Expert: Jase McMillan - 10/3/2008

Question
QUESTION: jase can you please offer any advice regarding a good itinerary for the following.  We have a motorhome hired and arrive in NZ on Jan 7th 2009 we are there for 15 days and want to see as much as possible without tiring ourselves out. we are a family of 4 x2 adults x2 children aged 5 and 7, all the guide books show there is so many amazing places to visit. we arrive in auckland and are looking to spend 5 to 6 days in the north island then the remainder in the south. finishing up at christchurch as we fly back from there. any tips and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Jamie

ANSWER: Hi Jamie

I would suggest you spend a day looking around auckland. Then if you are into beaches head down to the coromandel peninsula . ( bear in mind that this is peak holiday season so getting a place to stay could be difficult).If your not into beaches then i would head to the waitomo caves. I would then go to Rotorua and see the sights there 1 or 2 days. You might then head to lake taupo to stay before heading to Wellington. Here you will catch the ferry to the south Island.

I would head to Nelson then go down the West Coast (here you can stop at places that interest you like the glaciers.) Aim to get to Queens town where you can easily spend as much time as you want.  If you are up for more driving , then going to the Milford sounds is worth it  and then head back to Christchurch via Dunedin.

This is a rough outline of a route for you to follow but the joy of a camper van is you can stop where you like.

Hopefully this is some help if you need more details feel free to contact me again.




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi Jase thanks for the great response as we have a motorhome will we need to book campervan sites etc in advance due to the high season we are there or will we be ok to book as we find our intended overnight location.

Answer
Hi

I would say yes if you are going to stay at any of these places and want a camping ground. coromandel penisula, Nelson and Queenstown They get very busy this time of year. Your hire company should be able to give you some advice as well.Most have a book to give to you of places to stay. You can also camp in places that are not camping grounds but you do not get the use of power and facities of course.

What comapany are you hiring through?

Cheers Jason