Request suggestion/advice for our NZ/Aus trip

[jokes128]

If it helps you're likely to get a better view of the city skyline from the Novotel if that's your thing, or a view out west towards the Mountains. Pullman is a bit too close to the main CBD to get a good skyline view, but if you get something on the non city side you'll get the view out towards the coast.

Or y'know...you could always try both like you said It's a terrible problem to have haha!!

We generally don't need the room to have a good view as we'll be outside during the daytime and then we'll close the curtains the moment we step into our room........we'd much prefer a quieter room(high level floor/corner room) and a spacious room and convenience(within walking distance to where we want to be, sightseeing and dining etc).

 

[Altair]

Thanks GlobalT for your share of your experience. Something for me to look forward to, but I would hope that TG in Hong Kong will issue me the boarding pass for the Auckland-Queenstown leg so that I don't have to pick up the luggage in Auckland international and then walk to domestic to check in again.........

Sorry to break the news to you, even if you get TG to issue the boarding passes for AKL-ZQN and the bags tag through, you will still be required to collect your bags after immigration, take them through biosecurity screening, then re-check them in. If you have more than 60 minutes from exit to your next flight you can put them in the bag drop off at the international terminal but if you have less than 60 minutes you will need to take everything to the domestic terminal and drop the bags of there. All international arrivals to domestic services passengers must collect their bags and go through this process.

 

[jokes128]

Sorry to break the news to you, even if you get TG to issue the boarding passes for AKL-ZQN and the bags tag through, you will still be required to collect your bags after immigration, take them through biosecurity screening, then re-check them in. If you have more than 60 minutes from exit to your next flight you can put them in the bag drop off at the international terminal but if you have less than 60 minutes you will need to take everything to the domestic terminal and drop the bags of there. All international arrivals to domestic services passengers must collect their bags and go through this process.

Oh yes Altair, sorry for my poor English(and writing after midnight didn't help). I should say I try to avoid having to take our luggages walking from international terminal to domestic terminal in AKL, so if I can check in the luggages at AKL international rather than AKL domestic that should be perfect(we have a 3.5 hours connection time in AKL).

But thank you for telling me about the 60 minutes timeframe for bag drop, I didn't know about that.

 

[jokes128]

Just an update on our travel itinerary.

Due to the involuntary change of the SQ schedule, changing from Wellington-Canberra to Wellington-Melbourne as previously mentioned in another thread, I have spoken to UA and asked to change our flights for free, as we don't want to go to Melbourne and there is no more Star Alliance flight flying to Canberra.

After explaining the situation the UA lady agreed to let us change from the SQ flight into Canberra into the NZ flight into Sydney, after spending some half an hour waiting on the phone to wait for her supervisor's approval! I also took the chance to ask for all 4 of us to be put on the same flight for the Bangkok-Hong Kong leg(was initially Mrs jokes 128 and young Mstr jokes128 on TG600 and older daughter/I on the next flight TG628).

So our schedule now looks like this:

29/7/2018 TG601 Hong Kong-Bangkok 2 J class + 2 Y class
29/7/2018 TG491 Bangkok-Auckland 2 J class + 2 Y class
30/7/2018 NZ623 Auckland-Queenstown 4 Y class

9/8/2018 NZ578 Christchurch-Auckland 4 Y class, arriving at 22:20
10/8/2018 NZ105 Auckland-Sydney 2 J class + 2 Y class departing 16:05

28/8/2018 TG478 Brisbane-Bangkok 4 J class
29/8/2018 TG600 Bangkok-Hong Kong 4 J class

Glad that we can move to TG600 on the return leg so all 4 of us can fly together, but disappointed that we can't get to try SQ J class though.

But also disappointed that NZ has downgraded the Auckland-Sydney flight to 777-200(previously was on 787-9 and I was keen to try their J class product on the new plane). Can anyone suggest three things on this flight(NZ105):
1. What am I going to miss by flying the 777-200 as opposed to the original 787-9?
2. We would like the window seat but avoid the sun. I can't figure out which side(left or right) of the plane to chosse our seats on, as we are flying in western direction and the timing is late afternoon. Can someone suggest which side I should choose to avoid the sun at that time of the day with that flying direction?
3. In Christchurch, are our bags going to be tagged through to Sydney rather than having to pick up bags at Auckland?

