Travel: New Zealand

[princesskaris]

Dnls_mum:

princesskaris:

Hi there

I am thinking of Planning a trip to NZ with my 2+ year old daughter next year.. Is NI safer than SI in terms of possibility of experiencing earthquake? when is the best time to visit NZ? Is May- June a good time? Or year-end? Tia!

Princesskaris,
No one can predict earthquake, so can't help you here.
Regarding weather, NZ is in the Southern Hemisphere, so winter in the middle of the year and summer end of the year. Different season allows you to do different activities.

Dnls_mum,
thanks for the weather tips..think i would prefer summer time.. how is the temperature like during summer? What are the kid-friendly activities that we can do during summer? Is the travelling between each places of interest far? Or are they just near city area? Comparing with SI and NI, which part has more things to see? I've never been to NZ, so pardon me for the many questions.

[kohbee2.06303gmail.06303com]

princesskaris:

Dnls_mum,
thanks for the weather tips..think i would prefer summer time.. how is the temperature like during summer? What are the kid-friendly activities that we can do during summer? Is the travelling between each places of interest far? Or are they just near city area? Comparing with SI and NI, which part has more things to see? I've never been to NZ, so pardon me for the many questions.

We will be going to NZ this weekend, so I am checking the weather... you can refer to the following website for details http://www.metservice.com/national/index

While doing my research for my North Island trip, these are some websites you may refer to

http://www.newzealand.com/sg/
http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowForum-g255104-i125-New_Zealand.html
http://www.rankers.co.nz/
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Australia_and_Oceania/New_Zealand/TravelGuide-New_Zealand.html

If there are any specific place/attraction, just google it and everything is there. You can use google maps if you intend to self drive.

For my family, we will be going to North Island. Dnls_mum is doing South Island. So wait for our posts when we get back

[Dnls_mum]

princesskaris:

Dnls_mum:

[quote=\"princesskaris\"]Hi there

I am thinking of Planning a trip to NZ with my 2+ year old daughter next year.. Is NI safer than SI in terms of possibility of experiencing earthquake? when is the best time to visit NZ? Is May- June a good time? Or year-end? Tia!

Princesskaris,
No one can predict earthquake, so can't help you here.
Regarding weather, NZ is in the Southern Hemisphere, so winter in the middle of the year and summer end of the year. Different season allows you to do different activities.

Dnls_mum,
thanks for the weather tips..think i would prefer summer time.. how is the temperature like during summer? What are the kid-friendly activities that we can do during summer? Is the travelling between each places of interest far? Or are they just near city area? Comparing with SI and NI, which part has more things to see? I've never been to NZ, so pardon me for the many questions. :)[/quote]I have also not been to NZ. Going for the first time this Dec. I got all my info through research on the internet. Just google \"weather nz\" and you have a good idea of the temperature.

Driving time is apparrently long. Check out the link below to get an idea of travel time and distance.
http://www.aatravel.co.nz/main/td-calculator.php

For things to do, check this out:
http://www.ki-wi.co.nz/new_zealand_things_to_do.htm

Do some research and you should get what you want. Alternatively, discuss with a travel agent.

[princesskaris]

crystalbelle:

princesskaris:

Hi there

I am thinking of Planning a trip to NZ with my 2+ year old daughter next year.. Is NI safer than SI in terms of possibility of experiencing earthquake? when is the best time to visit NZ? Is May- June a good time? Or year-end? Tia!

Hi princesskaris,
Just been to newzealand ( christchurch & auckland ) last september. It was freezing cold for me but not to my \"ang moh \" colleague. Love New Zealand, low traffic ... friendly people and lots of sheeps... Kids will defintely love it and the air ... well its so fresh...
Agree with Dnls_mum that mid year and end year ( summer time, they are are reverse ) is good to travel... Unless you wish to let you kids experience the cold weather....

Have fun...

crystalbelle,
thanks for your reply! do you have any places of interest to recommend for SI and NI? I would probably prefer summer time. It will be a relaxing trip for us..don't wanna rush with a kiddo around.. would like to know what is available in both islands before deciding which part to go to..

[princesskaris]

Dnls_mum,

thanks for the weather tips..think i would prefer summer time.. how is the temperature like during summer? What are the kid-friendly activities that we can do during summer? Is the travelling between each places of interest far? Or are they just near city area? Comparing with SI and NI, which part has more things to see? I've never been to NZ, so pardon me for the many questions. :)[/quote]

I have also not been to NZ. Going for the first time this Dec. I got all my info through research on the internet. Just google \"weather nz\" and you have a good idea of the temperature.

Driving time is apparrently long. Check out the link below to get an idea of travel time and distance.
http://www.aatravel.co.nz/main/td-calculator.php

For things to do, check this out:
http://www.ki-wi.co.nz/new_zealand_things_to_do.htm

Do some research and you should get what you want. Alternatively, discuss with a travel agent.[/quote]

dnls_mum,
are you going fne or with a tour agent? Do share your trip with us when you're back.. thanks for the links.. will check them out shortly.

[princesskaris]

by the way, anyone knows roughly how much would it cost for a 8 day trip to NZ (either NI or SI)? excluding meal expenses and shopping expenses and other activity cots… the flight + accomodation + car rental… assuming staying at 4 star hotel and taking SQ flight.

[Dnls_mum]

princesskaris:

by the way, anyone knows roughly how much would it cost for a 8 day trip to NZ (either NI or SI)? excluding meal expenses and shopping expenses and other activity cots.. the flight + accomodation + car rental.. assuming staying at 4 star hotel and taking SQ flight.

I planned the trip on my own. But there are many local NZ tour companies that can plan for you. I think JR is using a NZ travel agent, and has provided you the links.

We are flying by SQ direct to Christchurch. For 5 of us, airfare, accom, car rental, day tours including Milford Sound coach cruise flight tour (~NZD2000), glacier explorer (~NZD500) and glacier flights/hikes (~NZD1630) , wilderness safari (NZD600), horse riding and farm tour (~NZD340), wildlife cruises (NZD400+), etc cost over $22k for 16 days door to door (14 nights stay). Will need to budget a few more thousand for food ( we intend to try a few recommended restaurants with good views), petrol, and entrance fees to some places.

But to be fair, we have booked quite good accommodations eg, Hermitage Hotel, The Rees Hotel etc. You can save if you go via jetstar or qantas, or book your flights early, pick budget accommodation and don't do the flight tours. Also, if there are 3 of you, you save more on accom cost since your kid can share room with you so you'll probably need only one hotel room. We need 2 bedroom apartments or interconnecting hotel rooms, so cost goes up.

You can spend as much or as little as you like. Have fun planning!

[Dnls_mum]

Just to add that Singapore group tours will be cheaper because they do not include the more expensive tour activities that I have planned for. Also, as the time for Singapore tours are limited, they won’t be able to squeeze in these activities too. (I know because my sister went with a group tour and that’s what she told me).

[princesskaris]

Thanks for the links, JR. Shall wait for dnls_mum and your trip updates before I decide which island to visit

[princesskaris]

I think fne is preferable with a kiddo around…most likely will do fne…