annwarne

I am arriving in Picton on 6pm ferry in Nov Staying overnight then thinking of heading to Nelson exploring Abel Tasman and then down westcoast to Queenstown. I have 6 days and travelling by public transport. Any suggestions appreciated. I have been to Fox Glacier and helihiked so could o/night somewhere else. Thankyou

Melnq8

Are you departing from Queenstown?

If so, routing is easy, but with such limited time, it'll be more driving than sightseeing.

The main problem here is trying to fit in the north of the SI and the south of the SI in so few days - difficult to do, even when making a one way trip.

Picton-Nelson (keep in mind that Nelson is still about an hour's drive from Abel Tasman Nat'l Park - I find Kaiteriteri, Marahau, or Motueka better bases)-Kaikoura-Christchurch-Mt Cook-Queenstown

Or

Picton-Nelson-Punakaiki or Greymouth or Hokitika (or even glaciers again - you may recall, the drive down the West Coast is a long one, so you'll need to break up the drive somewhere)-Wanaka-Queenstown (or skip Wanaka and just go to Queentown)

Or

Picton-Nelson-Kaikoura-Christchurch-then over Arthur's Pass towards Greymouth, overnight at Hokitika perhaps, then on to Wanaka and/or Queenstown

I suspect you'll find that you'll be spending most of your time on the bus, and as bus schedules are less flexible than self-drive, you will have very little time for actual sightseeing and DOING.

I suggest you choose between the top of the South Island or the south of the South Island, and as the ferry is already booked, the north make more sense for you.

Is your departure city flexible? Where will you depart from?

annwarne

Thanks for reply. I have a house sitting gig in Queenstown from 8/11 for 3 weeks so plenty of time to explore the south. Have done Q'town to Christchurch then trans alpine to Fox and back to Queenstown last year. That's why keen to see some of the north west. Realise a lot of driving. Do you think 2 days 3 nights in Abel Tasman will give me a good look around. Don't mind 2 days travelling to Queenstown and admiring scenery. Bit worried about bus timetables tho

Melnq8

Gotcha - so much easier to help when one has all the details.

Yes, two days three nights Abel Tasman will give you a nice taste, but suggest staying closer to the park than Nelson, assuming the park is your main focus.

From Abel Tasman area, I'd suggest a night in Punakaiki to break up the drive, then on to the glaciers then on to QT.

Murchison is also a possibility - not much to draw tourists, yet some very nice tracks in the area and plenty of sandflies.

annwarne

Thankyou so much for your suggestions. Pretty much doing as you suggest
Picton/Nelson/Punakaiki/Fox/Q'town. Unfortunately buses determined itinerary a bit. That's why staying in Nelson instead of venturing further in. I am sure can find a couple of good daytrips to give me a decent taste and new experience. Will look at longer stay next year when do house sit again.
Cheers

annwarne

I have limited time in Picton. and Punaki About 4 hours each place 8am-noon before boarding bus
Any suggestions?

Melnq8

Normally I'd suggest a water taxi and a walk on the Queen Charlotte Track, but you just don't have enough time. You'd also need transport for a few hikes I could suggest.

So, maybe the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum near the ferry terminal? Perhaps a wander along the waterfront and through town? There's a very nice bakery too - you could pick up some treats for the bus ride.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-e...ery-best-again

There are some gems in the area, but you'd need transport to get to them.

You could check the water taxi schedule, see if you can fit in a short Marlborough Sound cruise, but I suspect you'll need more time for one of those. Worth a look though.

Punakaiki is easier as it's small - you'll have sufficient time to take the walkway through the Pancake Rocks and also walk the Truman Track down to the beach, and still have time to check out the visitor's center and have a nice flat white (I seem to remember good brownies too). All this is within walking distance as Punakaiki is tiny.

annwarne

Thanks so much.Agree limited time. Tis a shame 6pm Bus from Picton only on Mondays. Would loved to have done a little of Queen Charlotte track but at least have more time for Abel Tasman.Brownie and coffee sounds yummy