Mid February to early March. Renting a car this time - self catering the trip - rather than the motorbike tours. Will miss the riding there. Did 8,000 miles in NZ over the last 2 years and ALL on 2 wheels! Bringing some serious camera gear this time, hence the need for a car (actually, a small truck). Splitting time between Hokitika/Banks Peninsula/Christchurch. If the inland road gets open I'll try to spend a day in Kaikoura and do all the souvenir shopping THERE. I'm sure they need the business. Hopefully, the shops can hold out. Really wanted to spend a bit more time on the Banks and Hokitika (will be glamping for some time in both) these areas. Already saving pennies to come and do the same up around the Bay of Islands/Hokianga (sp?) maybe next year!