Thanks Lon! Just got done asking my husband (all this is his idea) and he said he is primarily interested in New Zealand, North and South as you said. Not sure about anything more. Some thoughts, flying to Honolulu, spend the night, continue on from there, we've got connections to mainly Marriotts, so can get cheap room rates anywhere. I'm rather uncomfortable about NOT taking a group tour or land and sea cruise, my husband isn't very good at directions,driving, etc nor hearing (refuses to wear hearing aids). I've figured out that it is much too stressful on me to have to do it all myself and I have found it's certainly no vacation for me. I guess we want to see the highlights, we'll never be back there again. We aren't into roughing it as far as hotels etc.,though nothing exclusive. We're both very active, walk a minimal of 5 miles each day. No disabilities (except for his hearing) and money isn't an issue to a point. As far as how many days, hmmmmm, 2 weeks of actual touring (+/- a few days), not including travel there and home (live in Seattle). Really don't care for the large cities. While we were on a Viking Cruise in Europe, both of us loved the little villages we toured. Time of year doesn't matter, would like to avoid the mad crush of tourists, we're both retired so time is of no essence.
Perhaps the shoulder seasons, being from Seattle, the last thing either of us want is a rainy season, get plenty of rain and clouds here.
We won't be going this year nor early next year, going to Maui 2+ weeks in early November and in March, going to Scottsdale for 1 1/2 months, so perhaps this time next year or later.
Would love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks so much.
