Melnq8

I'm in the process of planning a repeat trip to the SI. The goal is to include some
off-the-beaten path locations as well as incorporate some old favorites.

I'm considering two nights in Arthur's Pass, as we've never spent any time there, but I'm just not sure...I'm hoping someone here can convince me whether or not it's 'worth' (as much as I hate to use that word) two nights of coveted vacation...normally I'd opt for three, but two seems a good compromise. We're most interested in hiking.

Any suggestions for specific hikes and accommodation (Wilderness Lodge isn't in the budget and options appear rather limited) also appreciated.

stormbird

Hi Mel,

Gee, with all the fabulous advice you offer on this board Mel, it's hard to believe that you actually experience travel dilemmas!

Sorry but I can't help but just wanted to say hi!

Melnq8

Hi stormbird -

Yep, still having trouble with my own NZ itineraries after all these years. I'm just too indecisive for my own good.

mlgb

Try the cottages at Mountain House (part of the associate YHA)

I liked the Dobson Nature Trail (but this was in December when there were alpine flowers) and the trail to the waterfall is okay. Two nights will be fine.

kiwi_rob

What length travelling days do you anticipate before and after AP, Mel? Two nights will give just one full day in AP, and you will fill that easily. If you have just short journeys on the way to and from there, you could look at one or more of the shorter walks on the day of arrival or the day of departure. There are, as well, shortish walks that can be done on the way to or from AP Village.

I took some visitors up to AP on Sunday. We left Christchurch just after 9.00am, stopped and did an easy bush walk before we got to AP Village, had lunch at a cafe up there just before noon (and thereby managed to get ahead of the large busload that arrived just after noon), did the walk to the Devil's Punchbowl waterfall and spent 15 minutes or so there, and then drove over to Hokitika. We spent over an hour in Hoki and then drove back to Christchurch, arriving at 8.00pm.

Just in case you haven't seen it, there is a good brochure on the walks around AP that can be downloaded from the Department of Conservation website.

Rob.

Melnq8

The Mountain House looks promising, mlgb, thanks.

Kiwi-Rob - I'm considering the stop in Arthur's Pass between Franz Josef and Golden Bay or Abel Tasman (undecided as of yet). You think like I do, as I'd planned a short drive day for the day of our arrival, which would essentially give us 1.5 days to explore the tracks (weather providing of course).

I guess I'll give it a go and just cross our fingers for decent weather.

Melnq8

Just booked a cottage at the Mountain House. Looks like a whole slew of walks start nearby...I'm hoping for good hiking weather, athough snow wouldn't hurt my feelings either.

mlgb

Melnq8, re Mountain House, are they just booking one party per cottage, or are they still allowing shared occupancy. It really was kind of fun to have three different groups sharing the living room and kitchen, comparing notes etc. And the others were much better at firemaking than I was.

The waterfall hike is fine in rain. But Arthurs Pass can be very dangerous up high in the snow and fog, when the trails disappear. I'm sure you will be safe. I had a nice meal at the restaurant in town, but they close pretty early.

Melnq8

We've booked the whole cottage. I was a little confused about the arrangements after reading some reviews...I sent them an e-mail and they advised they book the cottages on a share basis during the busy summer season, but not during the low season.

Are you referring to the Wobbly Kea restaurant? I sent them a note too, to see if they're open year round...haven't heard back yet.

I suspect we won't be scaling any mountains in June, but hopefully we can do a couple of the shorter hikes.

susncrg

We really enjoyed hiking around Castle Hill. Not a long walk, but fun wandering around the boulders and climbing up the easier ones to do. We enjoyed the walk up to Devil's Punchbowl as well.

Melnq8

Thanks suncrg, I'll take a look.

mlgb

Thanks for the info on that. Yes Wobbly Kea, hope they are open for you. If not, there is a full kitchen in the cottage, bring some groceries with you though, there is a small store but kind of what you would expect with limited competition. Enjoy!

BTW I went in late November and just missed getting snowed on!