Also, can someone suggest where to stay for the night in Auckland on 9/8/2018 as we arrive fairly late? 2 adults and 2 children so we need a 2 double beds room. And I suppose we don't have to spend time through immigration when we arrive Auckland from Christchurch, just pick up our bags and go to hotel then back to check in in the afternoon the next day at the international terminal?

Thanks heaps in advance.

 

[kookaburra75]

Yep, I love those narrow seats and no leg room.

Go the train, far more relaxing, more space, and food available on board. Both hotels are about 5 blocks roughly from Sydney Terminal (Central) railway.

The train gets my vote for holiday travel, as you get to see more of the countryside than just heading up the Hume Highway on the bus. It's always our default way of travelling. I'm sure jokes128 has the wifi hotspot organised for the kids, so that shouldn't be an issue

 

[jokes128]

The train gets my vote for holiday travel, as you get to see more of the countryside than just heading up the Hume Highway on the bus. It's always our default way of travelling. I'm sure jokes128 has the wifi hotspot organised for the kids, so that shouldn't be an issue

Sorry kookaburra75 I should have made it clearer with my last post, that by changing from SQ to NZ we are actually skipping Wellington and Canberra all together(as we are happy to do a one way trip Canberra-Sydney but don't want to do a return trip Sydney-Canberra-Sydney). So we'll either be staying in Sydney for longer or fly to Brisbane earlier.

Sorry for the confusion I have caused but thank you for your opinion anyway.

 

[Deleted member]

Award seats for this many travellers when you don’t have status is always problematic ? It isn’t clear just how young the children are though, as I feel this will impact heavily on how you transit around from hotel to embarkation point and vice versa. Especially as you say you’re carrying a number of larger bags.
New Zealand is a country (IMHO) which improves in the experience with the ability to have some independence when travelling about. However if you’re not a confident driver, and you have been reading about the foreign (mainly Asian tourists) drivers and their lack of skill in negotiating NZ roads, it may be just as well that you don’t drive yourself. That said, if you grew up driving in Oz, then hiring a car in the South Island, taking it out on your own for an hour or so to get back in the groove shouldn’t be too much of a problem. The South Island is worth the effort to see by car vs coach. The ability to stop somewhere for a family Kodak moment , or spontaneous meal stop with a view to die for, is worth the effort. Even when I travel in nz I hire a larger SUV if there are more than two of us. On our last trip we hired a RAV ( just the two of us) suv. Lovely car, great safety features and very comfortable with loads of luggage space. Car hire in NZ can be quite dear depending on when you visit.

IF you’re not driving in ZQN (and a car is really important if you want to see things away from the city) then make sure you’re staying in a hotel as close as possible to the centre of town. The Crowne Plaza is my number one pick for this. (Many places are a very steep long walk from everything) Walk out the front door, across the road and you’re in the thick of it. The Hilton is out of town, but does have shuttles and a boat into town. If staying in queenstown I would suggest a visit to Arrowtown, with a stop off at Amisfield winery and restaurant if possible, and if the weather turns sour Dorothy Browns Cinema is a good place to escape to. Plenty of places to eat and the tourist shops offer a good range of souvenirs and other local goods. A day trip on the Earnslaw is well worth the effort and there are plenty of walking trails by the lake. If going up in the gondola in ZQN, there is a buffet restaurant at the top. Buy your tickets for the buffet when you buy your gondola ride tickets. There was a discount on the price of the lunch. While I’m not normally a fan of buffet lunches, they are great for kids as they can eat what they want. And the buffet offering was surprisingly good value and good quantity in my opinion. Add to that the amazing view from the restaurant it’s a good day out.

Speaking of restaurants there are plenty of options in ZQN. From Fergburger to Botswana Butchery.
If you’re into your wines, there is a great place to buy and taste wines nearby.
Mrs GPH likes the coughtail bars which abound as well.
We liked to eat away from the Hotel, there are great cafe places which do great breakfasts.

If you break up your (road) trip to CHC there are thermal pools in Tekapo. (I only just found this out myself recently). There isn’t a great deal more to do there other than enjoy the view and visit the church of the good shepherd.

