[Sprucegoose]

Guys,

Looking for some travel advice for Christmas travel to New Zealand.

Taking the family this christmas from Canberra to New Zealand then back to Perth - any ideas other than straight QF/NZ. I know there are some carriers from Syd with 5th freedom rights to NZ, i am both one world and star alliance Plats - looking for some good ideas.

Will Emirates be fllying A380 SYD-AKL by then?

NZ - which island, north or south with limited time?

thanks - SPRUCE

[kiwitripper64]

Just phoned emirates NZ. The trans-tasman A380 has been moved back from Nov to Feb 2009, so out of luck there.
But I did find this little gem from flight centre NZ. Aerolineas Argentena, business class for $395 Auck to Syd
Cheap airfares to Sydney, Cheap Holidays to Sydney?

Where are you going to in NZ?

[ric_melb]

The fare for Aerolineas Argentina may be a bargain but they are not known for the quality of their in flight service.

[trooper]

QF codeshare on LAN???

As far as which island.....

SOUTH!! SOUTH!!! SOUTH!!!!!

[tuapekastar]

Have to agree with the previous post - there is nothing wrong with the North Island - in fact it is very picturesque and spectacular in parts, but the South Island is just something else altogether!

[straitman]

Originally Posted by tuapekastar

Have to agree with the previous post - there is nothing wrong with the North Island - in fact it is very picturesque and spectacular in parts, but the South Island is just something else altogether!

The northern half of the Nth island is really great including the bus trip along the beach to Cape Reinga, Paihia and the Bay of Islands.

The Sth island is completely different with brilliant scenery around Queenstown. You can't really compare so you need to go back a few times.

[ejb]

Hi,

South Island all the way, Queenstown and the surrounds are some of the most beautiful areas on the planet.

Hire a 4X4 and follow the Lord of the Rings tour book for some great sights.

We honeymooned their in 2006 and are returning Jan09 for another 2 weeks.

ejb

[Sprucegoose]

Originally Posted by kiwitripper64

Just phoned emirates NZ. The trans-tasman A380 has been moved back from Nov to Feb 2009, so out of luck there.
But I did find this little gem from flight centre NZ. Aerolineas Argentena, business class for $395 Auck to Syd
Cheap airfares to Sydney, Cheap Holidays to Sydney?

Where are you going to in NZ?

Thnxs for that. We are looking at South Island, for around 10 days. The J class seats are the old ones but quite fine for the TASMAN crossing. I believe they are one world. Do they use QF lounge in Syd? I know F class now ask you to the J class QF lounge if flying codeshare and not on QF ticket.

Cheers SPRUCE

[Sprucegoose]

Originally Posted by straitman

The northern half of the Nth island is really great including the bus trip along the beach to Cape Reinga, Paihia and the Bay of Islands.

The Sth island is completely different with brilliant scenery around Queenstown. You can't really compare so you need to go back a few times.

thnxs Bill - i would say good advice.

[kiwitripper64]

Originally Posted by Sprucegoose

Thnxs for that. We are looking at South Island, for around 10 days. The J class seats are the old ones but quite fine for the TASMAN crossing. I believe they are one world. Do they use QF lounge in Syd? I know F class now ask you to the J class QF lounge if flying codeshare and not on QF ticket.

Cheers SPRUCE

I dont think Aerolineas are one world, or fly to ChCh.
here are travel times for South Island loop
Christchurch to Kaikoura 181 k =2hr, whale watch, dolphin swim, freshlobster
Kaik to Blenheim 129K=1.30 nice town
Blen to Nelson 114 = 1.30 good beach nice town
Nel to Westport 223k = 3.15 into the "rugged west coast, lots of small interesting things to do
west to Greymouth 102 = 1.30
Grey to Hokitika 37k = 30min
Hok to Fox Glacier 158k = 2 Glacier walking trips supply boots and ice axe. dont go too far up and lots of fun
Fox to Haast 121 = 1.30
Haast to Wanaka 142 = 2 quiet and nicer than Queestown
Wan to Queenstown 67.9 = 1 but Qtown is stunning
Queen to Milford Sound 286 = 3.40 then you have to come back

Queen to Mt Cook 262 = 3.15
Mt Cook to ChCh 330 = 4.32

Queen to ChCh 483km = 6.30
I would recommend the scenic flight from Queestown to Milford sound
Air NZ and Q fly from Queen to ChCh