Yes, I studied the details posted by fallinasleep and mad_atta especially. And spent much of today poking around on the web, going back on forth from the OAG to the TranzRail schedules.

The idea of immediately flying out of AKL seems good. I'm thinking to go to ROT, do what I can from there in day trips, fly to CHC (skip the Wellington Picton ferry and Picton Christchurch train)but do the TranzApline either rt by train or half-way/half-day by bus and do whatever else I can around Christchurch in day trips.

Lodging suggestions for ROT or CHC? I like to stay central, walk into town, eat street or in my room -- clean, safe, adequate, though in ROT I might also consider a spa, tubs in my room, ...

Sylvia

Sylvia