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17 days in NZ--1st timer looking for "must-see/do" suggestions

17 days in NZ--1st timer looking for "must-see/do" suggestions

Old Jun 6th, 2012, 09:52 AM
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17 days in NZ--1st timer looking for "must-see/do" suggestions

Hello you NZ experts!

My husband and I will be in NZ in early August for 17 days. I'm just now starting to plan this as it has recently come up (tacking onto a business trip).

I would love suggestions for must-see, must-do places and things, as well as itinerary suggestions. I'm hoping to get some of your real favorites.

Let me give you some parameters and info.:

-- we are arriving and departing from AUK (and can fly back there from wherever in-country)
-- we are an active middle-aged couple
-- we are very well traveled, although have never been Down Under
-- we will be renting a car
-- we are absolutely open to inter-country air travel (please recommend where we should do so)
-- we love gorgeous scenery, and particularly mountains
-- we like to do light hiking/walking and be active
-- our optimal way of traveling is to stay in each place around 3 nights and choose locations that have a lot to explore in that vicinity
-- we love good, simple food done well
-- our preference is to drive between locations a max. of 3-4 hours
-- we like a mixture of rural and urban locations
-- if you have any favorite lodges, hotels, or b&b's, I'd love to hear that too.
-- we'd be open to something like "do all 17 days on the South Island"
-- budget is open (if you think something is truly great, we'll go for it)

Since I have never been to NZ, I am finding the vast array of information to be overwhelming. It certainly makes me more sympathetic to the newbie travelers who post questions about areas with which I am very familiar.

I'm looking forward to your enthusiastic suggestions!

LisaG
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Old Jun 7th, 2012, 08:29 PM
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Do all 17 days on the South Ialand. Seriously.

I'm currently on the SI and would love to give you some ideas, as we seem to have a bit in common when it comes to interests, but my Internet connection is pretty miserable right now. You might get some ideas for a winter trip by clicking on my screen name and scrolling down through my trip reports for Chasing the Long White Cloud, a winter trip to the SI of NZ.
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Old Jun 8th, 2012, 08:17 PM
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Mel,

I was hoping you would reply. I have been quite interested in all your posts, especially on your recent trip (now). In fact the reason I mentioned that we would be amenable to the suggestion of only the South Island is because I had gleaned that from your posts.

Right now, what would be really useful would be recommendations for places to stay. What 4 places would you have us consider that would be great places to base ourselves, both location-wise and lodgings themselves. Maybe somewhere where we could do some easy bike rides, maybe bike into a town, good food within 10 min. drive, etc.

Ideally, these "bases" would be max. 4 hours drive apart from each other.

I look forward to your reply, and will keep up with your postings!

Many thanks,

LisaG
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Old Jun 8th, 2012, 11:24 PM
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Hi Lisa -

Unfortunately, distances and drive times are a major issue when traveling on the South Island. For instance, today we drove from Murchison to Hokitika, a drive that would probably take only 3.5 hours if driven straight through, but it took us close to nine hours. It's the distractions of course, and as the journey is part of the fun, we willingly get distracted quite a lot...we took several detours, spent some time in Punakaiki, made a detour to Lake Brunner where we walked for about an hour, had a late lunch in Greymouth, took an unmarked side road to chase down a sunset photo which lead to yet another walk, etc. The day just disappeared.

As you're traveling in winter your days will be short too - it's currently getting dark around 5 pm.

It's difficult to see the South Island by limiting one's bases, but if I had to choose a few good bases from which to take day trips, Queenstown would be at the top of the list. Not because I'm a fan of QT, quite the opposite, but because there's so much to see and do in the vicinity.

But even using QT as a base (or nearby Arrowtown, which I personally prefer for its quiet country accommodation) you're looking at a four hour drive each way to Milford Sound, two hours to Te Anau, 90 minutes to Wanaka, ~90 minutes to Cromwell (wine country) and 40 minutes to Glenorchy, then a bit more to access the tracks. The glaciers (a must see for most) is at least a six hour drive from QT, (about 4-5 five from Wanaka), so you're already blown the four hour drive max.

