Any kiwis out there or other folks that have been to New Zealand? I'm headed to NZ for a friend's wedding in January. The wedding is in Christchurch and then I will have about 10 days to explore.

Where should I go? What gardens should I not miss?

I'm a poor college student and I'm trying to keep my costs down so I'll likely be backpacking while I'm there.

I'm not sure if this means I can make it down to the South end of the island, but this looks like where I want to be? Is there a reasonable way to do this without spending all my time in NZ on a bus?

I'm interested in adding to my herbarium while I'm there. Am I going to have a problem going back through customs? Is this a bad idea?

Finally, I'd love a little time on the beach. Are there good options in Christchurch or surrounding communities? I'm trying to stay out of expensive, crowded tourist towns but need to be able to stay in hostels or camp.

TIA!

~becca

This is probably the chance of a lifetime. I envy you getting to see NZ at this point in your life. I found it to be amazingly beautiful, a landscape that will fill your memory for years to come.

NZ is very fussy about species in, species out, so you probably won't be able to take any plant material out with you and you definitely will not be able to bring any in. If your hiking boots aren't clean enough to meet their standards they will sterilize them for you, honest. They are not kidding about this. They have had serious problems with invasive exotic species, both plant and animal.

Paula