Hello,
We are in the planning stages of a trip to New Zealand for our family of 4 (parents & 2 college age kids). We always have success planning out our time in Europe with the help of Rick's shows, books, this forum, and such. Would love any suggestions on websites, shows, videos, books that you found when planning out your own trip to NZ.
Thanks!
We used the Lonely Planet and DK guidebooks. But the website we used the most was the official NZ visitor site, 100%" Pure New Zealand https://www.newzealand.com/ca/
Mind you, it helped that my BIL lives in Aukland.
New Zealand Travel Tips on Facebook is your best bet by far. If you are driving pickup a Hema road atlas.
There are literally millions of videos about New Zealand on YouTube, as well as documentaries, road trips and other assorted travel vlogs. That would be my first stop for resource
Hi - There are a lot of great guidebooks and websites on New Zealand. I got overwhelmed of all the things you can do and experience. I ended up taking a Mondumo Tour (https://mondumo.com/). If you look at their website you can get some ideas for your own tour, of places to see and do. -- You might want to think about spending time on one island vs both islands unless you don't have the time and want to see a little of everything.
The North Island -
Auckland was great. The Auckland Museum is wonderful starting place. An introduction on the evolution of the country (plants, birds, animals, and people). Taking a ferry to one of the nearby smaller islands from Auckland is also fun.
Hobbiton - is interesting. I have not seen any of the movies or read any of the books but it was an interesting tour.
Rotorua - Immerse yourself in the Maori culture. Interesting. FYI - Due to a lot of geo thermals in the area, the town smells like sulphur. There is also a park that you can walk in the Redwood Forest. That was cool.
On the South Island -
Oamuru - cool town with a chance to see the Little Blue Penquin at the end of the day come out of the ocean.
Queenstown - a lot of adventures to be had here
Milford Sound (on the Tasman Sea) - only way to get there is by bus.
TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Greymouth - That was scenic.
Christchurch - So much to see and do. The International Antarctica Center is within walking distance of the airport.
I would fly Air New Zealand if you had a chance. I flew Air New Zealand down and a US based carrier on the flight back up. A huge difference. Also, if you have the funds, I'd fly premium economy. A little more room than economy.
Kia Ora!!
Below are some resources I found helpful when planning our family's time in NZ. Have a wonderful trip!
Earth Trekkers blog
https://www.earthtrekkers.com/new-zealand-travel-guide/
Dangerous Business blog
https://www.dangerous-business.com/destinations/new-zealand/
Tripadvisor's New Zealand forum
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g255104-i125-New_Zealand.html
AA Route Planner
https://www.theaa.com/route-planner/route
newzealand.com (the official tourism website for New Zealand)
https://www.newzealand.com/us/utilities/about-newzealand/
