New Zealand Honeymoon Itinerary
Jul 13th, 2016, 05:47 PM
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New Zealand Honeymoon Itinerary
Hello forum!
We are going to NZ in November and I am having trouble planning the most efficient, adventurous and relaxing 17 night honeymoon trip to both islands. I'm trying to avoid daily check in and out of hotels except when necessary. Also I'm open to flying when needed or going on a bus (in place of us driving) and I'm also trying to avoid very long drives. Here's what Im thinking:
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Day 2: Rent car, drive to Waitomo Caves in the am, then head to Rotura in the afternoon
Day 3: Rotura
Day 4: Drive to Napier early am
Day 5: Napier - wine tour
Day 6: Catch a flight early am to Nelson
Day 7: Nelson - go to Abel Tasman for the day
Day 8: Blenheim
Day 9: Kaikoura early am for full day, then drive to Christchurch in the evening
Day 10: Take 8 AM TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, then rent a car to continue to Franz Josef
Day 11: Franz Josef or Fox Glacier ? surrounding area (suggestions welcome)
Day 12: drive to Wanaka, spend day there (suggestions welcome on what to do)
Day 13: Wanaka, Drive to Queenstown mid day
Day 14: Milford Sound bus departing early am, overnight cruise around the Sounds
Day 15: Helicopter back from Milford to Queenstown arriving at 1130 am
Day 16: Queenstown
Day 17: Queenstown
Day 18: Fly to Auckland early am, catch 7 pm flight back to USA
My issues are days 4-9 - Napier-Nelson-Blenheim-Kaikoura. Is one night enough in Blenheim ( I LOVE LOVE Sav Blanc). But it seems there isn't much to do in Blenheim, or is there? Should I cut out Napier and replace those days with the South island? Perhaps use those days in Blenheim, Picton, etc? Or elsewhere? Or cutting Napier and adding 1 extra day in Blenheim and one extra day in Queenstown.
Please help! Thank you!
We are going to NZ in November and I am having trouble planning the most efficient, adventurous and relaxing 17 night honeymoon trip to both islands. I'm trying to avoid daily check in and out of hotels except when necessary. Also I'm open to flying when needed or going on a bus (in place of us driving) and I'm also trying to avoid very long drives. Here's what Im thinking:
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Day 2: Rent car, drive to Waitomo Caves in the am, then head to Rotura in the afternoon
Day 3: Rotura
Day 4: Drive to Napier early am
Day 5: Napier - wine tour
Day 6: Catch a flight early am to Nelson
Day 7: Nelson - go to Abel Tasman for the day
Day 8: Blenheim
Day 9: Kaikoura early am for full day, then drive to Christchurch in the evening
Day 10: Take 8 AM TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, then rent a car to continue to Franz Josef
Day 11: Franz Josef or Fox Glacier ? surrounding area (suggestions welcome)
Day 12: drive to Wanaka, spend day there (suggestions welcome on what to do)
Day 13: Wanaka, Drive to Queenstown mid day
Day 14: Milford Sound bus departing early am, overnight cruise around the Sounds
Day 15: Helicopter back from Milford to Queenstown arriving at 1130 am
Day 16: Queenstown
Day 17: Queenstown
Day 18: Fly to Auckland early am, catch 7 pm flight back to USA
My issues are days 4-9 - Napier-Nelson-Blenheim-Kaikoura. Is one night enough in Blenheim ( I LOVE LOVE Sav Blanc). But it seems there isn't much to do in Blenheim, or is there? Should I cut out Napier and replace those days with the South island? Perhaps use those days in Blenheim, Picton, etc? Or elsewhere? Or cutting Napier and adding 1 extra day in Blenheim and one extra day in Queenstown.
Please help! Thank you!
Jul 14th, 2016, 01:51 AM
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It's too fast paced and you will not find it relaxing! There are some long drives in this trip - slow it down a bit. And a lot of one night stays which do not give much time for anything. Planning to drive somewhere in the morning, do an activity/sightsee and then move on that night will be exhausting.
So you will have to cut some places and stay 2 nights instead of one.
Forget Napier. I like the place but it is out of the way.
Chose between Nelson or Blenheim.
If Nelson then 2 days would be better. Abel Tasman is not that far but it's still more driving.
There's not much in Blenheim but the wineries so for several relaxing winery tours you really need 2 nights.
Days 8-12 are pretty fast paced as well with no margin for any delays. Make sure you have a car booked in Greymouth.
Days 14 to 18 look good! Queenstown is great any time of the year.
I love sav blanc as well. Ara in Marlborough is awesome but the best sav I ever had (and I have drunk a lot in my time) is actually from Waiheke Island's Te Motu winery. Dunleavy sav is aged in stainless steel and is amazing.
So you will have to cut some places and stay 2 nights instead of one.
