Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - New Zealand for two weeks in spring 2009

Two of my friends are just beginning to plan a two week trip in probably April or May 2009. We are seniors, will have a car, and want to visit both the north and south islands. We are definitely targeting a trek or two and perhaps some time at a couple of lodges. We would love to have some suggestions about where to visit, nice places to stay, and the other usual stuff.

Two of my friends are just beginning to plan a two week trip in probably April or May 2009. We are seniors, will have a car, and want to visit both the north and south islands. We are definitely targeting a trek or two and perhaps some time at a couple of lodges. We would love to have some suggestions about where to visit, nice places to stay, and the other usual stuff.

Something about being seniors and doing a trek or two doesn't seem to mesh.

Now, now, don't count us out. We are young, fit seniors who live an active lifestyle in Hawaii.

Hey there,

You might want to look at flying between the two Islands because the car ferry takes about 3hours(?) and could end up costing you more. For domestic flights i would suggest looking them up on www.airnz.co.nz as long as they are not going to be same day International. (Bare in mind if flight booked on NZ site first bag is free up to 23kg then 2nd bag is $15).

What sort of treks are you up four because there are alot to pick from, e.g Coast to Coast, Nat Parks.

Two weeks, driving, hiking, spending time in lodges, and visiting both islands sounds like maybe trying to cram too much into too little time. Of course, it may not be, and I don't want to make assumptions, but there is a lot to see in NZ, and getting around by car can take a while (I wouldn't recommend any other way though). Happy to offer suggestions, but maybe need to narrow down the options a bit...:)

For starters, North Island good, South Island better (IMHO)!

Agree.

Even hikes there are dozens of decent multi-day hikes and hundreds of decent 1-day & 1/2-day walks. Of course April/May the weather is sometimes inclement and so may be a factor.

We definitely plan to focus on the south island.

Tongariro National Park in the north island is lots of fun. Took us about 7-8hrs.
http://www.tongarirocrossing.org.nz/?gclid=CLSLqbeUm5YCFRIfDQodziog6w

Amazing experience, one you will never forget.
Plus its right by Rotorua, so you can go see the thermal stuff.