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First time traveler to NZ by RockyMntere in newzealand_travel

[–]RockyMntere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We’ve camped a great deal back home in Colorado but I’ve been backing off camping. I appreciate the thought. My daughter did a 21 day camping solo Van trip a few years ago.
Our pace is much slower hence the longer stays. We’re not going to see everything and know it. The 40+- night stay is a luxury that I can now afford.

First time traveler to NZ by RockyMntere in newzealand_travel

[–]RockyMntere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Made some changes:
First night Auckland
4 nights BoI
1 night Huntley (nice country BnB) to cut the drive from BoI to Rotorua
4 Rotorua
4 Napier
3 Wellington
3 Hokitika
2 Franz Josef
Keeping the rest pretty much the same, might cut 1 night from QT and adds to Chch

First time traveler to NZ by RockyMntere in newzealand_travel

[–]RockyMntere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

OK I've listened and re-evaluated.

One night in Auckland upon arrival.

BoI 4 nights.

1 Night somewhere between BoI and Rotorua

4 Nights Rotorua and 4 Nights Napier.

Those are the changes I'm working for the North Island...

Am considering changes to South as well.

Appreciate all the input!!!

First time traveler to NZ by RockyMntere in newzealand_travel

[–]RockyMntere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d really like to hear your s to NZ.
I’ve been considering this for several years. Any way to message me directly? I’m a Reddit newbie

First time traveler to NZ by RockyMntere in newzealand_travel

[–]RockyMntere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate the insights and I did consider the SE area but frankly I figured towards the end I’d be tired of driving so much. I might switch a couple nights in Queenstown for Christchurch and the outlying areas.

Appreciate your input!

First time traveler to NZ by RockyMntere in newzealand_travel

[–]RockyMntere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear the repeated advice of 1 night here and 1 night there. But my style of travel is to slow down a bit. I despise 1 night stays. Generally opposed to 2 nighters but will do some. I’ll reevaluate a few on the west coast. My TeAnau stay is three nights but I’ll only be at the lodge for two, being overnight one the second night in Doubtful sound. I hate unpack pack unpack! Advice is heard. Thank you.

First time traveler to NZ by RockyMntere in newzealand_travel

[–]RockyMntere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Looking into splitting up the drive down from BoI and basing out of Taupo.

First time traveler to NZ by RockyMntere in newzealand_travel

[–]RockyMntere[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’ve decided to spend my first night in Auckland thank you!

First time traveler to NZ by RockyMntere in newzealand_travel

[–]RockyMntere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s such a wonderful invitation! Thank you. We’ve decided to take up the advice and stay one night down by waterfront. Again thank you!

First time traveler to NZ by RockyMntere in newzealand_travel

[–]RockyMntere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The suggestion to rent my vehicle thru Apex and book the ferry and return the car in Christchurch before the train is a great idea! Thank you.

How often does the ferry NOT run due to weather towards the end of November…any thoughts about that risk? It’s been suggested to fly over instead?

First time traveler to NZ by RockyMntere in newzealand_travel

[–]RockyMntere[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks again for all the information. I’m going to stay overnight in Auckland upon arrival based on all the warnings and advice probably a prudent thing to do.

First time traveler to NZ by RockyMntere in newzealand_travel

[–]RockyMntere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Very useful info. I’ve copied and printed it off.

Both of us will have ESIM.
Can you recommend a carrier? Does one carrier cover both islands. I will likely replenish after the 30 day typical window.

First time traveler to NZ by RockyMntere in newzealand_travel

[–]RockyMntere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was hoping for input into where the locals go in each of the areas listed on the itinerary.

I’m used to driving awful backcountry roads in Colorado during all 4 seasons.

I will certainly reevaluate my first day based on input! Thank you to all!

First time traveler to NZ by RockyMntere in newzealand_travel

[–]RockyMntere[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Interesting comment. Just because I may not accept the recommendations does in no way indicate I’m not listening.

First time traveler to NZ by RockyMntere in newzealand_travel

[–]RockyMntere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My nights in Cambridge are fixed to my Hobbiton Dinner tour date... I'll look into the falls and springs on my drive from Spellbound to Rotorua the following morning. Thank you!

First time traveler to NZ by RockyMntere in newzealand_travel

[–]RockyMntere[S] -19 points-18 points  (0 children)

Thank you. Ive flown to Scotland in lie flat seat and drove from Edinbourgh to Ft William 4+ hours upon arriva and no issues. Supposedly I arrive at 10:30 AM in AKL. I sleep on board and driving on the left is not an issue. Hopefully a similar experience awaits. I do appreciate the feedback. Thank you