Forget Napier. I like the place but it is out of the way.
Chose between Nelson or Blenheim.
If Nelson then 2 days would be better. Abel Tasman is not that far but it's still more driving.
There's not much in Blenheim but the wineries so for several relaxing winery tours you really need 2 nights.
Days 8-12 are pretty fast paced as well with no margin for any delays. Make sure you have a car booked in Greymouth.
Days 14 to 18 look good! Queenstown is great any time of the year.
I love sav blanc as well. Ara in Marlborough is awesome but the best sav I ever had (and I have drunk a lot in my time) is actually from Waiheke Island's Te Motu winery. Dunleavy sav is aged in stainless steel and is amazing.
Jul 14th, 2016, 04:36 AM
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Great advise! So if I take out Napier and Nelson - that gives me 4 extra nights. I could add an extra day in Blenhiem. Where do you suggest I add the extra 3 days?
Perhaps -
1 extra day in Blenhiem
1 extra day in Franz Josef. Is there enough to add a day in FJ ?? So 2.5 days in FJ area
1 extra day in Wanaka
1 extra day in Queenstown
Thank you for the help!
Perhaps -
1 extra day in Blenhiem
1 extra day in Franz Josef. Is there enough to add a day in FJ ?? So 2.5 days in FJ area
1 extra day in Wanaka
1 extra day in Queenstown
Thank you for the help!
Jul 14th, 2016, 07:24 AM
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Agree, you are trying to see too much in too short a period of time. To paraphrase at a marketing slogan for a well know cruise line you'll be spending "more time getting there than actually being there".
When we did a 6 week driving tour of both the north and south islands we planned our itinerary so we stayed at least 3 nights in each location and we never had more than 4 hours drive time between our "overnight" stopping points. This allowed us to spend a few days exploring and enjoying each "new" area and we never had to rush to get to our next destination. Instead, on travel days, we'd depart after breakfast and made periodic to stops "along the way" to visit scenic sights, points of interest and, perhaps enjoy a leisurely lunch, visit a museum or tour wineries as we traveled to our next stopping point. We'd end up arriving at our next destination mid-to late afternoon.
If we did it over again we make only one change: We'd add another week or two to our trip and use the extra time to add another day or two in each stopover destination.
New Zealand is a fabulous country, with lots of things to see/do and experience plus you'll encounter some of the friendliest & warmhearted people on the planet. Take your time, don't rush - better to make few stops and see more of fewer areas than only experience a "blur".
When we did a 6 week driving tour of both the north and south islands we planned our itinerary so we stayed at least 3 nights in each location and we never had more than 4 hours drive time between our "overnight" stopping points. This allowed us to spend a few days exploring and enjoying each "new" area and we never had to rush to get to our next destination. Instead, on travel days, we'd depart after breakfast and made periodic to stops "along the way" to visit scenic sights, points of interest and, perhaps enjoy a leisurely lunch, visit a museum or tour wineries as we traveled to our next stopping point. We'd end up arriving at our next destination mid-to late afternoon.
If we did it over again we make only one change: We'd add another week or two to our trip and use the extra time to add another day or two in each stopover destination.
New Zealand is a fabulous country, with lots of things to see/do and experience plus you'll encounter some of the friendliest & warmhearted people on the planet. Take your time, don't rush - better to make few stops and see more of fewer areas than only experience a "blur".
Jul 14th, 2016, 10:08 AM
#5
<<efficient, adventurous and relaxing 17 night honeymoon trip to both islands>>
If ever there were an oxymoron, this would be it.
It takes a good three weeks just to see the SI - two weeks will give you a good taste of one island, but will still require some pruning. For instance - trying to see the far north of the SI and the south of the SI in two weeks or less is just not feasible unless you want to live in your car. So there goes 'relaxing'.
If you want to see Abel Tasman, its best to base yourself closer than Nelson. Motueka (and environs), Kaiteriteri, Marahau - all much better bases IMO. One day in the area is giving is serious short shrift. Allow at least three nights in the area.
You haven't taken into account drive times and distances, which will eat into your itinerary significantly.
Bus transport will take longer than driving yourself as you're at the mercy of their schedules.
You will find Sauvignon Blanc all over both islands, but yes, to go to the source in Marlborough you should spend some time in the Picton/Blenheim area. Blenheim itself isn't much to get excited about, but the surrounding area is pretty and the wine fabulous. You might consider finding vineyard accommodation around Renwick and staying there, then perhaps biking to/from several of the wineries in the area.
Or stay closer to Picton (pretty little waterside town) and make a day trip to Blenheim (25 minute drive) or take an organized wine tour and imbibe away. Picton is home to the Marlborough Sounds and the Queen Charlotte Track. I love the area and have spent many days across many trips to the SI in this area.
Keep in mind the trip across Arthurs Pass is much prettier from a car - the train spends most of its time in tunnels. You miss the scenery that way!
