Hi Elena, Have a look at our <a href="http://www.worldreviewer.com/info/top-travel-new-zealand-south-island.html">South Island Holiday Idea</a> for starters, then maybe consider changing the details of how long you want to stay in each place and how adventurous you want to be to suit your own tastes.

Check out <a href="http://www.worldreviewer.com/info/top-travel-new-zealand-south-island.html">Holiday Idea #7: New Zealand's South Island<a/> for inspiration and go from there?

December is summer and school holidays, so it is going to be busier on the roads. And flights will be busier as people jet about to see family at Christmas. But it really depends your plans as to how many people you'll encounter.

If you're just planning to drive which do you think would be the best time of year for it, Mike? We're thinking 2010. Thanks!

Well depends on what you like - if you like skiing then july/august/sep would be ideal but my favourite time of the year is February/March - March is fast becoming the most stable weather as NZ transitions out of Summer (its also often classed as a shoulder season). School holidays go from mid to late december right through to the end of January so any time after that is the best of both worlds... Campervans IMHO is the only way to see NZ... unlike many countries what you see outside the cities is what makes NZ great! Bare minimum trip for the SOuth Island alone is 2-3 weeks - and I would say a little less for the North Island (but Im biased).

Thanks for that Mike. I'll have a look at booking travel for March - we have just under three weeks, so do you think two weeks on the South Island and the rest on the North?

We're taking our two kids aged 7 and 10, do you have any special suggestions for them? They're pretty adventurous so rafting and fishing are definitely in! Thanks again for all your help!

I would say 1 week in the north and 2 in the south would be fine. Your kids will love queenstown - lots of fun outdoor activities. Rafting is a good one, the tourism new zealand website should have some childbased activities... I hope you have a great time and enjoy what can only be described as the best scenery in the world.

Hi again Emilie, I just stumbled upon the following itinerary http://www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk/itinerary-overview.aspx?productid=44723&parentproductid=44667 which is superb - I would check that out (bear in mind that it is a tour company selling self drive holiday BUT very good for giving you an idea of timings)PLUS I would trim 1 or 2 days in the north island and add it to your Queenstown/Fiordland area part... but its a 3 week journey with some nice suggestions.

Oh and I forgot to add my 2 favourite areas of NZ especially in Feb/Mar The Abel Tasman National Park (dozens of white sand beaches) and great kayaking at the top of the SOuth Island and the Bay of Islands at the top of the North Island arent included in that journey - Im assuming this is because they are considered off the beaten path - my suggestion is do some unbeaten path - thats what NZ is really about - If you take highway 1 all the way (especially in the South Island) you miss Nelson (my favourite little beach city and market) also.