SusanVT

Hi!
We are a family of 3 (daughter is 11) and are going to Australia and New Zealand in April. I have purposely kept the NZ portion simple, as I feel that there is so much to see that we would not enjoy anything if we were hurrying everywhere. Therefore, I have chosen the following as our itenerary. Please advise if we will be sorry for doing any of the below and IF there are other options we should be exploring. We have (unfortunately) only 5 days to do NZ!
We fly into Christchurch. Would like to spend first day walking around Christchurch...?I thought the south island would be better...less people...not interested in anything too touristy.
Then:
*Whale WAtch in Kaikoura
*Helicopter ride to glazier
*Able Tasman Park- to hike
Of course, we will have time to stop and sight see along the way everywhere. Not interested in the boat rides, bungy, etc. Mostly, want to see the landscape, visit with locals and just get a real feeling about NZ..... What do you think? Is this enought to do and what else would you do.....Thanks!
Also, any hotels in these areas you would strongly recommend....
SusanVT

Melnq8

Personally, I think this is PLENTY for a five day trip. Are you flying to the glaciers from elsewhere or are you planning to drive there, then take a helicoper ride?

I assume you're renting a car and plan to stay somewhere near Abel Tasman (?)

I ask because the distances in NZ are longer than they might appear on a map. Lots of curvy two lane roads, one lane bridges, etc.

You can't go wrong on the South Island and I think you'll love it (I sure do!)

If you can give us an idea of where you plan to stay overnight the folks here might be of more help with hotel options.

I have some good recommendations in the Abel Tasman area if you'll be staying out that way.

ALF

At Abel Tasman, I'd recommend that you take a water taxi from Marahau northward, to one of the beaches - then walk back to Marahau. Depends on how far you want to walk - Torrent Bay would be a short walk, Bark Bay would be a long walk.

Another scenic trip to consider would be to take the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass. You then have several hours to walk around in the Southern Alps before the train returns to take you back.

SusanVT

Honestly, I'd love to drive it all! But, I do realize the distances between the attractions. Was thinking of the Awaroa Lodge...sounded cool! Am looking for some outdoor adventure/hiking... Thought of staying in a farmstay or homestay in Kaikoura for one night after leaving Christchurch (which we might stay at the Charlotte Jane or Crowne Hotel?) We will whale watch and swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura before moving on to Abel Tasman Park for a night.
I am also interested in a helicopter ride over the glaziers and am feeling that we need to get over to Franz Josef somehow to do so? or is Fox glazier best? Confused on this. Interested in learning as much about NZ people and customs as possible, so want to avoid (at all costs) the main tourist hotels and centers. Should we plan a night on the westcoast to do what I am trying to do with the glazier? or is this doable by flight across the island....is it worth staying on the west side for a couple of days? and if so, for what?
Susan

LN

Hi

It's only my two cents worth so here goes:

It's possible to go from Christchurch to Mount Cook and at Mt Cook you can take the helicopter to the glacier (either Franz Joseph or Fox) you can then go on and pick up the Transalpine train and head through the spectacular Alps back to Christchurch.

The reason I suggest this is because on the back roads of the South Island it can take a loooong time to get from Queenstown to the glaciers (6 to 8 hours) The helicopter is much quicker and you only miss the car or bus ride portion. I think your daughter would enjoy something as spectacular as a heli ride.

Queenstown and Doubtful Sound are also marvelous to see but again it depends on the amount of time you have.

JADFEL

Abel Tasman is a beautiful place but Fiordorland is much more dramatic and has some amazing day hikes. You can reach it by flying into Queenstown and then driving to it. Te Anau is a small town that you can stay in, mid-way. And the drive itself is beautiful.

If you choose Abel, try to spend a night in Nelson (about two hour drive). We liked it much better than ChristChurch and you get a feel for
the local scene. Depending on how much you want to spend on hotels, 39 Russel in Nelson is wonderful. Small cottage with two bedrooms. I would recommend Nelson over ChristChurch. Smaller more charming.

I

SusanVT

Good points made...thank you so much! Much appreciated. I am looking into flying to Queenstown asap to go to Milford Sound then flying back up to Nelson. Maybe we'll skip Abel all together...would make my life easier right now! or just do a day trip. I am also looking at helicopter ride...
No real interest in staying much in CC...just had to fly there...thanks again!
SusanT

Melnq8

Susan -

If you do decide to visit Abel Tasman, I'd suggest you stay in Motueka, Kaiteriteri, Takaka or Marahau. This will cut down considerably on your drive time from Nelson.

If you pass on Abel Tasman, do try to get out towards Ruby Bay and the wine region surrounding Nelson.

SusanVT

Thank you! Suggestions taken into consideration. Still foggy on whether ornot we should just stay at Awaroa Lodge, since it's right in Abel....?
Sounds like noone thinks this is worth it!
Susant

Melnq8

Susan -

I'm not familiar with Awaroa Lodge, but if you're planning to visit Abel Tasman, and it's right in the park, I'd say go for it. The closer the better IMO, as you'll have more time to spend IN the park.