Christchurch might also make a viable base, although it wouldn't be my choice either. Akaroa is about a 90 minute drive, Kaikoura is about 2.5 hours, Hanmer Springs (not a must see by any stretch but mildly interesting) is just under two hours, Waipara (wine region) is about 45 minutes.

Nelson is a good base from which to see Abel Tasman, the lakes, and many other national parks and reserves as well as the Nelson area wineries and many local artists.

For the fourth base, maybe Dunedin, which gives easy access to the Otago Peninsula, the Catlins and is easy enough to get to from QT.

But, we've missed the glaciers, Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo, the Marlborough Sounds and wine region and most of the above bases are well over four hours apart.

I think you'd do best to do what most of us do...make a loop, spent 2-3 nights in each area that interests you most and see as you go.
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Old Jun 9th, 2012, 07:13 AM
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Mel,

Many thanks! This is such good information and is exactly what I was needing.

Regarding "doing a loop" what loop would you recommend, and where would you suggest staying 2-3 nights? I love that idea and welcome your on-the-ground knowledge.

LisaG
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Old Jun 9th, 2012, 08:13 PM
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A popular route for first time visitors...Christchurch-Arthur's Pass-Greymouth (with side trip to Punakaiki which is about 40 minutes each way), Franz/Foz Glaciers-Wanaka-Te Anau (to see Milford)-Queenstown-Mt Cook/Lake Tekapo-Christchurch.

That route pretty much hits the highlights.

Good overnight stops include Hokitika, multiple night stops include the glaciers, Wanaka, Te Anau, Queenstown, possibly Mt Cook.

If arriving from a long overnight flight, a night in Christchurch makes alot of sense, and possibly a full day there to explore, depending on your interests.

Another possible loop...Christchurch-Kaikoura-Picton/Nelson-then down the West Coast (a couple of routing options) to Punakaiki-Greymouth-Franz/Fox Glaciers-Wanaka-Te Anau-Queenstown and even on to Dunedin if that appeals to you.

It all comes down to what you most want to see and how long you want to spend in a given place. I can certainly give you some accommodation options as you narrow things down.

I personally prefer three nights in a given location, which allows two full days to explore, but sometimes (such as this trip for us) it just doesn't make sense.

Keep in mind that flying into say Christchurch and out of Queenstown or Duendin will give you more time as you'll not have to drive back...however, you'll have to choose your route as you won't be able to incorporate both the West Coast and the inland route. Which is way many people choose the driving loop - it enables them to see both routes, both of which are very worthwhile and completely different from one another.
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Old Jun 9th, 2012, 09:21 PM
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Mel,

Thanks for the treasure trove of information. It is night time here now, so I'll tackle this tomorrow. I'll definitely be back to you with specific questions about this route as I explore with my info. and maps.

Many thanks for your patience and detail,

LisaG
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Old Jun 9th, 2012, 10:40 PM
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Could be worth spending a couple of nights in and around Blenheim, one day exploring the Sounds (maybe mail boat run), Picton is about 15 minutes from Blenheim, and Havelock is just over 30 minutes, If you are interested in wine then a day going around the wineries surrounding the town could be spent. Kaikoura is about 1 1/2 hours to the south, St Arnaud is about a hour to the west, Nelson is just under two hours to the North West.

If you only plan on visiting New Zealand once, then I suggest visiting Rotorua, then fly down to the South Island.

Golden Bay is a delightful place to spend a couple of days, but I feel its to much of a detour.

Maybe.

Fly to Rotorua, then hire a car for a couple of days. Explore the geothermal attractions, wildlife parks and Cultural displays before flying to Blenheim.

Spend the afternoon exploring the wine region, the next day drive to Havelock and take the mail boat cruise exploring the sounds. Havelock is famous for mussels. If you have time to spare could be worth the 10 minute detour to explore the Pelorus Bridge scenic reserve.

Then down to Kaikoura, see the Baby Seals playing in the waterfall near Ohau Point. See the adult seals lazing on the rocks at Ohau Point Look out. Then onto Kaikoura. Could go Whale Watching, or do the Peninsula Walk, see the Seal colony at the end of the Penisula. Kaikoura is famous for Crayfish (Lobster) but they charge a premium.