You cannot drive to Wanaka from the glaciers and have any day left to spend there. It's a 6-7 hour drive, very winding, very scenic, lots of places to stop. The drive itself is the attraction.
There's loads to do around Wanaka. Do you hike? Some fabulous tracks in the vicinity and Mt Aspiring Nat'l Park is nearby but you need at least a full day just to get into/out of and walk within the park.
My advice? Give the NI a pass this time and spend every minute of those 17 days on the SI. Extend your time in each of the locations you've listed for the SI and go from there.
If ever there were an oxymoron, this would be it.
It takes a good three weeks just to see the SI - two weeks will give you a good taste of one island, but will still require some pruning. For instance - trying to see the far north of the SI and the south of the SI in two weeks or less is just not feasible unless you want to live in your car. So there goes 'relaxing'.
If you want to see Abel Tasman, its best to base yourself closer than Nelson. Motueka (and environs), Kaiteriteri, Marahau - all much better bases IMO. One day in the area is giving is serious short shrift. Allow at least three nights in the area.
You haven't taken into account drive times and distances, which will eat into your itinerary significantly.
Bus transport will take longer than driving yourself as you're at the mercy of their schedules.
You will find Sauvignon Blanc all over both islands, but yes, to go to the source in Marlborough you should spend some time in the Picton/Blenheim area. Blenheim itself isn't much to get excited about, but the surrounding area is pretty and the wine fabulous. You might consider finding vineyard accommodation around Renwick and staying there, then perhaps biking to/from several of the wineries in the area.
Or stay closer to Picton (pretty little waterside town) and make a day trip to Blenheim (25 minute drive) or take an organized wine tour and imbibe away. Picton is home to the Marlborough Sounds and the Queen Charlotte Track. I love the area and have spent many days across many trips to the SI in this area.
Keep in mind the trip across Arthurs Pass is much prettier from a car - the train spends most of its time in tunnels. You miss the scenery that way!
You cannot drive to Wanaka from the glaciers and have any day left to spend there. It's a 6-7 hour drive, very winding, very scenic, lots of places to stop. The drive itself is the attraction.
There's loads to do around Wanaka. Do you hike? Some fabulous tracks in the vicinity and Mt Aspiring Nat'l Park is nearby but you need at least a full day just to get into/out of and walk within the park.
My advice? Give the NI a pass this time and spend every minute of those 17 days on the SI. Extend your time in each of the locations you've listed for the SI and go from there.
Jul 14th, 2016, 01:01 PM
#6
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Thank you all for the great advise! And yes Melnq - we hike! We will do anything.
I read that the train to Greymouth is one of the most scenic in the world. Hence the reason I wanted to take the train. Perhaps we should just drive there then!
Is Franz Josef worth the drive and getting to and spending 3-4 days at? Or should I dedicate this time elsewhere?
It's so hard to see so much in 1 country in 18 days!!! ugh!
So with my above Itinerary - having 4 days to dedicate elsewhere after I cut out Napier and Nelson, you still think it's too much in too little of time?
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Day 2: Rent car, drive to Waitomo Caves in the am, then head to Rotura in the afternoon
Day 3: Rotura
Day 4: Flight to Blenheim early AM
Day 5: Blenheim
Day 6: Kaikoura during the day, drive to Christchurch in the early evening
Day 7: Take 8 AM TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, then rent a car to continue to Franz Josef OR DRIVE
Day 8: Franz Josef or Fox Glacier ? surrounding area
Day 9: Franz Josef area
Day 10: drive to Wanaka, spend day there
Day 11: Wanaka
Day 12: Drive to Queenstown early am
Day 13: Queenstown
Day 14: Milford Sound bus departing early am, overnight cruise around the Sounds
Day 15: Helicopter back from Milford to Queenstown arriving at 1130 am
Day 16: Queenstown
Day 17: Queenstown
Day 18: Fly to Auckland early am, catch 7 pm flight back to USA
I read that the train to Greymouth is one of the most scenic in the world. Hence the reason I wanted to take the train. Perhaps we should just drive there then!
Is Franz Josef worth the drive and getting to and spending 3-4 days at? Or should I dedicate this time elsewhere?
It's so hard to see so much in 1 country in 18 days!!! ugh!
So with my above Itinerary - having 4 days to dedicate elsewhere after I cut out Napier and Nelson, you still think it's too much in too little of time?
