is worth seeing, but as an addition I would highly recommend the Waimangu Valley. A number of years back when I holidayed in Rotorua I took a full day tour through the valley and across Lakes Rotomahana and Tarawera, through bush and to Te Wairoa Buried Village (buried in mud when Mt. Tarawera erupted in 1886). It was a truly excellent day trip and something I remember very fondly years later.
A little googling turned up a web-site for the tourist outfit who I went with – “Carey’s”. It is a number of years later so I don’t know if they are still as good as they were, but their advertisment for the Waimangu Valley day trip might be useful.
(Note that the home icon doesn’t seem to work – but the left and right arrows will go through their various offerings).
Last time I went I prebooked all my accomodation before I went but found I couldn’t stick to my travel schedule. Some places just needed more time than I allowed for. I cancelled all the bookings and found rooms as I went with no trouble. This was in January. If internet facilities are available wotif offers great standby rates up to 12 days in advance. They are now the only source I use when travelling. Check out the rates available keeping in mind the value of the $NZ.
