I am planning a trip to N.Z. in October with my soon-to-be hubbie. We have 16 nights (this is somewhat flexible) and then plan to go onto Fiji for 10-11 nights afterwards.
At the moment I am at the stage of guidebook planning and I've put together a rough itinerary based on the things that interest me most (that is outdoors activities such as walking and kayaking, though I love city breaks too). I would like it to be a holiday rather than a mad rush glimpsing all the sights. On that basis, I'd appreciate comments on the itinerary - am I missing anything, or spending too little/too much time somewhere?
Fly to Auckland (from London) - 2 nights
The time in Auckland is mainly to recover from jet lag. If it wasn't for the 24 hour flight I'd probably want to go straight to the South Island to maximise time there.
Fly to Queenstown - 3 nights
Interested in white water rafting here. Also is it too early in October to do some walking on the Routeburn track - I have looked at some guided tour websites and they do not start day walks/tours until mid-Oct/Nov.
Te Anau - 2 nights
Plan to kayak in Milford Sound
Fly Queenstown -> Christchurch
(preferred to a long drive however spectacular...)
Christchurch - 2 nights
Pick up rental car
Drive to Hanmer Springs (1 night)
Aim for this to be a relaxing day/night staying at a nice B&B/hotel
Drive to Kaikoura (2 nights)
I think the setting of the town looks fantastic and am keen on the wildlife watching
Drive to Nelson area (4 nights)
Plan to explore the Abel Tasman N.P. through a combination of walking and kayaking.
Fly to Fiji connecting through Auckland
Another NZ itinerary - comments appreciated please!
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I would skip Hanmer Springs. Compared to the rest of the SI, it's just a regular town. We weren't impressed by the thermal pools.
Kaikoura is a gorgeous town!
I don't think Kaikoura is a two-night town. There is a coastal walk, some wineries, and the whale watching expeditions. All can be done within a drive from Christchurch, Overnight Kaikoura, whalewatch the next day, and move on to the next town. I would add it to the next leg of your trip in Marlborough or Nelson. You could also consider doing a trip to Arthurs or Porter's Pass from Christchurch, either as a separate side trip or addition after Kaikoura.
We spent one night in Kaikoura, just leaving enough time to whale watch but the weather was too bad and we missed out. Had the train booked for the next day so no whale watching.
The coastal walk is amazing. We saw a couple with a large dog which was looking decidely edgy. The seals on the beach were throwing gravel at it with their flippers. That is pretty close to wild nature.
Lobster is also more plentiful there than anywhere else in the country. Kai = food Koura=lobster.