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Day 2: Rent car, drive to Waitomo Caves in the am, then head to Rotura in the afternoon
Day 3: Rotura
Day 4: Flight to Blenheim early AM
Day 5: Blenheim
Day 6: Kaikoura during the day, drive to Christchurch in the early evening
Day 7: Take 8 AM TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, then rent a car to continue to Franz Josef OR DRIVE
Day 8: Franz Josef or Fox Glacier ? surrounding area
Day 9: Franz Josef area
Day 10: drive to Wanaka, spend day there
Day 11: Wanaka
Day 12: Drive to Queenstown early am
Day 13: Queenstown
Day 14: Milford Sound bus departing early am, overnight cruise around the Sounds
Day 15: Helicopter back from Milford to Queenstown arriving at 1130 am
Day 16: Queenstown
Day 17: Queenstown
Day 18: Fly to Auckland early am, catch 7 pm flight back to USA
Jul 14th, 2016, 04:55 PM
#7
One of the most scenic in the world? Really? The writers obviously haven't been to Switzerland! I've done both the train (on our first trip, when we bought the hype too) and the drive (many times) and I choose the drive every time.
Are you experienced with driving on the left?
Day 6 - you still need to get from Blenheim to Kaikoura (about two hours) see Kaikoura (what do you plan to do there?) and then drive 2.5 hours to Christchurch. Then check into hotel in Christchurch, just to get up early to take the train to Greymouth? Wouldn't be my choice.
Franz vs Fox - very similar - Franz is a bigger village, more accommodation and food options. I would choose which village based on what you plan to do once you get there and how much you want to drive on a particular day.
For example, you can drive to Franz from Greymouth, take your time exploring en route, stop in Hokitika, etc, then spend the night in Franz.
The next day if you get moving early, you can drive to Lake Matheson for those views you've probably read about, walk to the terminal face of Fox, then return to Franz to walk to the terminal face there, then have dinner and a soak in the hot pools at Franz, with a second overnight. This will involve a bit of backtracking on the day you drive to Wanaka, BUT you'd have already seen both glaciers, so no need to stop in Fox on the way to Wanaka, thus shortening your drive/exploration that day.
Day 10 - the bulk of this day will be spent on the drive as mentioned up thread.
You're on the right track.
Are you experienced with driving on the left?
Day 6 - you still need to get from Blenheim to Kaikoura (about two hours) see Kaikoura (what do you plan to do there?) and then drive 2.5 hours to Christchurch. Then check into hotel in Christchurch, just to get up early to take the train to Greymouth? Wouldn't be my choice.
Franz vs Fox - very similar - Franz is a bigger village, more accommodation and food options. I would choose which village based on what you plan to do once you get there and how much you want to drive on a particular day.
For example, you can drive to Franz from Greymouth, take your time exploring en route, stop in Hokitika, etc, then spend the night in Franz.
The next day if you get moving early, you can drive to Lake Matheson for those views you've probably read about, walk to the terminal face of Fox, then return to Franz to walk to the terminal face there, then have dinner and a soak in the hot pools at Franz, with a second overnight. This will involve a bit of backtracking on the day you drive to Wanaka, BUT you'd have already seen both glaciers, so no need to stop in Fox on the way to Wanaka, thus shortening your drive/exploration that day.
Day 10 - the bulk of this day will be spent on the drive as mentioned up thread.
You're on the right track.
Jul 15th, 2016, 06:43 AM
#8
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So we will drive to FJ!! No train! Thank you Melnq8!
What are your suggestions for driving through the coast passing Nelson (or perhaps stopping in Nelson overnight) then going through the coast? Versus driving from Kaikoura down through Christchurch and onto FJ? I assume this drive would be via Hamner Springs or Arthur's Pass? Is there somewhere closer to Greymouth or FJ in place of Hamner Springs? Hammer springs seems to be only a 2 hour drive from kaikoura.
What are your suggestions for driving through the coast passing Nelson (or perhaps stopping in Nelson overnight) then going through the coast? Versus driving from Kaikoura down through Christchurch and onto FJ? I assume this drive would be via Hamner Springs or Arthur's Pass? Is there somewhere closer to Greymouth or FJ in place of Hamner Springs? Hammer springs seems to be only a 2 hour drive from kaikoura.
Jul 15th, 2016, 11:06 AM
#9
Well, you could certainly drive the other direction - Blenheim/Nelson then skirt Westport and work your way down the West Coast via Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks). This drive is slow and winding, but very pretty and you'll see plenty of Tasman Sea coastline (vs Pacific Ocean coastline if you go via Kaikoura). You'd need an overnight en route - Punakaiki is a good option, but do be aware it's a full day's drive from Blenheim to Punakaiki with stops and lodging in Punakaiki is very limited, you'll want to book in advance.
You could arrive Blenheim, work your way to Nelson/Motueka/Picton for a night, then head on to Punakaiki for a night, then head to Franz from there. It's still a crazy mad rush though and you'd miss Arthur's Pass. And you'll have no time for Abel Tasman (not that you do with your current itinerary anyway).
If you take a look at some of my trip reports, you'll find a recent one where we drove from Motueka (near Nelson) to Punakaiki - with stops it took us something like eight hours if memory serves. It's an exhausting drive, but a pretty one.
