new zealand

[lidlicker]

We would like to visit New Zealand, hiring a car and touring both islands, over about three weeks.

Can someone please tell us the best time to go. Is it pleasantly warm in the summer, or too hot, or maybe spring or autumn would be best.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[jno]

seldom gets above the 80s, though it can feel warmer because of the humidity. Their weather has been as unpredictable as ours in recent years - a long thin country in the middle of the sea at the mercy of winds from wherever - but in general I'd say go anytime after Christmas. (The air fares start to come down sometime in the new year.) Kids go back to school around the start of February after their summer hols. The summer days are shorter than in Britain (and the winter days longer) because it's closer to the equator.The roads are pretty empty outside the cities and they're well set up for tourists; plenty of motels, many of which have kitchenettes in the room so you can cook for yourself if you want. Petrol is cheaper than here too. Very beautiful country.