Air New Zealand Air Points - 10 days in New Zealand in August

Hello-

I'm new to the board, and thought I'd poll the experts on how best to maximize my time in New Zealand. I'm arriving in AKL on a UA award Aug 4 and leave for Oz from AKL on Aug 14 (Yes I know it's the middle of winter, but coming from Chicago I'm used to chilly weather :) ), and I'm having a hard time deciding what to do while there. I've heard phenomenal things about the sights in New Zealand, and I am overwhelmed by all of the choices.

If you were in my shoes and had 10 days to explore NZ, which sights would you go see and what would be your itinerary? I'm thinking Auckland, Rotorua, Bay of Islands, and Queenstown, but am open to suggestions. I'm especially interested in hearing about where the best place to do adventure sports in the winter (particularly Sledging, Skydiving, and bungee jumping), and what can't miss sights/experiences I need to ensure I do/see.

Thanks so much to everybody for your help!

-ORDtraveler

Welcome to FT ORDtraveler :)

10 days isnt long to see NZ so I'd suggest limiting to one island (North or South) and only one or two regions.

Winter in NZ is nothing like as cold as Chicago winters.

Speaking from experience, bunjy and skydiving in winter are mind-numbingly cold. Its one thing to be comfortable standing around or walking in 10C (50F) but quite another to be plummeting at high speed.

That said, Queenstown is fantastic this time of the year, although may be tight getting accomm at short notice (but should be okay within the vicinity - eg try Arrowtown or even Cromwell or Wanaka).

For more info, I'd check out the Australia & Pacific forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=461), including NZ Master thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=401294).

Hi there ORDTraveler, welcome to FT :)

As a suggestion -

Aug 4 arrive Auckland am
Aug 5 Auckland
Aug 6 Travel to Rotorua (driving takes about 2.5 – 3hrs)
Aug 7 Rotorua am, afternoon flight to Wellington (flying time approx 1 hour)
Aug 8 Wellington (Te Papa is worth a look, it not your normal museum)
Aug 9 Wellington – Queenstown (fly, you will have to transit in Christchurch, very easy to do, arrive approx midday)
Aug 10 Queenstown
Aug 11 Queenstown
Aug 12 Queenstown/Christchurch (fly, arrive mid morning)
Aug 13 Christchurch
Aug 14 Christchurch/Auckland to connect with your flight to Australia (or perhaps you will need to make this the night before, depends on your departure time from AKL).

Queenstown is the snow/adventure capital of NZ, if you’re into extreme sports etc it’s worth a few days. I can’t see a way to fit in the Bay of Islands, but in my opinion that’s a summer-time destination. If your going to hire a car book early and ring ahead to confirm your reservation. Having worked in that industry we were forever short of any sort of cars at that time of year, if you call ahead at least they know you still want a car.

For domestic flights check out qantas.co.nz or airnz.co.nz.

Cheers

I have nothing to add here except that NZ is an amazingly beautiful place (at least the South Island which I visited) and that Kiwi Flyer is among the most helpful FTers here. Enjoy!

I spent about 13 days on the North Island a couple of years ago during late Sept./early Oct. (just at the end of winter) and found it to be a great place. If you go to the Bay of Islands, you'll find it almost deserted, but still beautiful. Take the boat out to the Hole in the Rock--great trip and some great views. Go to the Treaty House in Waitangi--beautiful grounds and an amazing canoe. Coromandel Penisula---absolutely breathtaking and don't forget Hot Water Beach where you can dig your own hot spa in the sand. Rotorua is cool but definitely go to nearby Whakarewarewa for a intro to the Maori and some great geothermal sights. Nearby is Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, a great place to spend a few hours. Have you thought about the Hawkes Bay area--Napier is an Art Deco town, rebuilt after an earthquake and very unique. And, of course, you wouldn't want to miss the Waitomo glow worms. But, if you're into winter sports, go to Queenstown.

Thank you all so much for your advice! This has been extremely helpful, and I have a better idea of where to go and what to see.

I can't wait to go, a little over 1 month and counting. . .

Aug 9 Wellington – Queenstown (fly, you will have to transit in Christchurch, very easy to do, arrive approx midday)


There are direct WLG-ZQN flights during the winter.

Hello-


If you were in my shoes and had 10 days to explore NZ, which sights would you go see and what would be your itinerary? I'm thinking Auckland, Rotorua, Bay of Islands, and Queenstown, but am open to suggestions. I'm especially interested in hearing about where the best place to do adventure sports in the winter (particularly Sledging, Skydiving, and bungee jumping), and what can't miss sights/experiences I need to ensure I do/see.

Thanks so much to everybody for your help!

-ORDtraveler

I've vacationed in NZ two of the last three years from DCA. I've driven the length of the country and flown the most amazing flight on the right side of the AC from AKL to ZQN. If I were in your shoes, I'd skip Rotorua. I'd got to Northland if locals say the weather is nice. If not, I'd head straight to the South Island to either ZQN or Wanaka and STAY in Wanaka. Its much more laid back than Queenstown. I'd ski. If the weather is nice, I'd hike up the Mantukituki valley. I'd got to Mt. Cook, I'd go to a vineyard or two outside Queenstown. If things are running at Milford, I'd drive to Milford Sound. (A big if). Then I'd drive to Christchurch and spend a couple days there and go to Akaroa. Explore Lytleton and surrounds. Maybe go to the hot springs up in Hammar. If you are willing to lay out the dough to fly or eat the time (3 days) I'd drive from CHC to Wellington and then National Park/Tongariro and hike around the volcanos. Post if you want more questions answered.