What to do/what to see in New Zealand

[romancoronado]

I've yet to travel overseas and I've been dying to do so for a long time. There are several places I'd like to go but the top 2 places I want to go to first (in no particular order) are New Zealand and Australia, but I'm leaning more towards New Zealand first (I know both are fairly close to each other so I could do both but that would put a limit on my time). So I'm trying to gather info/recommendations on where to go/see in NZ. Here are the thoughts currently in my mind:

Budget: - apart from a first class round trip ticket costing around $8500 (U.S. to one spot in NZ), I really don't have a budget set as I don't know where to go and how much things usually are (that's why I'm looking for suggestions so that it will point me towards an amount).

Season: I'm thinking Spring (NZ's Spring - Sep/Nov) but I'm open to suggestions. I guess that too depends on what to see during a specific season.

Activities: I'm very much into the arts - orchestras, art galleries, museums, theatre, art centers, etc. I don't do winter activities such as skiing and what not nor do I do any surfing/swimming - almost drowned as a child and I've never been able to get back in the water ever since, though I have no problem being on a fairy. Though none of this means I would not be open to visiting during the winter or summer...though I imagine it would limit things.

Time: I only get 3 weeks of vacation a year (I'd probably use some of my personal time for the flight time only). So that does limit things. I'm not very big on the idea of trying to compact as many places as I can during those 3 weeks. I've never liked the idea of only spending a certain amount of time in one place and quickly moving on to the other. I like to take my time. One thing is for sure, I'd really like to spend a full week in Christchurch. If push comes to shove the I'd be willing to reduce it to just 4 days but I'd like to have the full 7 days. I'd really love to get to know the city Hayley grew up in.

That's what I can think of at the moment. And the trip would just be me alone. I don't plan on going anytime soon as I don't have the money for up. Need to first have an idea of how much I possibly need to save. So with that said, bring on the suggestions/thoughts/comments.

[comet]

Oct 13, 2010 17:26:12 GMT romancoronado said:

I've yet to travel overseas and I've been dying to do so for a long time. There are several places I'd like to go but the top 2 places I want to go to first (in no particular order) are New Zealand and Australia, but I'm leaning more towards New Zealand first (I know both are fairly close to each other so I could do both but that would put a limit on my time). So I'm trying to gather info/recommendations on where to go/see in NZ. Here are the thoughts currently in my mind:

Budget: - apart from a first class round trip ticket costing around $8500 (U.S. to one spot in NZ), I really don't have a budget set as I don't know where to go and how much things usually are (that's why I'm looking for suggestions so that it will point me towards an amount).

Season: I'm thinking Spring (NZ's Spring - Sep/Nov) but I'm open to suggestions. I guess that too depends on what to see during a specific season.

Activities: I'm very much into the arts - orchestras, art galleries, museums, theatre, art centers, etc. I don't do winter activities such as skiing and what not nor do I do any surfing/swimming - almost drowned as a child and I've never been able to get back in the water ever since, though I have no problem being on a fairy. Though none of this means I would not be open to visiting during the winter or summer...though I imagine it would limit things.

Time: I only get 3 weeks of vacation a year (I'd probably use some of my personal time for the flight time only). So that does limit things. I'm not very big on the idea of trying to compact as many places as I can during those 3 weeks. I've never liked the idea of only spending a certain amount of time in one place and quickly moving on to the other. I like to take my time. One thing is for sure, I'd really like to spend a full week in Christchurch. If push comes to shove the I'd be willing to reduce it to just 4 days but I'd like to have the full 7 days. I'd really love to get to know the city Hayley grew up in.

That's what I can think of at the moment. And the trip would just be me alone. I don't plan on going anytime soon as I don't have the money for up. Need to first have an idea of how much I possibly need to save. So with that said, bring on the suggestions/thoughts/comments.

Hi Roman,

1st, get multiple quotes for your airline tickets, you should be able to get it down to a quarter or one third of the $8,500.

Why oh why would you travel alone, It can make everything seem harder.

I would recommend a camper van, The commercial sites are great.
You can then wander at your leisure.

[romancoronado]

Oct 13, 2010 20:45:46 GMT comet said:

Oct 13, 2010 17:26:12 GMT romancoronado said:

I've yet to travel overseas and I've been dying to do so for a long time. There are several places I'd like to go but the top 2 places I want to go to first (in no particular order) are New Zealand and Australia, but I'm leaning more towards New Zealand first (I know both are fairly close to each other so I could do both but that would put a limit on my time). So I'm trying to gather info/recommendations on where to go/see in NZ. Here are the thoughts currently in my mind:

Budget: - apart from a first class round trip ticket costing around $8500 (U.S. to one spot in NZ), I really don't have a budget set as I don't know where to go and how much things usually are (that's why I'm looking for suggestions so that it will point me towards an amount).

