zhung

Hi, It's about 1 month we'll be in S.Island. One of us thinks that we should go to Arthur Pass instead of Akaroa. The vote is 2 against 2. Please advise us whether it is wise and doable and how to go about it or should we maintain our original itinerary .

26 Nov Land about 12 am in Christchurch (overnight flight from Malaysia and transit
in Singapore & Sydney )

27 Nov Explore Christchurch and buy groceries.
28 Nov Akaroa ( Rental a car, buy groceries at New World, Day tour to Banks
Peninsular )Stay Double Dutch
29 Nov Mt. Cook (lunch at Lake Tekapo & Visit Mt. John Observatory on
the way).
30 Nov Mt. Cook (Glazier Explorers Tour, Kea Poin/Hooker Valley Track )
1 Dec . Wanaka (Mt. Iron walk)
2 Dec Wanaka (scenic flight/ Jet Boating, Bicycle riding)
3 Dec Wanaka (Diamond Lake)
4 Dec Te Anau ( Explore and short walks)
5 Dec Te Anau ( The Chasm and Mirror Lakes Walk, Mildford sound cruise,
Key Summit if good weather & still fit )
6 Dec Queenstown ( Glenorchy Lagoon Boardwalk , Moke lake )
7 Dec Queenstown ( bicycle riding and short walks)

8 Dec Queenstown ( Dart River Safari). Return the car

9. Dec Early flight from Queenstown
Our doubts are should we stay in Arthur Pass on 28 Nov and stay in Christchurch on 29 Nov again , back forward... and spend only 2 nights in Queenstown or is there any better way ? Please comment on our plans... Thank you in advanced.

Melnq8

What is it about Arthur's Pass that attracts the two members of your party?

Arthur's Pass is TINY - other than hiking, there's not much to do there. Sure, you could spend some time at the visitor's center, visit the Otira Viaduct lookout and have lunch at one of 2-3 cafes, but then what? Is that (and the scenery) worth the detour from Christchurch for the two who want to go?

Driving from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass will take over two hours each way.

Akaroa, on the other hand is a bustling little town with lots on offer. It's a scenic 90 minute drive from Christchurch, and is surrounded by beautiful countryside, water and various bays.

En route, there's the cute township of Little River, Barry's Cheese Factory and a winery. In Akaroa there are walks, overlooks, a museum, harbor cruises, a penguin sanctuary and an abundance of cafes.

I've spent several nights in both Arthur's Pass and Akaroa, but I was in Arthur's Pass strictly to HIKE.

I personally feel that Akaroa makes more sense with your itinerary and it offers much more to do. I fail to see the logic in returning to Christchurch for only one night, especially as it will mean sacrificing a night in QT. Two nights in QT just isn't long enough to do much.

Thelittlestkiwi

I agree...

zhung

Thank you Melnq8 and Thelittleskiwi for you swift and helpful comments.

kiwipete

Total agree with above comments

zhung

Thank you kiwipete for the response.

kathy_from_texas

Have been to Akaroa, and it was fabulous. We went down to the town pier and booked an excursion on a smallish boat (about 10 passengers). They took us out in the Bay, and we saw many Hector's dolphin, a shag colony (cormorants), and many many other beautiful and interesting sites. Or, you can elect to swim with the dolphin on another excursion.

eliztravels2

The two who are keen on Arthur's Pass could take the train there and back, while the others take a day trip to Akaroa. Each to their own.

zhung

Sorry for the late response as I was very busy for the last few weeks. Thank you kathy_from _texas . May I know which company tour that you joined for the Hector's dolphin tour?

We all decided to go to Akaroa and let go Arthur's Pass. Anyway, thank you eliztravels2 for your suggestion.