u/Ok-Account8877

We’re doing 11 days in New Zealand next May (I know that’s short but it’s what we can afford.) I’m stressing over the fact that we’re waiting until 4 months out to try and get the best prices for flights. The hotels/excursions we want to do (Kamana Lakehouse, Milford Sound, Hobbiton) all seem like things you have to book ahead of time before they get booked or to get the best rooms/times. I’d hate to jump the gun on bookings and then realize our flights are going to mess up our entire itinerary. Anyone else have experience with this? I haven’t travelled this far on my own nor has my fiance so this is a big trip for us lol.
We are leaving from Philadelphia, landing in Auckland, driving to Rotorua, then fly from rotorua —> Auckland —> Queenstown, then Queenstown —> Auckland —> Home.

This is mostly just a rant so I don’t annoy anybody with my frustrations. PLEASE let me know if any of you have experienced the same so I don’t feel alone lol.

I’m 28 and planning my wedding. Half the people I’ve spoken to, whether it be vendors or coordinators, have bad attitudes and talk to me like I’m stupid. I am a very detail oriented person, I don’t like surprises and I have a very clear vision of how I want my big day to look/feel. I am NOT a control freak, I understand shit happens and doesn’t always go as planned. I know once the day comes whatever happens is going to happen regardless of how many things I try to plan ahead for.

That being said, on several occasions I’ve been spoken to like a child for asking questions. I’ve never planned a wedding before and (hopefully) never will again. I do my research before calling or asking said questions and STILL I get talked down to. I am so sick of it!!!

I am a joyful individual. I have approached everyone with warmth and kindness. I am supposed to be happy and excited during this whole process but I am slowly losing my joy. I am so close to popping off on the next person who tries to talk to me like I’m some big idiot. Have some respect for the people who want to support your business!

My fiance and I are planning our dream trip to New Zealand for next year in mid May. I know it’s a shoulder season but we are both fans of cooler weather, autumn leaves, and will hopefully save some money/stress with less crowds.

I am looking for any/all advice on dos/donts. My fiance has never been out of the country, I’ve only travelled with family out of country, so this will be new for both of us. Any advice/recommendations would be super helpful!

We haven’t booked anything yet but this is our itinerary:

STAYS
May 19–21 — Auckland
Airbnb near Silo Park & Viaduct Harbour
May 21–23 — Rotorua
Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel
May 23–28 — Queenstown
Kamana Lakehouse — Lakeview Luxe Room with outdoor soaking tub
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
• Waiheke Island day trip
• Hobbiton Movie Set tour
• Te Puia geothermal + Maori cultural experience
• Optional: Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest night walk
• Queenstown Hill Walking Track
• Onsen Hot Pools
• Milford Sound coach + cruise tour
• Flexible activity day: TSS Earnslaw OR Skyline Queenstown
• Optional: Kiwi Park Queenstown
TRANSPORTATION
• Auckland: walking/Uber/ferry
• Rental car: Auckland → Hobbiton → Rotorua
• Queenstown: walking/Uber/tours
• Milford Sound transportation included