| R Fisher |
20 July 2005 |
Stayed at Honest Lawyer, The - Nelson, New Zealand.
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We had a group of eight, so organizing eight outspoken persons (especially my four year old), was challenging. We did tour Nelson Lakes, the Marlborough Sounds, and the Abel Tasman Park (as well as Nelson itself). It is hard to think of a region in New Zealand with as many things to do.
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| Guest has requested to remain anonymous |
09 July 2005 |
Stayed at Terrace Downs High Country Resort - Methven, New Zealand.
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Spent driving around for 4 days in Christchurch and Mt Hutt. The drive up Mt Hutt is not for the faint hearted. The Thai restaurant in Methven was quite nice. Some authentic Korean restuarants in city centre. The cable car experience was very nice. The sunday market was a bit dissapointing.
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| M Blum |
20 May 2005 |
Stayed at Charlotte Jane ,The - Christchurch, New Zealand.
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Christchurch is a city to walk around in. The Arts and Craft Center downtown is an excellent place to buy something special. We enjoyed whale watching and the Trans Alpine although the scenery at home (Alaska) I must say is just as beautiful. Nevertheless, we found the railroad trip worthwhile especially since you don't have to drive.
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| Guest has requested to remain anonymous |
08 May 2005 |
Stayed at Best Western Bentleys Central City Hotel - Dunedin, New Zealand.
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I really enjoyed visiting Dunedin. We went to Larnach castle and to Royal Albatross Colony. Both of the excursions were very interesting, and I would highly recommend the tour about the albatross.
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| P Stock |
12 April 2005 |
Stayed at Stewart Island Lodge - Stewart Island, New Zealand.
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Stewart Island is a wonderful place to visit for a few days, but to get the most out of it you need to be fit and a good walker not dismayed by steep hills. Don't miss a trip to Ulva Island to see rare NZ birds. Ruggedy Range Tours do an excellent half-day guided trip starting early in the morning when the birds are active. I saw 14 species including an owl which is supposed to be nocturnal! You can also take a trip in a semi-submersible which lasts an hour, although after twenty minutes you are unlikely to see anything you haven't already had your fill of. To see kiwis in their natural habitat you have to go out on a small boat at night and spend a couple of hours tramping around the bush with torches-great fun if you are lucky enough to spot a kiwi but there is no guarantee of sightings. The South Sea Hotel and the Church Hill Cafe both serve a decent lunch of local seafood. I was very lucky with the weather but I don't think I would have enjoyed myself nearly so much if it had been wet or cold. Take plenty of reading material with you because you won't be able to buy any, except booklets on local and natural history.
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| T Lynch |
10 April 2005 |
Stayed at Mercure Grand Hotel St Moritz Queenstown - Queenstown, New Zealand.
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Hired a car for a couple of days which was brilliant as we went to a few places which would have been difficult to get to otherwise, ie Glenorchy, which has the most amazing walks around it from 1 hour to 3-4 hours. Arrowtown which is an old mining town and extremely interesting and the ski slopes ( no snow ) but very interesting. Took a coach booked through hotel to Milford Sound which was wonderful. Too much to see to think of driving and the coach Great Sights was wonderful with a great driver/commentator. We took a coach with the same company from Christchurch to Queenstown which was well worth it as the scenery was amazing. Of course the drivers know all the good places to stop for the photographers! Best meal was a restaurant called The Captain, brilliant food and service. Queenstown a wonderful experience. Recommend it to everyone.
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| J Goldberg |
28 March 2005 |
Stayed at Sherwood Manor - Queenstown, New Zealand.
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Glenorchy (about 45 km from Queenstown) was stunning, beautiful and very much worth the drive.
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| R Mortensen |
08 March 2005 |
Stayed at Christchurch YMCA - Christchurch, New Zealand.
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A beautiful city with lots of lovely eating places, eg Dux du Lux nearly opposite the YMCA, and a wonderful market on the Sunday. The Arts Centre is 'something else' and, of course, the Wizard is not to be missed! The tram is so handy from the YMCA to the city centre and is very cheap at $12.50 for 2 days. Can't wait to come back!!
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| J Campbell |
26 February 2005 |
Stayed at Bayview Chateau Tongariro - Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand.
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We chose the Bayview Chateau NZ. because we decided that we were going to attempt the infamous Tonagriro crossing. This is a 17km tramp across 3 volcanoes and the hotel is situated very close by. The hotel staff helped with organising a return shuttle to and from the start and end of the crossing, the walking was up to us. 17km does not sound like a long way to walk throughout a full day, however when most of it is either straight up or down, it soon becomes more of a task. The effort however is well worth it, the views are simply spectacular, the live volcanoes beneath your feet are awesome and the bath at the end of the day is extremely welcome. Please if you visit the North Island in New Zealand take time (and good walking boots) to visit this amazing place.
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| M Laycock |
29 December 2004 |
Stayed at CityLife Wellington - A Heritage Hotel - Wellington, New Zealand.
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The new musueum, Ta Papa is excellent, must visit. Love the quayside areas and the wondeful mix of old/not-so-new architecture. We made the mistake of not allocating enough days to 'do' W'ton properly - by far the best, most interesting, scenic City in NZ.
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Traveller's Tales: Places to go and see in New Zealand