CHC is a prett town, and while there is still lots of reminders of the earthquake, there are still things to do. The Antarctic centre near the airport is a favourite of Mrs GPH,

It doesn’t look like you’re in AKL for long, and if it’s literally a matter of hours, there is an airhotel on the doorstep. Getting to and from AKL airport can be a real pain in the rear.

I’m with BAM on the train Vs Coach option. Frankly it might be worth the experience for your children (and you) to be without WiFi access for a few hours,the lost art of conversation may help as will the novel idea of a book. Or just soak up the view between chats.
That’s my two cents worth, but given we are probably a bit different in age, some of my ideas may not suit.
Hope you all have a lovely trip and it is everything you plan for.

 

[Deleted member]

Just an update on our travel itinerary.

Due to the involuntary change of the SQ schedule, changing from Wellington-Canberra to Wellington-Melbourne as previously mentioned in another thread, I have spoken to UA and asked to change our flights for free, as we don't want to go to Melbourne and there is no more Star Alliance flight flying to Canberra.

After explaining the situation the UA lady agreed to let us change from the SQ flight into Canberra into the NZ flight into Sydney, after spending some half an hour waiting on the phone to wait for her supervisor's approval! I also took the chance to ask for all 4 of us to be put on the same flight for the Bangkok-Hong Kong leg(was initially Mrs jokes 128 and young Mstr jokes128 on TG600 and older daughter/I on the next flight TG628).

So our schedule now looks like this:

29/7/2018 TG601 Hong Kong-Bangkok 2 J class + 2 Y class
29/7/2018 TG491 Bangkok-Auckland 2 J class + 2 Y class
30/7/2018 NZ623 Auckland-Queenstown 4 Y class

9/8/2018 NZ578 Christchurch-Auckland 4 Y class, arriving at 22:20
10/8/2018 NZ105 Auckland-Sydney 2 J class + 2 Y class departing 16:05

28/8/2018 TG478 Brisbane-Bangkok 4 J class
29/8/2018 TG600 Bangkok-Hong Kong 4 J class

Glad that we can move to TG600 on the return leg so all 4 of us can fly together, but disappointed that we can't get to try SQ J class though.

But also disappointed that NZ has downgraded the Auckland-Sydney flight to 777-200(previously was on 787-9 and I was keen to try their J class product on the new plane). Can anyone suggest three things on this flight(NZ105):
1. What am I going to miss by flying the 777-200 as opposed to the original 787-9?
2. We would like the window seat but avoid the sun. I can't figure out which side(left or right) of the plane to chosse our seats on, as we are flying in western direction and the timing is late afternoon. Can someone suggest which side I should choose to avoid the sun at that time of the day with that flying direction?
3. In Christchurch, are our bags going to be tagged through to Sydney rather than having to pick up bags at Auckland?

Also, can someone suggest where to stay for the night in Auckland on 9/8/2018 as we arrive fairly late? 2 adults and 2 children so we need a 2 double beds room. And I suppose we don't have to spend time through immigration when we arrive Auckland from Christchurch, just pick up our bags and go to hotel then back to check in in the afternoon the next day at the international terminal?

Thanks heaps in advance.

I have mixed feelings about your overnight in akl. Option 1 book into the airport hotel. It is a 2 minute walk to the international terminal the next day. If you and the children are tired, the 30-40 minute taxi ride with luggage into town is a pain. If you’re planning to see something of the city, get up early and refreshed and head into town and enjoy a ferry ride, a walk through downtown AKL
Iunch at the viaduct or mission bay. The choices are many and varied. You can try for a late checkout of just dump your bag with the concierge and collect when you get back.

Option 2. Go to the city, struggling with tired kids and luggage. .......
Find a spot close to the bottom of town. And look at the options mentioned above.

Either way you will need a cab or Uber each way. Doing it without luggage would be my pick.
You will need to be back at 2.00. But I would add 30 minutes to the time line. AKL airport can be a busy place . You can at least relax in the lounge before boarding.

 

[jokes128]

Award seats for this many travellers when you don’t have status is always problematic ?

