You have to come back to at least Te Anau from Milford, it's basically a cul de sac. Have a good look at a more detailed map such as maps.google.com.

It would not be a one day drive back to Christchurch. I think if you are driving Wanaka to Christchurch the best way really is via Hwy 8 (you'll go via beautiful Lindis Pass) and even if you decide not to drive into the Mt. Cook Park (maybe an hour? each way), you would see the glacial lakes, ie Pukaki and Tekapo. Once you get to Geraldine it doesn't take long to get into Christchurch. I would overnight in Twizel or Mt. Cook NOT L. Tekapo. Avoid the "Godawful" Hotel like the plague!! (Godley).

I agree with mlgb. You would be best to look at an intermediate stop on the way to Christchurch. My suggestion would be Mt Cook as your first option and Twizel or Pukaki ans your second. It would be a pity if you didn't get a good look at the Inland Scenic route up the South Island.
Rob.

Thanks both of you for your response. I kindof figured that was the answer but wanted to make sure I covered my bases. We are so excited about this trip, can't wait to see beautiful New Zealand. Oh and our son we haven't seen in 3 months. I will look into Mt.Cook as first choice. A little more driving but life is the journey right! Thank you both for your help on this and my other posts. I will post trip report. Cheers, Kim

I hope that everything works out well for you, Kim, and that your trip is a truely memorable experience, for all the right reasons.
All the best.
Rob.

Hi Kim -


<Nov.17th Ferry to Picton,wine tour, back to Wellington>

All in the same day? The ferry ride is 2.5-3 hours each way -I assume you've checked to see if this is doable?

The trip to Milford Sound from QT (and return) is a very long day - something like 11 hours by coach, (four hours each way by car, not including a cruise) so you won't have any time to do this AND head towards Christchurch all on the same day.

I suggest either a night in Te Anau or QT the night of December 1, then work your way towards Christchurch December 2, either via Mt Cook or the West Coast, depending on your preference. You mentioned the east coast - don't do that - it's the least scenic route!

It's possible to drive from QT to Christchurch in one day including the side trip to Mt Cook (we've done it a few times), but it's a long day, so you'll need to leave early.

Another option would be to work your way towards Christchurch via the West Coast, but you'd definitely need to overnight along the way.

Ah! Coming to Christchurch via the West Coast is certainly an option. If you did a stop at Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, you can reach Christchurch quite easily the next day. It depends on whether you want arid alpine scenery (east) or rainforest and coastal scenery (west). Both are equally spectacular.
Rob.

If we decided to make our way up the West Coast would we need to drop Milford Sound? I really have the nights of the 1st and 2nd to play with. Just want to get to Christchurch by midday Friday so we have time to relax there before flying home Sunday. Looks much further up the west side. Thanks again, KIm

No.

If you visit Milford Sound on December 1 and spend the night of Dec 1 in Queenstown, you can head to Christchurch via the West Coast on Dec 2. The drive to the glaciers from Queenstown is about 7 hours. You could then spend the night of the 2 in Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and head to Christchurch on Dec 3. If you plan well, you'll even have time to make the 45 minute detour north from Greymouth to Punakaiki and back, then cross Arthurs Pass over to Christchurch. The drive from Fox Glacier to Christchurch w/o the detour to Punakaiki takes about six hours, so you won't be getting to Christchurch by early afternoon, but you will be seeing a lot of the West Coast.

That would put you in Christchurch for the nights of Dec 3 & 4.

I normally suggest at least two nights at the glaciers, but as you have so little time...

Alternatively, you can make the drive from QT to Christchurch via Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo in one very long drive day, but IMO you'd be missing some of the best of the SI.

It all boils down to what you most want to see.

I can't thank you enough, your info was very concise. I don't want to miss the best of the SI. My son is there until May so I am hoping we will be back. Maybe Mt Cook next time. Is it unreasonable to think we could make it from Milford Sound beyond QT the night of the 1st. Maybe get an hour or two beyond so we have less drive the next day?? Thank you again, KIm

Queenstown-Milford-Queenstown is already a hell of a long day. It takes close to 11-12 hours as it is, four hours drive EACH way, plus time needed for a cruise, photo stops, etc. The cruises run from 90 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending on which you choose.

The most logical stop beyond Queenstown (traveling north) is Wanaka, which is another 90+ minute drive.

I highly recommend you don't drive any further than QT - it's just too much. You're putting a lot of pressure on yourself to get back to Christchurch, rushing through some of the natural wonders of the SI in the process. As much as I like Christchurch, it's just a city.

If you're determined to get back to Christchurch by mid day on Friday, I suggest you stick with the Mt Cook route, which you can drive in one long day, or perhaps overnight enroute at Mt Cook, Twizel, Lake Tekapo or Geraldine, which will make your next day's drive relatively short (Mt Cook is about 4.5 hours from Christchurch, Lake Tekapo is 3:15, Geraldine is 2 hours).

Better yet, if time is that big an issue, which it sounds as if it is....why not fly back to QT, giving yourself more time to explore the wonders of QT, Wanaka and Milford Sound?

I meant fly back from QT to Christchurch, pre-mature posting!

If, realistically, you think that you might be back here in six months or so, I think that you should stick with the idea of going back to Christchurch via the east coast inland route and leave the west coast until next time. You are facing a lot of driving, with little opportunity to stop and enjoy.
Rob.

Thanks again guys for your help. I think the Mt Cook route seems like the way we will go. We will split up the trip and spend the night there or Twizel. That seems like a good compromise of time and scenery. I think we will be back in the near future,next time I will give the West Coast it's due time. I have reservations in Christchurch for Fri./Sat. night but we will just get there when we get there. Rob, any favorite restaurants in Christchurch? Would like something nice for our final nights in NZ. I can't thank you enough for your time both of you. This forum makes travel planning so much fun! Kim

If you like Indian food, be sure to check out Little India in Christchurch.

https://www.littleindia.co.nz/ResMenu.aspx?ResId=1

I will we love Indian food. Thanks again

Hi, Kim. Sorry for the delay in replying. I have been away for a few days.

If you want somewhere with a variety of menu options, you could try any of the following (in no particular order, but the first three are regarded as "fine dining" here) :

Pescatore -- in the George Hotel, less than a 5 min drive from the city centre. You could walk there from the city centre.

Rotherhams -- in Riccarton. My wife's favourite. Less than a 10 minute drive from the cc.

The Sign of the Takahe -- on the Cashmere Hills, about a 15-20 minute drive from the cc. Great views over the city.

Restaurant Schwass -- in Linwood, about a 10 minute drive from the cc.

Tiffany's -- on the banks of the Avon River in walking distance from the cc.

Retour -- in a converted band rotunda on the banks of the Avon. Walking distance from the cc.

Cook'in with Gas -- in Worcester Boulevard opposite the Arts Centre. Walking distance from the cc. A more casual place but with great food, often matched with different beers. Wine is avilable too.

Annie's Wine Bar and Restaurant -- in the Arts Centre. A nice place with a great wine selection. It has suffered from lack of patronage after the earthquake because parts of the Arts Centre were off-limits for a while.

Hope that you find somewhere enjoyable for your final night of your trip.

Rob.

Thank you Rob, I am sure we can find something wonderful from that list. I leave in two days, sooo excited. I appreciate your help. Kim