Typically it is possible to get good prices 3-9 months ahead of your travel time. We have good experiences flying Air New Zealand, but it is not always the lowest price.
Depends on what you would like to see! We will be staying for 3 weeks. If you plan to visit the South Island you will most likely need to fly from Auckland. It’s not possible to see all of New Zealand in a couple weeks, so we recommend staying for a couple weeks and picking 1-2 areas outside Auckland as your top priorities.
Absolutely! Brian, Kristen, Arlo & Riley will be arriving in Auckland the morning of 2/18 and leaving Auckland the evening of 3/12. We are staying with family in West Auckland. We won't have firm plans until we are here, but will be spending time with family and doing day trips (to the zoo, aquarium, beach, etc) and likely a couple overnight trips within a few hours of Auckland. If you'd like to join us let us know and we can keep you in the loop. Our plans are likely to be made only a day or two ahead of time.
We do not! We have a small house and are lucky to have all the things we need. We do not expect gifts. If you would like to give something, we will have a wishing barrel at the wedding or you are welcome to reach out directly. Or of course feel free to upgrade our families airfare to first class ;)