HI,
We have a rough itinerary for 11 days in New Zealand in Dec: (we like natural beauty, birds):
Fly Seattle to Auckland,
Drive to Waitmo, Rotorua.
Fly to Queenstown/Te Anau.
Drive to Milford Sound (overnight boat trip).
Drive Invercargill,-fly to Stewart Island go to Ulva island.
Fly back to Invercargill,
Drive Catlins Coast to Otago and Dunedin.
Fly to Auckland.
Fly to Seattle.
My major request is recommendations for a travel agency/agent who can help refine the trip and find/book hotels, internal NZ flights, and activities. I've heard of Amazing New Zealand; any feedback about them or other agencies?
Thanks!
Posted by
USA
125 posts
Post what you have posted here on Tripadvisor's New Zealand Travel Forum and the locals/experts there will refine it for you. They are very knowledgeable/helpful and quick to respond. They also may be able to suggest a travel agency. Have a wonderful time on your trip!
Posted by
Rick Steves Europe
355 posts
You might contact Elizabeth Holmes Travel in Seattle, who is a small, reputable company. Great, very well traveled agents:
http://elizabethholmes.com/category/destinations/australia-newzealand/
(206) 547-8361 or (800) 588-8361
Posted by
OP
4 posts
thanks for your suggestions!
Posted by
206 posts
If you are capable of driving, there is really no need for agents and tours. NZ is the perfect country for self guided. Just don't underestimate distances. Be realistic. As has already been said jump on TripAdvisor NZ forum, there are some very knowledgeable locals and frequent visitors.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC, Canada
47 posts
We used Downunder travel in Vancouver BC. We went in with a plan and they revised it a bit for us. We also used them for the flights and car rentals but otherwise booked everything ourselves. Stewart Island is amazing so you might want to spend a couple of nights there. We took the ferry both ways and stayed there for 3 nights. Have fun