Trip to New Zealand

[JohnDubya]

My dream is to go to New Zealand, and I'm looking into possibilities. I am new to international travel, so I need some help here. First off, where is the best place (internet) to get really cheap plane tickets? What are good/cheap cities to fly out of? What are good cities to fly into in NZ? Secondly, what about lodging? What's the best way to find some cheap lodging while there? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
_________________
John W.

[lua]

Hey, i'm from Tennessee and i would love to go to New Zealand too...if you've found any helpful info about going please post more comments...I here the south island is especially beautiful

[claire_311]

New Zealand is amazing. This is my second trip here. As for where to get good tickets I usually use airgorilla.com but also watch for deals. I've seen as low as $700 on some of them. You'll fly into Auckland or Wellington on the North Island or Christchurch on the South. There are a lot less people on the south island so there's mostly outdoorsy type activities. The North island has more people and more cities, but it's still pretty rural most places and tons of beautiful scenery. Both islands have amazing things to see and do. I like the beach so I prefer the north but it's totally subjective. There are tons of youth hostels all over the country for about 20 a night if you sleep in the dorms. Prices go up the less people in the room. Or if you want to be really budget and get to really see the Kiwi culture up close you can become a wwoof-er. Which basically means you work a set number of hours everyday for your room and board. It's a great way to really get to know the country. You can join the official wwoof site or do like I did and go to helpx.net and find hosts that way. You just email a few days ahead of time and ask if they have room for you. If there's anything else you'd like to know feel free to email me. Happy traveling!

[bojana]

Clare,

I'm interested in travelling to N.Z. jan-May and haven't been able to find tickets below $1400 (that's with 2 stops!). Air Gorilla's prices were even higher. Is this because it's the peak time to go - their summer, I mean. I'm wondering where and when you've seen tickets as low as $700.

Thanks so much,
Bojana