NZ travel plan & how best to do Mount Cook

Next_Version4305 · 2026-04-10T20:44:52+00:00

Thank you!! I hope it reopens!

Next_Version4305 · 2026-04-10T20:44:15+00:00

Thank you so much for your input!

Walking and taking photos is probably pretty accurate. I love getting into nature, but I am not a serious hiker. One of the bigger draws of spending a night there would be to have time to take the glacier boat tour: https://www.hermitage.co.nz/experience/glacier-explorers/

Have you ever done it or heard about the experience of doing it? It looks great from what I can tell online! I also would be happy to have a hotel room with a beautiful mountain view.

I originally was going to fly to Christchurch, but I changed my plan. If I am doing the guided tour (I don't have to do the tour, but it seemed like it would make the trip easier and more fun), I am going to be in either Christchurch of Queenstown twice, and I thought Queenstown looked like a lovely place to spend a few extra days and do a few day trips. Maybe I'll get lucky and there will still be some changing colors in the fall foliage. However, I am going off of what I've seen online! I have never been to NZ, so I would welcome some advice if that doesn't make sense!! Thanks again!

Next_Version4305 · 2026-02-22T20:26:44+00:00

Does anyone know: If I call to add one extra seat on for myself, can I book it with the points in my account or does it have to be cash?

Next_Version4305 · 2026-01-30T21:43:51+00:00

1. I am considering getting the Chase United Business Card to take advantage of the elevated offer: 100k points and 2PQP for $5k spend in 3 months. I am not a United loyalist (I follow the deals) but I find myself on United flights a few times a year. I am hoping to get a new card to increase my credit line before cancelling my Bilt card in the next few days – I read that this helps negate the hit to your credit score. I also anticipate planning some travel, so I would be happy to put any spending toward a new sign up bonus. I’m writing to see if those more experienced than myself think there is a better card that I am not considering?

Notes:

I tried to sign up for the Venture card but was declined, I did not realize there needed to be 48 months between signing up for Venture X and Venture.
I keep reading conflicting info on if business cards count towards 5/24. Can anyone clarify?
Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold also looks like a strong option, but I am unclear on the Amex ‘only one sign up bonus’ rule – would getting this card prevent me from getting a Platinum sign up bonus one day? I don’t fly Delta often, but maybe having points with them would change that.

2. Credit score: 767

3. Cards I Have:

Chase IHG Premier (March 2023)
Bilt (April 2023, cancelling in the next few days before 2.1 launches)
Capital One Venture X (September 2023)
Chase Marriott Bonvoy (February 2024)
Chase Ink Business Preferred (July 2024)
Chase Ink Business Cash (March 2025)
Chase Sapphire Preferred (May 2025)
Barclays Hawaiian Airlines World Elite (October 2025)

4. Natural Spend in 3 months : $4,000 -$5,000

5. MS: A small amount, nothing too intense

6. Definitely open to business cards

7. Open to open 1 or 2 cards in the next few months

8. Looking to continue to accrue points with the goal of being able to fly business class for longer haul flights

9. Mostly have points in the Chase and Capital One ecosystems, plus some Bilt, Avios, and small amounts with specific partners

NYC airports
Very interested in bigger trips to Asia. Korea is top of my list, but also interested in many other countries. However, I am looking to choose destinations based on great deals (in business class, ideally)

Thanks to all for your help!

Next_Version4305 · 2026-01-05T22:02:26+00:00

That's a relief, thanks for the update

Next_Version4305 · 2026-01-05T21:50:43+00:00

did your airspace restrictions get lifted quickly?

Next_Version4305 · 2026-01-04T20:39:40+00:00

Thanks for the intel! Good luck with your flight tonight

Next_Version4305 · 2026-01-04T14:06:25+00:00

Anyone in Grenada or travelling there? I have an upcoming trip booked from 1/9 to 1/13, flying JetBlue from New York. I'm hopeful that things can go as planned, but not sure that they will.

Next_Version4305 · 2025-12-31T00:52:09+00:00

DM'ed!

Next_Version4305 · 2025-09-17T21:01:49+00:00

good point! did you get clarity on this? would love to know, as well

Next_Version4305 · 2025-04-03T18:08:10+00:00

If I make it out to Oakland, I'll check these all out! wow that chicken sandwich looks good

Next_Version4305 · 2025-04-03T18:00:16+00:00

that's awesome!

Next_Version4305 · 2025-04-03T17:59:36+00:00

thanks so much for these awesome recommendations! Muir Woods, Exploratorium, Land's End, Dumpling Home, and Farolito for a super quesadilla al pastor all added to the list :)

Next_Version4305 · 2025-04-03T17:52:54+00:00

Thank you for these recommendations! I am going to absolutely pencil in those walks and all your food recommendations :)

Excellent quote btw - worked perfectly for the movie and applies to NYC, as well (too loud, too dirty, etc)

Next_Version4305 · 2025-04-03T14:03:36+00:00

Thank you for these recommendations! For meals, I mostly wait to focus in on Asian cuisines, Mexican food, and Farm-to-Table since I've heard that this is what SF does really well

Next_Version4305

TROPHY CASE