If you arrive in Blenheim as you've indicated, spend a day there and then drive from Blenheim/Kaikoura/Christchurch, you don't have any time for anything else. Adding Hanmer Springs lengthens the drive somewhat, and you just don't have time for another stop.
Are you sure I can't talk you into skipping the North Island? It's not as if you've allowed yourself any time there anyway, only two days.
Tell you what - you obviously don't travel like I do, so perhaps you should search for the trip report posted here by Indiancouple. He/she really fast-tracked their visit to NZ and perhaps it's more your style than what I have to offer.
But if you want to slow things down and really enjoy a relaxing holiday, I'm happy to help.
You could arrive Blenheim, work your way to Nelson/Motueka/Picton for a night, then head on to Punakaiki for a night, then head to Franz from there. It's still a crazy mad rush though and you'd miss Arthur's Pass. And you'll have no time for Abel Tasman (not that you do with your current itinerary anyway).
If you take a look at some of my trip reports, you'll find a recent one where we drove from Motueka (near Nelson) to Punakaiki - with stops it took us something like eight hours if memory serves. It's an exhausting drive, but a pretty one.
If you arrive in Blenheim as you've indicated, spend a day there and then drive from Blenheim/Kaikoura/Christchurch, you don't have any time for anything else. Adding Hanmer Springs lengthens the drive somewhat, and you just don't have time for another stop.
Are you sure I can't talk you into skipping the North Island? It's not as if you've allowed yourself any time there anyway, only two days.
Tell you what - you obviously don't travel like I do, so perhaps you should search for the trip report posted here by Indiancouple. He/she really fast-tracked their visit to NZ and perhaps it's more your style than what I have to offer.
But if you want to slow things down and really enjoy a relaxing holiday, I'm happy to help.
Jul 16th, 2016, 09:29 AM
#10
we too had 17 nights in NZ [not a honeymoon though] and were I to have my time again, I would regrettably have to drop Napier as others have suggested; I would also drop C/Church. I can't talk about Kaikora though, you would have to ask others about that.
So drawing those threads together, and keeping Rotorua as you seem keen on going there, I would suggest this:
Day 1 - arrive Auckland
Day 2 - drive to Rotorua. stay 2 nights.
Day 3 - Rotorua -
Day 4 - fly to Blenheim, stay 3 nights.
Day 5, 6, - Blenheim/Queen Charlotte track?
Day 7 - Drive to Nelson - stay 2 nights
Day 9 - drive to Abel Tasman, stay 2 nights. [or 1 in Nelson, 3 in Abel Tasman]
Day 10 - Abel Tasman hike/canoe trip.
Day 11 - drive to Glaciers via Punakaiki
Day 12 - stay Glaciers
Day 13- drive to Wanaka. Stay 3 nights.
Day 14, 15 - Wanaka - hiking/cycling
Day 16- drive to Te Anau.
Day 17 - Milford Sound
Day 18 - drive to QT
Day 19, 20 - QT
Day 21 - fly home.
now there are a number of variations you could do here - you might cut a day off Wanaka, or Nelson, or cut Nelson out completely. But IMO it give you a good balance of long drives [the worst is the one from Abel Tasman to the Glaciers and it is certainly doable as we did Nelson to the Glaciers in a day and lived to tell the tale] and longer stays.
there is always a compromise and this might be too busy for some, but it gives you time to recover between them and just about long enough in each place to get a flavour of it and do some activities.
Good luck!
So drawing those threads together, and keeping Rotorua as you seem keen on going there, I would suggest this:
Day 1 - arrive Auckland
Day 2 - drive to Rotorua. stay 2 nights.
Day 3 - Rotorua -
Day 4 - fly to Blenheim, stay 3 nights.
Day 5, 6, - Blenheim/Queen Charlotte track?
Day 7 - Drive to Nelson - stay 2 nights
Day 9 - drive to Abel Tasman, stay 2 nights. [or 1 in Nelson, 3 in Abel Tasman]
Day 10 - Abel Tasman hike/canoe trip.
Day 11 - drive to Glaciers via Punakaiki
Day 12 - stay Glaciers
Day 13- drive to Wanaka. Stay 3 nights.
Day 14, 15 - Wanaka - hiking/cycling
Day 16- drive to Te Anau.
Day 17 - Milford Sound
Day 18 - drive to QT
Day 19, 20 - QT
Day 21 - fly home.
now there are a number of variations you could do here - you might cut a day off Wanaka, or Nelson, or cut Nelson out completely. But IMO it give you a good balance of long drives [the worst is the one from Abel Tasman to the Glaciers and it is certainly doable as we did Nelson to the Glaciers in a day and lived to tell the tale] and longer stays.
there is always a compromise and this might be too busy for some, but it gives you time to recover between them and just about long enough in each place to get a flavour of it and do some activities.
