subject: New Zealand - Travel And Adventure [print this page] New Zealand is not a cheap holiday destination, but it remains the number one overseas choice for Australians because of its proximity, breathtaking scenery and the quality of skiing that rivals expensive European cities.
Granted, a week on the South Island might not sound as flash as ten days in the French Alps, but some argue New Zealand's alps are more scenic than the American Rockies while its fjordlands outstrip Scandinavia any day of the week.
Those wanting to do it on the cheap can cycle around, stopping to pick fruit on the way in return for accommodation; while those with more cash to burn can sample some of the best luxury lodges the world has to offer.
There's also Maori culture and great sailing around destinations such as the Bay of Islands.
There's Mount Cook to climb and stunning vineyards and food trails to visit. There are the wine regions such as Hawkes Bay in the north and Nelson in the south. There are bubbling thermal pools of mud in Rotorua and soothing mineral springs at Hanmer Springs on the South Island.
There's also bungee jumping. And, knowing New Zealand, you can bet that bungee jumping into therrmal mud pools will be available sometime soon. Few people who visit New Zealand come home disappointed.
Flying Into New Zealand
Good deals are on offer to New Zealand, but demand is strong. So the general rule is to book as far ahead of your intended travel date as you can.
Flights can get heavily booked during the peak December to February summer season, so you will pay more. A good advice is to book the flights for September in January as the January sales are as low as the airlines go.
Another good reason to book as soon as possible is that while the airlines servicing New Zealand believe the competion will keep prices low in the whort term research reveals the low airfares are unsustainable in the loger term given the numbers of empty plane seats in shoulder and off-peak periods.
So get in quick! But don't feel you are locked in to using Qantas or Air New Zealand only. For a small country, there are an amazing number of airlines servicing it. Up to ten at any one time. At present you can take your pick from the budget carriers such as Virgin Blue and Jetstar.
New Zealand's three international airports are at Auckland Wellington and Christchurch. However, you might not want to confie yourself to the well-worn Sydney/Brisbane to Auckland/Christchurch routes. Consider jetting straight into Wellington and jumping on the scenic three-hour inter-island ferry to the South Island and meander down to Christchurch at your own pace.
If skiing is your thing , jet straight into Queenstown.
Be warned that in peak times such as skiing (May to August) and summer holidays (December to February), this tiny country can feel full to the brim and finding room at the inn can be tough. Be alert that there are accommodation problems and traffic bottlenecks in the summer around all the popular spots, such as the Bay of Islands in the North and around Akaroa, the little French-style village near Pigeon Bay.
For families, two and three-bedroom apartments are also in short supply in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown in peak times.
As with flights, regular New Zealand bound travellers agree that New Zealand is a destination where it's advisable to book well ahead, particularly if travelling in a family group. If you want to drive your accommodation dollar further, be prepared to spend plenty of time cross-checking prices.
New Zealand is a fascinating study, not just in the common price differentials between travel agent versus online but also in extreme price differences between websites.
Campervans On The Rise
Given the relatively high cost of accommodation, as well as problems finding it in peak seasons, campervan or 'motor-home' touring has become one of the most popular ways to see New Zealand. It's easier and probably more comfy than camping, but slightly less romantic! Make sure you really understand the possible driving conditions and plan according to your driving expertise and desired stress levels!
Luxury Lodges and Bed and Breakfasts
If you are worried about value for money at a luxury lodge, it's worth pointing out that few people come away disappointed with Huka Lodge on the North Island. Huka is one of the oldest and most heavily awarded lodges and its name still drips prestige.
Huka is popular with the British and Dutch Royal families. Savings can be made depending on the time of year you stay at Huka Lodge.
Many of New Zealand's luxury lodges are keen to sell into the down season and are adjusting prices accordingly. For example, the Peronui Ranch on the North Island drops its prices by about one-third in the early and late season compared with peak.
In terms of bed and breakfasts, the B&B Directory of New Zealand is also worth checking out for comprehensive list of bed and breakfasts and the rates. And New Zealand's Government website is packed with accommodation options, from backpacker hostels to luxury lodges. For general infromation check the New Zealand Tourism website.
Here are some other suggestions to incorporate in your holiday to New Zealand.
Hawkes Bay on North Island: Long and established wine region for locals. Try the 106-hectare Sileni Estates Vineyard and Winery on the easterrn coast of the North Island. Its exclusive cooking school is set amid picturesque vineyards where the wines are matched with delicious meals mastered by the students.
The food at Clearview Estate Winery Restaurant is also renowened. Established in 1989, Clearview is one of the Hawkes Bay region's first wineries and the first to offer a restaurant set among the vines and the seascape.
For a driving holiday, start at Hawkes Bay and finish a couple of days later in Wellington. This route takes in the boutique vine village of Martinborough, which is the geteway to the rapidly expanding Wairarapa wine region. Martinborough is now home to 54 wineries .
Wellington
This is the city which is a gateway to some of New Zealand's best wine regions. Wellington features some of New Zealand's hppest bars and restaurants and also getting more new hotels. New Zealand's national museum is aslo worth a visit.
Auckland
The City of Sails is no longer known just for its boats. The gateway to New Zealand is harbouring funky new clothes boutiques and fantastic restaurants. Surrounded by beaches, hiking trails and holiday islands , Auckland also hosts its fair share of major events such as Air New Zealand Fashion Week and the Ellerslie International Flower Show.