Then Cross Lewis Pass (might want to detour to Hanmer Springs) to Grey Mouth. You could detour back and see the Pancake rocks at Punakaiki but I would advise continual onto Hokitika and overnight there.

Next day head down to the Glaciers. If you want to walk on them then you really need to spend the night, if you just want to walk up and take a few photos then it can be done in only a few hours. If you do not spend the night at the Glaciers, then push on and spend the night at Haast. The dead-end drive down to Jackson Bay is pleasant, and these a decent little seafood Caravan at Jackson bay.

Cross Haast Pass to Wanaka. Spend your remaining time exploring Central Otago, Te Anau, Catlins (if you have time) then fly out of Dundein back to Auckland.

Maybe

Rotorua: 2 Nights.
Blenheim: 2 Nights.
Kaikoura: 1 Night
Hokitka: 1 Night
Glaciers: 1 Night
Central Otago: 4 Nights
Te Anau: 2 Nights.
Dunedin: 2 Nights

With a day or two spare.


The above itinerary, would miss out Mt Cook (you would see it from the Westcoast), Tekapo, Christchurch and Nelson). Also renting a hire car from Nelson/Blenheim would likely be more expensive then renting one from Christchurch.
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Old Jun 9th, 2012, 11:36 PM
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We spent 2 months touring the South and North islands in a campervan and felt it was the best way to see the country, at least for us. We did it in the winter (June and July) when it was clod but very quiet. I too would stick to the South Island. The flexibility that a campervan provides cannot be underestimated,especially when moving from place to place without haveing to pack and unpack every time. Although I assume that in summer, campsites, both commercial and DOC will be busy and may require advance booking.

All of the places mentioned above are excellent and I would find it really difficult to narrow it down but I guess there is just not enough time to see it all and I certainly would not dilute the experience by adding in the NI.
Some photo of the places we visited can be found on our blog:

http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blo...ai/1/tpod.html

Entries#39 on cover New Zealand
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Old Jun 10th, 2012, 05:20 AM
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ThomasW and crellston,

Thank you so much for this great information. Your detail is most useful and exactly what I need at this point.

I will review today and get back with questions.....

I am overwhelmed with people's generosity.

LisaG
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Old Jun 13th, 2012, 03:04 PM
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August is not 'summer' it is 'winter' AND pretty much the dead of winter. While Mel has been many times and bad weather just means doodle around in town, for a first time visitor it can mean you see nothing but clouds and rain.

In bad weather (which very often also means early "summer") I have found that the Queenstown/Central Otago area tends to be drier and sunnier. This is also the spot with lots of activities and you can branch out to Milford Sound, Te Anau, Cromwell, Dunedin or Mt Cook as your second stop.

I try not to plan these bad weather low season trips too tightly. It is better to just "FOLLOW THE SUN" if you can keep ahead of the semi=reliable weather reports. NZ is a bit like Hawaii with a wet side/dry side pattern especially in the South Island.

On the north island Rotorua is a good bad=weather destination as the hots springs in the rain are fun. Also forest hiking...good weather or bad, mostly the same view, of the trees.

If you get luck you can have long clear spells in "WINTER" so I think it is best to stay flexible.
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Old Jun 14th, 2012, 06:03 AM
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migb,

Thank you for the suggestion to "follow the sun" and make some determinations on-the-ground when we get there. I definitely know it will be winter, and we are packing accordingly. I like the idea of using the weather as our guide, or at least having it be a general director.

Much appreciated,

LisaG
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Old Jun 15th, 2012, 02:56 AM
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If/When you go to the North Island. White Island by helicopter is not to be missed. There nothing like flying over, then walking on an active volcano.

Here is anther place near rotorua definitely not to be missed. It is one of the best managed places I've been. The paths are purposely not straight for any more than 50m that way you rarely see anyone else and feel you are the only ones there.
http://www.waimangu.co.nz/

Winter is a great time to go as there are fewer people about. We loved our trips in winter.
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Old Jun 16th, 2012, 04:21 AM
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We insist that the South Island is more beautiful and offers a greater variety of scenery, attractions and activities.