Thanks GPH for your super comprehensive suggestions. We were unable to find 4 J seats on our outbound legs(as well as the trans-Tasman leg) so Mrs jokes128 and young jokes128(7 years old but with the size of a 5 years old) will fly Y and older daughter(10 years old) and I will fly J class. I think we are actually quite lucky in securing 4 J class award seats for the inbound Brisbane-Hong Kong leg so we all get to fly in the same J cabin.

For Queenstown, we plan to go to Arrowtown by public transport, and of course we'll take the gondola and we'll visit the ski field as well. We also plan to go to Milford Sounds. We are looking to stay in Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, as we need the late checkout(complimentary with our Accor status) and there is no SPG property there(which we have status as well).

Are you able to tell me the name of the airhotel so that I can have a look on their website? I don't know if I need to pick up luggage at Auckland airport(nobody seems to be able to tell me yet whether my bags can be tagged all the way to Sydney from Christchurch), but if we have to pick up our luggages, maybe I shall find a locker/place in Auckland airport where we can pay to store the luggages overnight, if we are not staying in airport hotel.

We are close to deciding to fly ZQN-CHC(99% sure) instead of coach/driving.

Thank you once again for your great suggestions.

 

[Deleted member]

You will need to collect luggage in Auckland and check it in for the international leg.
The hotel at the front door of the international terminal Novotel. It may not be your cheapest option. But it will,be far and away the most convenient. It’s also not an air hotel per se. i.e. not in the terminal proper like in DXB.
Being a Novotel you may do well with your status , here is their web site link
https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-7485-novotel-auckland-airport/index.shtm

It will come down to personal choice I think, but speaking as an aucklander. This would be my go to in your situation

 

[Denali]

...Also, can someone suggest where to stay for the night in Auckland on 9/8/2018 as we arrive fairly late? 2 adults and 2 children so we need a 2 double beds room. And I suppose we don't have to spend time through immigration when we arrive Auckland from Christchurch, just pick up our bags and go to hotel then back to check in in the afternoon the next day at the international terminal?

You are correct, no immigration Christchurch-Auckland as its a NZ domestic flight. There is a free bus shuttle between the 2 terms but last one is 10.30pm.

Connecting at Auckland - Airport maps & connections - Flight information - Plan | Air New Zealand – Australia
Making your way between terminals
The Domestic and International terminals are in different locations at Auckland Airport. There is a complimentary terminal transfer bus with pick up locations just outside the Terminal doors offering a comfortable transfer every 15 minutes between 5am and 10.30pm. If you prefer to make your own way it’s approximately a 10 minute walk, follow the solid green line as you exit the terminal.


Auckland Novotel Airport from Domestic term is about a 15min walk but as you have kids and at that time of night, I would just pay the taxi fee (if you cant get the last shuttle). Its where we prefer to stay, especially as Auckland traffic SUCKS and a taxi in traffic in the rain can cost you $50+ one way. You can use cheaper shuttles but nope, just book the airport Novatel and get to bed sooner.

If you stay at the Novotel Airport, you are literally across the road from International check in.

 

[jokes128]

Thank you GPH and Denali for your suggestion re Novotel, I shall consider it. The late checkout with my Accor status would help. On looking at the Accor website, I saw Ibis Budget nearby the airport as well and there is a larger room which has a double bed and a bunk bed which should fit all 4 of us as well. Has anyone got experience for this hotel?

 

[Deleted member]

Thank you GPH and Denali for your suggestion re Novotel, I shall consider it. The late checkout with my Accor status would help. On looking at the Accor website, I saw Ibis Budget nearby the airport as well and there is a larger room which has a double bed and a bunk bed which should fit all 4 of us as well. Has anyone got experience for this hotel?

The Novotel I think was about $200-$250 for a room to sleep four. In today’s climate that’s VERY cheap for an airport hotel 100 metres from the terminal front door.

And the ibis will need a (albeit short) cab ride each way. Savings not so great IMHO when convenience is added into the equation, but horses for courses.

PS. If you paid me, I still wouldn’t stay at an ibis over Novotel.

 

[jokes128]

PS. If you paid me, I still wouldn’t stay at an ibis over Novotel.

Point noted. Thanks very much and this tells me which one to choose.