Good luck!
Jul 17th, 2016, 03:29 PM
#11
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Thank you melnq8 & annhig!! Annhig- I only have 18 days/17 nights.
It's sounds like I should just cut out the north island/Rotura and focus on the South Island. So how's this instead:
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Day 2: flight to Nelson - arrives at 930 am in Nelson. Stay in Nelson area
Day 3: Nelson area
Day 4: blenhiem (or perhaps picton for the these 2 nights)
Day 5: Blenheim
Day 6: Kaikoura
Day 7: Drove from Kaikoura to Hamner springs for a quick break (few hours), then head to Hokitika. Stay in Hokitika for night. OR SUGGESTIONS on how to get to the west coast ???????????
Day 8: Hokitika to Franz Josef
Day 9: Franz Josef and surrounding area
Day 10: drive to Wanaka, spend day there
Day 11: Wanaka
Day 12: Drive to Queenstown early am
Day 13: Queenstown
Day 14: Milford Sound bus departing early am, overnight cruise around the Sounds
Day 15: Helicopter back from Milford to Queenstown arriving at 1130 am
Day 16: Queenstown
Day 17: Fly to Auckland early am, catch 7 pm flight back to USA
Day 18?? One extra day to plug somewhere ??? I was thinking QT ?? Thoughts??????
Thank you
!!!!
It's sounds like I should just cut out the north island/Rotura and focus on the South Island. So how's this instead:
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Day 2: flight to Nelson - arrives at 930 am in Nelson. Stay in Nelson area
Day 3: Nelson area
Day 4: blenhiem (or perhaps picton for the these 2 nights)
Day 5: Blenheim
Day 6: Kaikoura
Day 7: Drove from Kaikoura to Hamner springs for a quick break (few hours), then head to Hokitika. Stay in Hokitika for night. OR SUGGESTIONS on how to get to the west coast ???????????
Day 8: Hokitika to Franz Josef
Day 9: Franz Josef and surrounding area
Day 10: drive to Wanaka, spend day there
Day 11: Wanaka
Day 12: Drive to Queenstown early am
Day 13: Queenstown
Day 14: Milford Sound bus departing early am, overnight cruise around the Sounds
Day 15: Helicopter back from Milford to Queenstown arriving at 1130 am
Day 16: Queenstown
Day 17: Fly to Auckland early am, catch 7 pm flight back to USA
Day 18?? One extra day to plug somewhere ??? I was thinking QT ?? Thoughts??????
Thank you
!!!!
Jul 17th, 2016, 05:09 PM
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One other thing - I can either fly into blenhiem from Auckland - stay in blenhiem/kouikora for 3 nights- then head to Nelson for 2 nights - then head down the coast to Westport- Punkaki- etc etc to make the way to Franz Josef.
ORRR ...
I can fly into Nelson from Auckland - stay in Nelson for 2 nights - heads to blenhiem/kouikora for 3 nights - then head down through Arthur's Pass to Punkaki/Hokitika - etc etc to make the way to Franz Josef
Which drive makes more sense, which drive is faster, which drive is more scenic and which drive has better stops to FJ?
ORRR ...
I can fly into Nelson from Auckland - stay in Nelson for 2 nights - heads to blenhiem/kouikora for 3 nights - then head down through Arthur's Pass to Punkaki/Hokitika - etc etc to make the way to Franz Josef
Which drive makes more sense, which drive is faster, which drive is more scenic and which drive has better stops to FJ?
Jul 17th, 2016, 11:11 PM
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Option 1 is more logical and less driving.
Option 2 is almost a complete circle around the top half of the South Island. Way too much driving!
Do the Kaikoura whale watch as a day trip from Blenheim.
Option 2 is almost a complete circle around the top half of the South Island. Way too much driving!
Do the Kaikoura whale watch as a day trip from Blenheim.
Jul 18th, 2016, 06:22 AM
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when I use this website : aatravel.co.nz/main/time-distance-calculator…
It tells me Kouikoura to Hokitika is 4.45 hours and Nelson to Hokitika is 4.25 hours. It seems as though they are the same driving distance? But you're saying it's drastically more driving from Kouikoura to Hokitika/west coast?
It seems like everyone takes Arthur's Pass to the west coast though? I wonder why? I thought this was supposed to be the more scenic route hence more people go this route?
It tells me Kouikoura to Hokitika is 4.45 hours and Nelson to Hokitika is 4.25 hours. It seems as though they are the same driving distance? But you're saying it's drastically more driving from Kouikoura to Hokitika/west coast?
It seems like everyone takes Arthur's Pass to the west coast though? I wonder why? I thought this was supposed to be the more scenic route hence more people go this route?