We did 17 days around the South Island a few years back. You can take a look at my report if you have not already done so.
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Old Jun 19th, 2012, 05:40 AM
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peterSale,

Thank you for the tempting info. on the North Island.

Chenoa,

Thank you for your referral to your trip report from '05. What a great trip that must have been!

I'm sitting here with the map up on the wall, and planning some routes. More later....

LisaG
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Old Jun 20th, 2012, 01:07 PM
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If you don't another older trip report, we spent 10 days on the North Island in 2004 and really enjoyed ourselves.
http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...april-2004.cfm

Lee Ann
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Old Jun 24th, 2012, 12:19 PM
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All,

Many thanks for your thoughtful and detailed input. Our itinerary is now as follows, and hopefully we are capturing some of the ideas you all have passed on. My current questions are:

-- too long or short in one place?
-- am I underestimating any of the driving times?

I know we can't see everything, so this is really a "taster" trip for the South Island that is appropriate for winter:

Aug 7 Fly Auckland to Q"Town
Pick up rental car
Drive to Wanaka (1.5 hours)
Stay 2 ngihts

Aug 9 Drive to Dunedin (4 hours)
Stay 3 nights

Aug 12 Drive to Oamaru (1.5 hours)
Stay 2 nights

Aug 14 Drive to Akaroa (4.5 hours)
Stay 2 nights

Aug 16 Drive to Kaikoura (4 hours)
Stay 2 nights

Aug 18 Drive to Blenheim (1.5 hours)
Stay 3 nights

Aug 21 Fly Blenheim to Auckland
Fly to US

I welcome your comments.

LisaG
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Old Jun 24th, 2012, 02:39 PM
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Mine are rather drastic suggestions, I'm afraid, but here goes.

Skip Blenheim. It's a town of little interest and the scenery all around is industrial-scale grape farming and clearcut logging. The Queen Charlotte track is spectacular, but Picton is a better base for that. Then head over to Abel Tasman and Golden Bay for a couple of days with more excellent scenery (using Nelson or Motueka as a base). You can fly back from Nelson, or take the Buller Gorge to Westport (I've done this in winter) for yet more excellent scenery and fly from there.

I don't see the point of going to Queenstown/Wanaka for 2 days in winter unless you are into skiing or are going to Milford Sound, in which cases you'd want to stay longer.

The interesting route to Dunedin is via the Catlins and that takes all day, not 4 hours.

The northern parts of both islands can be delightful in winter. I'd trim a day from each of Dunedin, Oamaru, Akaroa, and Kaikoura (which then gives each of them the right amount of time) and invest those days in the Northland (the peninsular north of Auckland).
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Old Jun 26th, 2012, 03:49 AM
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I think you have to much time in Akaroa, unless you already have activities planned for the area. Two nights might also be to much for Oamaru but been a while since I been there.

Can easily spend three Nights around Blenheim. Plenty of options, even a day trip up to St Arnaud (Nelson Lakes National Park) and doing a few hikes.

Plenty to do and see in the Sounds. Think I already mentioned the mail boat run which many tourist seem to like. Picton gets the sun quite late in winter so takes a bit longer to warm up and is a bit more out of the way, although its only a 15 minute drive between the towns.

Your rental car policy would probably disallow this, but the drive out to French Pass offers same excellent vistas.

Could spend half a day exploring the Wairau Lagoons (Salt mash). Either on foot, or by Kayak. Quite a few birds can be spotted.

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is worth a look, even if you are not overly interested in WWII fighters.

So

Day 1: Wineries, Heirate Centre.
Day 2: Sounds: Mail Boat ride, Dolphin watch, Kayaking, hiking. Drive out to French Pass.
Day 3: St Anaurd and Nelson lake hiking.
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Old Jun 26th, 2012, 04:37 AM
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The drive to French Pass is a full day trip and not to be taken lightly, particularly in the winter months and with a rental car. Trust me on this. It's hardly a "must see" either.
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