Initially, the reason why I considered the Ibis Budget was because it is a very short stay(only sleep for few hours and then planning to head into downtown in the morning before returning to pick up luggage for check-in), that's why initially I thought we would find the cheapest hotel possible in the area. But after your opinion, I know that we should forget about the Ibis Budget. Another hotel we would consider is the Four Points by Sheraton in Auckland downtown. Don't know much about this hotel but since we are SPG gold this hotel would fall into consideration as well, should we decide not staying in Novotel.

 

[Deleted member]

Good point. However whichever airport hotel you choose. I would think it was less hassle to stay out of town purely because of hauling bags around. I can’t offer an opinion on the 4 points Sheraton as I’ve not stayed there.
I know Auckland. And the last thing you need is to make your visit more complicated.

 

[Denali]

What are you heading into town for? You can rent a car and go visit Hunua Falls, I thought it was a very pretty place to visit, kids can burn off some energy. Ive also read that a visit to Villa Maria is good and very close to the airport.

Whatever you do, dont underestimate Auckland traffic.

 

[Deleted member]

What are you heading into town for? You can rent a car and go visit Hunua Falls, I thought it was a very pretty place to visit, kids can burn off some energy. Ive also read that a visit to Villa Maria is good and very close to the airport.

Whatever you do, dont underestimate Auckland traffic.

He doesn’t want to do any driving if possible.
I would consider a ferry ride to Devonport.
Or if the weather is rubbish (as it can be) the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Highly underrated in my opinion

 

[jokes128]

Yes I would avoid driving if possible, except in Brisbane where I know my way around.

Four Points by Sheraton Auckland is scheduled to open on 15/4 this year. Currently there is an opening special price of NZ$223 on 9/8/18 inclusive of breakfast.

What are you heading into town for? You can rent a car and go visit Hunua Falls, I thought it was a very pretty place to visit, kids can burn off some energy. Ive also read that a visit to Villa Maria is good and very close to the airport.

I would consider a ferry ride to Devonport.
Or if the weather is rubbish (as it can be) the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Highly underrated in my opinion

Do I have time to do these activities in downtown Auckland you mentioned? We have only a morning to spend in Auckland and we have to be at the airport by 13:30pm at the latest, and need to pick up our bags from hotel before then. I was only thinking that we may have time to do a single sightseeing activity in downtown Auckland for the morning, perhaps the Auckland Tower?

 

[Deleted member]

Yes I would avoid driving if possible, except in Brisbane where I know my way around.

Four Points by Sheraton Auckland is scheduled to open on 15/4 this year. Currently there is an opening special price of NZ$223 on 9/8/18 inclusive of breakfast.
Do I have time to do these activities in downtown Auckland you mentioned? We have only a morning to spend in Auckland and we have to be at the airport by 13:30pm at the latest, and need to pick up our bags from hotel before then. I was only thinking that we may have time to do a single sightseeing activity in downtown Auckland for the morning, perhaps the Auckland Tower?[/QUOT


Sky tower is downtown, the Ferry Buildings are a 20- 30 minute walk from there. The harbour ferry ride is possibly just that. A ride on a ferry. Back in the day it was on an old “ Double Ender” Which would convey me across the harbour from Devonport , I then caught the train to Otahuhu to school. ..... very long day.
We still had coal fired steam engines. The Toroa was one of the last...... I digress.
Devonport is a village across from the city. It’s pleasant and quiet compared to Auckland. But not as much fun for kids I’m thinking. There is also a great little maritime museum near the viaduct. Which has great dining options a# well. If you need to collect bags and be at the airport by 13. 30 . You will need to calculate your travel time carefully. That extra 30 minutes is probably a smart move. So leaving downtown before 12.30 is advisable. On the motorway it’s a minimum of 40 minutes by car. Shuttle bus is potentially much slower.

I’m thinking you will want to depart the Airport hotel very early. BUT morning traffic into Auckland is worse than Sydney. So maybe a city stay luggage issues notwithstanding is a better option.

 

[jokes128]

Thanks GPH. I'll have a look and decide if we want to do any sightseeing for the morning in Auckland, or if we just need a qiet night at the airport hotel, before deciding where to stay.