best place in NZ to visit

So it looks like our raro trip might be off. Basically some huge miscommunication - SIL was asked to organise things, we told MIL when we were available, MIL didn't tell SIL who subsequently organised things for Novemeber - when Jake and I are both at school - we can't go. Because SIL had organised a fair amount, she's pissed that no-one told her earlier, we are a bit pissed because we assumed we were all organising things together, not just obeying what SIL said and anyway, it's all a mess. No idea whether we are going.

We had made huge plans ourselves, which included a strict new budget so we could pay off $4K of debt and save $6K for the holiday. Basically if we stick to it, we will be debt-free (apart from Student loan that don't count) by mid next year. We need to make these changes anyway. And Raro was our big motivation. Saving for a house is good, but a long way away.

Soooo, to make a long story...well....longer, we are thinking of still having a holiday in jan next year, but perhaps staying in NZ and only spending half the money. BUT no idea where to go.

Where is the best place in NZ you have ever been? and please explain why you feel it beats other places.
thank you

What about a road trip in a campervan??

Cheaper than hotels/motels, funner and more exciting for the kids and you can go anywhere (vehicle permitting) that you chose. How cool would that be?

Failing that - Wellington's always a go-er... but then, I am pretty biased

Yeah, go on your own to Raro!

Oooh but there are so many fun places to see in New Zealand too, I think it's a great idea to do an NZ holiday if you don't go to Raro.

Where abouts have you been before on family holidays? We used to go to Golden Bay (near-ish Nelson) when we were kids, loved the beaches there and lots of walks, nice cafes and restaurants and wineries for you and DH    There are some great holiday homes you can rent for a few days or a couple of weeks, right by a beach if you want.

We had a great family holiday in Queenstown when I was about 10. LOADS of fun things to do there with kids and the weather is lovely in summer - it's not just a winter holiday place. Puzzling world, near Wanaka, was a huge highlight any time we went down that way (great for a rainy day too).

My SIL and her family came over to NZ for our wedding last year and spent time in Blenheim, Kaikoura and Christchurch. They rented a holiday house in the city in Chch so they could walk everywhere (or most places) and they loved it. Their kids were almost 3 and a baby at the time.

Hmm .. most of the places I have been have been in the South Island obviously

We were thnking of going to raro by ourselves, but it is a lot of money. we figured we could have just as good a time exploring NZ.

For holidays - we often go to wellington - Dad is there.
South Island I haven't been to in ages - and the ferry would be a definite hit with the boys.....hmmmm

You could visit a couple of vineyards along the way

south island is awesome. You could go to hanmer springs which is about 3 hrs odd drive from picton and has hot pools and lots of walks and just stuff to do, plus on the way down you can stop at vineyards.

chch has lots to do, there are the beaches, gondola, orana park, willowbank and also from chch you can do day trips. Hanmer is only 1.5 hrs from chch, akaroa is about 1hr and is beautiful and has the dolphin cruise and you can also swim with them. plus in January Timaru has the Caroline Bay carnivale which is always a lot of fun and is only a 2 hr drive. Soooo much to do in the south island, that probably wouldnt even be the half of it!

I think South Island in a camper is a great idea! You'd get to see quite a bit of NZ and the kids would probably think it was quite an adventure!

I've hardly been to the South Island myself which I'm actually kind of embarrassed about especially working in travel so I'd love to do a camper trip as a family when Maddie is a little older.

I think that you should still go to Raro. Its fantastic there or Fiji is great for families too.

Otherwise I think it depends if you want to travel around, go to the beach or just stay in one spot.

Queenstown is a good option as there is lots to do there and if you base yourself there, you can do day trips around to Milford Sound, Arrowtown, Wanaka etc.