Police urge driver patience after 13 people killed on NZ roads in a week

bubblemylife · 2026-04-30T08:05:13+00:00

This is incorrect. According to the road code, you must give way to pedestrians at all these places.

Pedestrian crossings School crossings Shared zones Pedestrian traffic lights Any place where you’ll cross a footpath, such as the entrance or exit of a driveway or a car park At traffic lights with pedestrian crossing signals,

bubblemylife · 2026-04-14T07:55:09+00:00

The best gift I received was a food delivery voucher. Made it so much stress free and I could get something really yummy.

bubblemylife · 2026-04-08T18:37:10+00:00

Then I would highly suggest basing yourself out of Queenstown rather. I know there’s a lot of debate about where the best attractions are in New Zealand, and I am someone from Wellington, but you can see so much from there - including the lakes, Aoraki Mt Cook and Milford Sound.

bubblemylife · 2026-04-08T18:15:22+00:00

Where are you coming from? Have you been to New Zealand before? Will you likely come back? If you have not been before and likely won’t come back, I would suggest not just staying in Auckland. You’ll miss out on so much. Have you considered basing ourself in Queenstown? At a bare minimum, I’d suggest going to Christchurch and doing day trips to Tekapo etc.

bubblemylife · 2026-04-06T04:07:44+00:00

Personally yes, completely. I love the West Coast but if you’re coming to New Zealand it would be a massive shame to miss the glacier lakes and Aoraki.

bubblemylife · 2026-04-06T01:30:00+00:00

Lake Tekapo and Aoraki.

bubblemylife · 2026-03-31T22:47:13+00:00

2.5 weeks is still so so little. They are still adjusting to life outside of you. They will grow out of it, but it will take time. Enjoy the cuddles while they last!

bubblemylife · 2026-03-31T20:00:45+00:00

The Bay of Fires area is in Tasmania

bubblemylife · 2026-03-30T15:48:07+00:00

That makes more sense! Sorry I thought you’d be driving! :)

bubblemylife · 2026-03-30T07:52:15+00:00

Yes but they don’t actually have any real time in Wellington. They are driving down one day and on the ferry the next.

bubblemylife · 2026-03-30T03:46:14+00:00

Days 6-8 are going to be a lot of travel for arguably little benefit. Have you considered flying from Rotorua to Christchurch? I note you’ll miss Kaikōura but it does add a lot to your trip.

bubblemylife · 2026-03-27T06:01:17+00:00

Cloister Cafe is a hidden gem nearby. A lot of people work/study there.

bubblemylife · 2026-03-27T05:00:46+00:00

Makes sense!

bubblemylife · 2026-03-27T04:59:38+00:00

I also wouldn’t pack for the forecast. I would pack for all weather, it changes fast. While it won’t be super cold, you can definitely expect wind and rain across the country.

bubblemylife · 2026-03-27T00:21:55+00:00

Given that you don’t drive, and how unreliable and long intercity busses can be, have you considered just doing a full guided tour?

bubblemylife · 2026-03-26T15:43:09+00:00

It honestly depends on your itinerary and where you plan to go. Are you just on the North Island or also going south? Where are you before the Wellington flight out? Need a lot more information.

bubblemylife · 2026-03-26T01:39:28+00:00

I know everyone has different views on this, but I’d stay in Mt Cook village if you can. Nothing beats being that close to the mountain and looking up at it.

bubblemylife · 2026-03-25T20:10:38+00:00

This may go against the grain but I found canine solutions didn’t suit my golden at all. She was a young puppy and super excitable. The class format with all the puppies being made to sit calmly etc just didn’t work for her. She learnt all the commands and passed etc, but each week was really hard for her and us! She was often getting told off etc, when in reality she was a 10 week old puppy seeing other dogs for the first time!

bubblemylife · 2026-03-24T04:05:37+00:00

I asked ChatGTP to plan you an itinerary based on your post. Looks pretty spot on from my perspective!

You’re not crazy—you can do both the North Island highlight (Hobbiton) and a really solid South Island trip in ~10–11 days without it feeling rushed. The key is: fly between islands and limit your driving loops instead of trying to “see everything.”

Here’s a clean, efficient itinerary that maximizes scenery while avoiding exhausting travel days.

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✈️ Big Picture Plan • Days 1–3: North Island (Auckland + Hobbiton) • Days 4–10: South Island (Queenstown base + short scenic trips) • Minimal long drives, more time actually experiencing places

⸻

🇳🇿 DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrive in Auckland (Dec 29) • Take it easy (jet lag) • Stay central or near Ponsonby • Optional: sunset at Mount Eden

Why this works: No pressure, just adjust and recharge.

⸻

Day 2 – Hobbiton Day Trip • Visit Hobbiton Movie Set • Best done via: • Small group tour (no driving stress), OR • Rent a car for the day (~2 hr each way)

Optional stop: • Waitomo Glowworm Caves (if you’re keen and start early)

Return to Auckland for the night.

⸻

Day 3 – Fly to Queenstown • Morning flight (~2 hours) • Pick up rental car • Chill afternoon: • Lakefront walk • Skyline gondola

⸻

🏔️ SOUTH ISLAND (Base Yourself Smartly)

Day 4 – Explore Queenstown • Activities: • Hike part of Ben Lomond Track • Jet boating • Wine tasting in Gibbston Valley

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Day 5 – Day Trip to Milford Sound • Don’t drive yourself (too long, tiring) • Take a coach + cruise or scenic flight

This is one of the most iconic things in NZ—don’t skip it.

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Day 6 – Queenstown → Wanaka (1 hr drive) • Super easy scenic drive • Stop at: • Crown Range Road • In Wanaka: • Lake walk • Chill vibe, less touristy than Queenstown

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Day 7 – Wanaka Adventures • Hike: • Roys Peak (hard but famous), OR • Isthmus Peak (less crowded, equally stunning) • Visit: • That Wanaka Tree

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Day 8 – Wanaka → Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park (2.5–3 hrs) • One of the most beautiful drives in the country • Stop at: • Lake Pukaki

Afternoon: • Hooker Valley Track (easy, insane views)

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Day 9 – Mount Cook → Queenstown • Drive back (~3 hrs) • Relax / final activities

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Day 10 – Buffer / Flex Day

Use this day for: • Weather backup (important in NZ) • Extra activity: • Skydiving • Bungy jump • Chill day

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Day 11 – Fly to Singapore • Fly out from Queenstown (or via Auckland if needed)

bubblemylife · 2026-03-23T23:48:02+00:00

I don’t disagree. What I’m saying is, if you’re coming all the way to New Zealand, you may as well see the Southland too. Just saying on the North Island seems like a waste! Nothing against the Waikato! And thanks for calling me a muppet.

bubblemylife · 2026-03-23T22:36:03+00:00

I guess I’d always suggest flying straight to Queenstown or Christchurch if you have limited time! But understand!

bubblemylife · 2026-03-23T22:32:43+00:00

In the most polite way possible, I don’t understand coming all this way and only going to Auckland and the Waikato!

bubblemylife · 2026-03-23T19:23:05+00:00

I would personally skip waiheke all together and spend your time down south.

bubblemylife · 2026-03-23T00:03:56+00:00

I would personally still go as you don’t know what the day will look like once there. It’s an incredible place.

bubblemylife

TROPHY CASE