Suzy_Q

Hi all,

I posted a similar question in the Australia forum, but then realized that we needed more help with the NZ portion our trip. My husband and I will be travelling from NYC to Sydney and then onto Melbourne for the first 11-12 days of our trip, sometime during the end of December into early January. After Melbourne (Jan 5-7), we would like to spend 8 days in New Zealand. What can we do that's not a very hectic pace but not very relaxed either?

We will have to fly out from Christchurch, via Auckland to get back to the States. Does it make sense to fly from Melbourne into Queenstown then, or stick to Christchurch for the arrival too? We are planning on to rent a car and drive around. We really want to see the maximum amount of natural beauty that NZ has to offer, since we will be getting a lot of city life in AUS. Any suggestions for an itinerary?

I'd love to see some of the North Island, but don't think we'll be able to squeeze it in. Thanks for your help.

DalaiLlama

Fly from Melbourne into Wellington, go to the Te Papa, get wheels, and gallivant south, ending up in Christchurch where you should see the Antarctic Centre next to the airport, www.iceberg.co.nz/

One-way drop-off rentals are very common. Driving is great, just don't start counting the sheep...

Lots of place to visit on the S.I. - take your pick, you'll find lodgings at the last minute, and the standard of motels is way higher than in the US - most come with fridge and kitchen(ette).

To save money, or simply to have leisurely home dinners with your own menu and beverages, go shopping before stores close, then relax. Very civilized!

Suzy_Q

Hi all, really need help on planning South Island of NZ for 6-7 days (not 8 anymore).

We're planning on flying from Melbourne into Christchurch on Jan 5th (evening). We need to leave on 12th or 13th (latest). We plan to fly out of Christchurch to get back to NYC via Auckland. Here is my tentative itinerary, please, please comment and help me fill in the question marks. Much appreciated!

Jan 5- arrive Christchurch. Overnight: Christchurch
Jan 6 - drive to Franz Josef. See glacier. Overnight: Franz Josef or drive to Queenstown?
Jan 7 - drive to Queenstown if we didn't the night before. Overnight: Queenstown
Jan 8 - drive to Te Anau. Overnight: Te Anau
Jan 9 - do day cruise of Milford Sound. Overnight: Te Anau
Jan 10-13 - What else to do and where to stay on the way back to Christchurch? Looks like we'd have a morning flight back on the 13th, so we'd probably spend the night of the 12th in Christchurch.

What do you think? Too much? Too little? What days would you spend where? Help!

Suzy_Q

Should we skip Franz Josef - how will it be in early January?
If we skipped it, should we replace it with Mt. Cook? I hate not having enough time, but seeing something is better than nothing, right?

Suzy_Q

Please ignore this. I posted a more coherent plan, with some questions in my next post.

Songdoc

You haven't said what appeals to you. If you're a "city" and "museum" person, you might want to include Wellington. For me, it's reminiscent of San Francisco or Vancouver -- two of my favorite cities.

But if, (like me) what you love is scenery and natural beauty, I'd add time in Queenstown so you can tour Skipper's Canyon and surrounding areas. I'd also squeeze in Abel Tasman -- and if so, see if you catch a flight from Nelson.

For my personal taste it's too much driving -- and not enough time to see Queenstown.

PS. I haven't found your next post.

Suzy_Q

Hi songdoc,

If you click on my name, you should see my other post, but here is the link anyway:
http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...lease-help.cfm.

Before coming to New Zealand we are spending 2 days in Cairns, 6 in Syndey and 2 in Melbourne, so we will get a lot of city/culture before coming to NZ. Because of this, we really want to see the natural beauty of NZ. Here's the itinerary we have right now. Do you think it's better to fly or drive from Queenstown to Christchurch? Please comment, I would really appreciate your feedback.

Jan 5 - Arrive at late night to Christchurch, pick up rental car, Overnight: Christchurch

Jan 6 - Drive to Wanaka, Overnight: Wanaka

Jan 7 - Exolore Wanaka, Drive to Te Anau, Do glow worm caves, Overnight: Te Anau

Jan 8 - Milford Sound day cruise, Overnight: Te Anau

Jan 9 - Drive to Queenstown, Overnight: Queenstown

Jan 10 - Explore Queenstown, Overnight: Queenstown

Jan 11 - Fly (or drive)?? to Christchurch, Overnight: Christchurch

Jan 12 - Explore Christchurch, Overnight: Christchurch

Jan 13 - Fly back to NYC