Me again..The Kiwi

One kind member sent me a list of questions which I appreciated but am going to find difficult to answer in some cases having been absent for a number of years now but I will do my best and at least make comment.

Where to stay? This of course is influenced by ones interests and requirements and I am presuming the question relates to forms of accommodation. NZ is the equal of other countries and has all forms of accommodation. The Campervan to use to travel around and stay at the many available parks which are in most cases in situations giving outlooks over something of appeal, be it oceanic. river, mountains or farm expanses. There are many cute B and Bs all through both the North and South Islands and yes on Stewart Island also. Remember the further South one goes the nearer you are getting to the Antarctic so colder. With regard to Motels and Hotels there all levels from the very economical to the top of the range.

Cost of Weeks Stay? This of course completely depends on the form of accommodation that one desires but I can assure everything you want is available. Also I am not going to mention dollars as it is many years since I was at home.

Best places to visit? Again this is influenced by ones likes and requirements but I could write a book on what you could visit and enjoy but will mention but a few working down the country. In the upper region of the North Island Island is Russell/Bay of Islands the beauty of which is hard to do justice to. Beautiful crystal clear waters for fantastic Scuba Diving which I did much of. Many different forms of boat trips available and Russell itself containing much history being the site of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840

. Auckland a city that offers everything. Overlooks the truly beautiful Auckland which looks out towards the famous island, Rangitoto and on this harbour much yachting is carried out. On Auckland Anniversary day there is a giant yachting regatta which features hundreds of yachts of all classes and confirms why Auckland is often referred to as the City of Sails. Display gardens, fabulous Museum. many mountains to drive up and enjoy panoramic views over Auckland and the harbour. One being One Tree Hill on the top of which is the memorial to John Logan Campbell and everything else you could wish for.

Hamilton/Cambridge an area famous for its horse stud farms. It is probably not realised what the horse breeding industry is worth to NZ's income.

Rotorua. think of Yellowstone. Yellowstone has Old Faithful Rotorua has Pohutu. In this city there are many hot mud pool areas, genuine operating Maori Pas Maori dance and singing concerts which are a true delight to all visitors. A highlight always being the performance of the ladies doing their famous and gorgeous Poi Dances.

Wellington, to me just a city but a must to see is our Parliament Buildings which because of the architecture is affectionately referred to as the Beehive.

South Island Lyttleton a quaint town which is where the ferry that crosses the Cook Straight lands.

Christchurch to me a beautiful English influenced city with the river Avon meandering through. Fabulous views of the mountain range, Southern Alps or as we call them the Remarkables. I am at a bit of a loss as to what to say about Christchurch as the devastation of the recent earthquake is since my departure.

Queenstown where most tourists visit. World class ski fields, fabulous gondola trips up the mountains, enjoyable boat trips on the SS Earnslaw on beautiful Lake Manapouri..

Dunedin a city with strong Scottish ties and right down the bottom, Bluff featuring the well known Mitre Peak.

I know that in the above I have made many references which because of the amount of writing it would entail I have not explained. But if there are particular things you wish to pose a question on.....feel free