"Otago, Invercargill and Stewart Island" or "Upper SI and the West Coast" ?

Personally, I'd choose option B over option A.

Getting to/from Stewart Island presents a few logistical issues...you probably realize that you must drive to Bluff from Invercargill, leave your car and take the ferry to Stewart Island...it can be a rough ride...you'll need to arrange some sort of transport at the other end, although motel operators are more than happy to collect/drop you off if you're staying on the island...

Although Stewart Island is small, it's worthy of at least a few full days of exploration......taking a water taxi to Ulva Island is very much worth the effort. Stewart and Ulva are excellent places for birding and walking.

I think it might be difficult to squeeze Dunedin, Invercargill and Stewart Island into four nights, unless you just plan to pass through. There's quite a lot to do in Dunedin, and if it were me, I'd spend at least three nights on Stewart Island, especially considering the time, effort and expense in getting there.

Abel Tasman/Nelson/Blenheim would be much easier to fit into your existing itinerary, although as with everything, it really depends on your personal interests.

Here's a travel time/distance calculator that might help in your planning:

http://www.aatravel.co.nz/main/td-calculator.php

Another thought...

You might consider changing the order of your itinerary -

If you go up to the Abel Tasman area after Christchurch and Kaikoura, I'd suggest going down the west coast via SH 6 towards Westport, then heading south via Punakaiki to the the glaciers, and on to Queenstown/Te Anau and then returning to Christchurch via Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo.

I have never been to Stewart Island (or Bluff) for the reason mentioned by Mel (frequent bad weather on the crossing which can be very rough). However I think March is considered the most settled month so it might be worthwhile. Another option is to spend the 4 days between Dunedin-Catlins-Invercargill and then on to Te Anau via Riverton and the Southern Scenic Route.

I like Dunedin and Invercargill for the "see how the locals live" experience. The main shopping streets in Invercargill are lined with heritage storefronts (and some interesting "real" antique stores). I might be alone on Fodors in my fondness for Invercargill (don't ask a Jafa about it). You might want to search out a b/b homestay/farmstay situation for a few nights in this area (I've used bnb.co.nz). And don't miss the local ice cream "Deep South" and Henry the tuatara!.

Thanks for your comments. No longer considering a visit to Stewart Island. Decided to wait until we have a NI itinerary before choosing the lower coast or upper coast. Probably will depend on whether we decide to fly or take the ferry between the islands.

Can't wait to try "Deep South" ice cream in Christchurch if not Invercargill.

Hi,

Melnq's given some good advice, especially about distances / travel time - you definately don't have enough of it alloted to your itinerary. Common mistake with NZ, it looks small, but it takes longer than you'd think to get from Point A to Point B (and that pesky gorgeous scenery keeps getting in the way, so you just HAVe to stop and take a picture!).

Not sure of your reasoning to go to Akaroa, but that would be a very long day trip from Christchurch to visit a small village.

Hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Kiwi Specialist