Jul 18th, 2016, 06:39 AM
#15
The AA travel website usually provides the shortest routing, so I'm guessing that their Kaikoura to Hokitika routing is via Lewis Pass, whereas the Nelson to Hokitika routing is via Murchison, Reefton and Greymouth.
I use the AA travel website when I plan my own NZ trips, but I've learned to add a few hours to the estimates for lunch and bathroom stops, and even more time for exploring en route, such as walking tracks, etc. So, take those estimates with a grain of salt.
Taking Arthur's Pass makes sense when traveling from Christchurch to Greymouth or vice versa - it's the most direct route to get from Christchurch to the West Coast, but it doesn't make sense when traveling from further north.
I use the AA travel website when I plan my own NZ trips, but I've learned to add a few hours to the estimates for lunch and bathroom stops, and even more time for exploring en route, such as walking tracks, etc. So, take those estimates with a grain of salt.
Taking Arthur's Pass makes sense when traveling from Christchurch to Greymouth or vice versa - it's the most direct route to get from Christchurch to the West Coast, but it doesn't make sense when traveling from further north.
Jul 18th, 2016, 07:13 AM
#17
SMfeldman -
I just plugged in the separate legs on the AA website and it gave me this:
Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs (Lewis Pass) - 1:52 (keep in mind you'd not actually need to go into Hanmer Springs, so it'd actually be a wee bit shorter than this)
Hanmer Springs to Hokitika - 3:10
Kaikoura to Christchurch - 2:20
Christchurch to Hokitika (via Arthur's Pass)- 3:17
Kaikoura to Waiau - 1:15
Waiau to Hokitika (via Lewis Pass) - 3:30
As for Nelson to Hokitika the separate legs are listed as follows:
Nelson to Murchison - 1:37
Murchison to Hokitika - 2:47
Nelson to Blenheim - 1:33
Blenheim to Kaikoura - 1:42
Kaikoura to Christchurch - 2:27
Christchurch to Hokitika (via Arthur's Pass) - 3:17
I suggest you compare driving times/distances by plugging in the intermediary town on your particular route, to make sure the AA website is looking at the same route that you are.
Even so, it's not going to be perfect - just an estimate that won't take into account sightseeing en route, stops, etc.
I just plugged in the separate legs on the AA website and it gave me this:
Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs (Lewis Pass) - 1:52 (keep in mind you'd not actually need to go into Hanmer Springs, so it'd actually be a wee bit shorter than this)
Hanmer Springs to Hokitika - 3:10
Kaikoura to Christchurch - 2:20
Christchurch to Hokitika (via Arthur's Pass)- 3:17
Kaikoura to Waiau - 1:15
Waiau to Hokitika (via Lewis Pass) - 3:30
As for Nelson to Hokitika the separate legs are listed as follows:
Nelson to Murchison - 1:37
Murchison to Hokitika - 2:47
Nelson to Blenheim - 1:33
Blenheim to Kaikoura - 1:42
Kaikoura to Christchurch - 2:27
Christchurch to Hokitika (via Arthur's Pass) - 3:17
I suggest you compare driving times/distances by plugging in the intermediary town on your particular route, to make sure the AA website is looking at the same route that you are.
Even so, it's not going to be perfect - just an estimate that won't take into account sightseeing en route, stops, etc.
Jul 18th, 2016, 10:36 AM
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Driving distance is only part of it..factor in other traffic and bad weather and it will take longer.
Just pick a route and go with it. None is better than the other and it's all beautiful so relax and enjoy the trip.
Just pick a route and go with it. None is better than the other and it's all beautiful so relax and enjoy the trip.
Jul 18th, 2016, 07:00 PM
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I noticed you'll be traveling in November and spending three nights in Q'town (excluding your two-day side trip to Milford Sound). I don't know your specific dates, but wanted to give you a heads-up on the Queenstown International Marathon, Saturday 19 November 2016, as the resort will be busier than usual around this date.
Apart from your trip to Milford Sound, what activities do you have planned for Q'town?
Don't miss the stunning drive to Glenorchy. Lots of walks in and beyond Glenorchy. See:
http://www.glenorchyinfocentre.co.nz/index.html
Or you take a tour to Glenorchy. Two popular companies (among many):
http://www.dartriver.co.nz/
http://nomadsafaris.co.nz/tours/lord...nes-glenorchy/
ElendiPickle in her recent NZ trip report described her Dart River Safari trip:
http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...-june-2016.cfm
As you're interested in wine, don't miss the nearby wineries of Gibbston Valley. Map and list of wineries here:
https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/conte...n_Wine_Map.pdf
Amisfield Winery is closest, you can visit it on your way to Gibbston Valley (or Arrowtown), and it has a popular bistro in an attractive setting. Gibbston Valley is also home to NZ's first commercial bungy jump, the Kawarau Bungy. Even if you don't feel like partaking, you might want to take a look if visiting nearby wineries.
http://www.bungy.co.nz/kawarau-bungy.../kawarau-bungy.