Season: I'm thinking Spring (NZ's Spring - Sep/Nov) but I'm open to suggestions. I guess that too depends on what to see during a specific season.

Activities: I'm very much into the arts - orchestras, art galleries, museums, theatre, art centers, etc. I don't do winter activities such as skiing and what not nor do I do any surfing/swimming - almost drowned as a child and I've never been able to get back in the water ever since, though I have no problem being on a fairy. Though none of this means I would not be open to visiting during the winter or summer...though I imagine it would limit things.

Time: I only get 3 weeks of vacation a year (I'd probably use some of my personal time for the flight time only). So that does limit things. I'm not very big on the idea of trying to compact as many places as I can during those 3 weeks. I've never liked the idea of only spending a certain amount of time in one place and quickly moving on to the other. I like to take my time. One thing is for sure, I'd really like to spend a full week in Christchurch. If push comes to shove the I'd be willing to reduce it to just 4 days but I'd like to have the full 7 days. I'd really love to get to know the city Hayley grew up in.

That's what I can think of at the moment. And the trip would just be me alone. I don't plan on going anytime soon as I don't have the money for up. Need to first have an idea of how much I possibly need to save. So with that said, bring on the suggestions/thoughts/comments.

Hi Roman,

1st, get multiple quotes for your airline tickets, you should be able to get it down to a quarter or one third of the $8,500.

Why oh why would you travel alone, It can make everything seem harder.

I would recommend a camper van, The commercial sites are great.
You can then wander at your leisure.

I would travel alone because I don't know anyone who would be discipline enough to save up to pay their own way...or even split the costs. Not to mention I like to get an early start in the mornings. Most people I've traveled with stay up super late and wake up super late.

[John]

Oct 13, 2010 20:45:46 GMT comet said:

Oct 13, 2010 17:26:12 GMT romancoronado said:

I've yet to travel overseas and I've been dying to do so for a long time. There are several places I'd like to go but the top 2 places I want to go to first (in no particular order) are New Zealand and Australia, but I'm leaning more towards New Zealand first (I know both are fairly close to each other so I could do both but that would put a limit on my time). So I'm trying to gather info/recommendations on where to go/see in NZ. Here are the thoughts currently in my mind:

Budget: - apart from a first class round trip ticket costing around $8500 (U.S. to one spot in NZ), I really don't have a budget set as I don't know where to go and how much things usually are (that's why I'm looking for suggestions so that it will point me towards an amount).

Season: I'm thinking Spring (NZ's Spring - Sep/Nov) but I'm open to suggestions. I guess that too depends on what to see during a specific season.

Activities: I'm very much into the arts - orchestras, art galleries, museums, theatre, art centers, etc. I don't do winter activities such as skiing and what not nor do I do any surfing/swimming - almost drowned as a child and I've never been able to get back in the water ever since, though I have no problem being on a fairy. Though none of this means I would not be open to visiting during the winter or summer...though I imagine it would limit things.

Time: I only get 3 weeks of vacation a year (I'd probably use some of my personal time for the flight time only). So that does limit things. I'm not very big on the idea of trying to compact as many places as I can during those 3 weeks. I've never liked the idea of only spending a certain amount of time in one place and quickly moving on to the other. I like to take my time. One thing is for sure, I'd really like to spend a full week in Christchurch. If push comes to shove the I'd be willing to reduce it to just 4 days but I'd like to have the full 7 days. I'd really love to get to know the city Hayley grew up in.

That's what I can think of at the moment. And the trip would just be me alone. I don't plan on going anytime soon as I don't have the money for up. Need to first have an idea of how much I possibly need to save. So with that said, bring on the suggestions/thoughts/comments.

Hi Roman,

In 2011 the Rugby World Cup starts in New Zealand so I would avoid coming here unless you are a rugby fan. I expect all the prices for accomodation to be inflated.

Jan/Feb has a lot of festivals which, in Christchurch, include the council run free Summertimes programme www.summertimes.co.nz.
There is also Buskers Fest www.worldbuskersfestival.com
Nelson has it's Jazz & Blues Festival www.nelsonjazzfest.co.nz/
All the websites are still showing the programme from 2010.