Don't miss Rippon Winery in Wanaka for its wonderful views:
http://rippon.co.nz/
There are also some nice wineries in Waipara (between Christchurch and Kaikoura). Pegasus Bay's restaurant is lovely, especially on a sunny day: https://www.pegasusbay.com/pages/restaurant
Melnq8 had asked what your plans for Kaikoura are. Do you plan on whale watching, as tasmangirl mentioned?
Perhaps you have many things planned for Queenstown, but, if not, you might want to spend one less day in Queenstown and add a day to Wanaka (not as busy, quite scenic) or Nelson (one of NZ's sunniest places, plenty to do in the Nelson area, including more wineries). The weather in the south of the South Island during November can occasionally be cloudy, grey and drizzly.
Even if you drive to the West Coast via Arthurs Pass, try to visit Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks). It's worth the bit of backtracking you'll need to do. It's 35-minute drive (45.1km) north of Greymouth. Punakaiki to Hokitika will be 1 hour 6 mins (83.0km).
In mid Nov. the sun will rise around 6 a.m. and set around 8:30 p.m. (and by late November at around 9 p.m.). So you'll enjoy long days.
The drive from the glaciers to Wanaka without stops normally takes around 5 hours. But Melnq8 is right that it very well could take 6 to 7 hours if you stop for walks, other breaks. The last time my husband and I drove from FJ to Wanaka, we checked out of our FJ accommodation at 9:37 a.m. and arrived in Wanaka at 1:27 p.m. We only stopped for petrol in Fox, for views at Knight's Pt. lookout and at a Lake Hawea lookout. There was little traffic, but there was some roadwork in Haast Pass. This website lists some highlights of this drive:
http://www.nzine.co.nz/features/haast.html
There are some hairpin turns on the beautiful drive between Fox and Franz Josef Glacier.
Apart from your trip to Milford Sound, what activities do you have planned for Q'town?
Don't miss the stunning drive to Glenorchy. Lots of walks in and beyond Glenorchy. See:
http://www.glenorchyinfocentre.co.nz/index.html
Or you take a tour to Glenorchy. Two popular companies (among many):
http://www.dartriver.co.nz/
http://nomadsafaris.co.nz/tours/lord...nes-glenorchy/
ElendiPickle in her recent NZ trip report described her Dart River Safari trip:
http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...-june-2016.cfm
As you're interested in wine, don't miss the nearby wineries of Gibbston Valley. Map and list of wineries here:
https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/conte...n_Wine_Map.pdf
Amisfield Winery is closest, you can visit it on your way to Gibbston Valley (or Arrowtown), and it has a popular bistro in an attractive setting. Gibbston Valley is also home to NZ's first commercial bungy jump, the Kawarau Bungy. Even if you don't feel like partaking, you might want to take a look if visiting nearby wineries.
http://www.bungy.co.nz/kawarau-bungy.../kawarau-bungy.
Don't miss Rippon Winery in Wanaka for its wonderful views:
http://rippon.co.nz/
There are also some nice wineries in Waipara (between Christchurch and Kaikoura). Pegasus Bay's restaurant is lovely, especially on a sunny day: https://www.pegasusbay.com/pages/restaurant
Melnq8 had asked what your plans for Kaikoura are. Do you plan on whale watching, as tasmangirl mentioned?
Perhaps you have many things planned for Queenstown, but, if not, you might want to spend one less day in Queenstown and add a day to Wanaka (not as busy, quite scenic) or Nelson (one of NZ's sunniest places, plenty to do in the Nelson area, including more wineries). The weather in the south of the South Island during November can occasionally be cloudy, grey and drizzly.
Even if you drive to the West Coast via Arthurs Pass, try to visit Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks). It's worth the bit of backtracking you'll need to do. It's 35-minute drive (45.1km) north of Greymouth. Punakaiki to Hokitika will be 1 hour 6 mins (83.0km).
In mid Nov. the sun will rise around 6 a.m. and set around 8:30 p.m. (and by late November at around 9 p.m.). So you'll enjoy long days.
The drive from the glaciers to Wanaka without stops normally takes around 5 hours. But Melnq8 is right that it very well could take 6 to 7 hours if you stop for walks, other breaks. The last time my husband and I drove from FJ to Wanaka, we checked out of our FJ accommodation at 9:37 a.m. and arrived in Wanaka at 1:27 p.m. We only stopped for petrol in Fox, for views at Knight's Pt. lookout and at a Lake Hawea lookout. There was little traffic, but there was some roadwork in Haast Pass. This website lists some highlights of this drive:
http://www.nzine.co.nz/features/haast.html
There are some hairpin turns on the beautiful drive between Fox and Franz Josef Glacier.
