First time traveling alone from US to see family in Wellington. We have a north island trip planned about 5 days after I arrive, but since I've never been to NZ want to see some of the south island. Only have 3-4 days so was thinking of a guided tour. Any recommendations? Thanks!
South Island New Zealand, ONLY have 3-4 days!
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Fly to Queenstown and spend all of your time there. You don't have time for much else.
Since you only have 3/4 days. I would suggest a trip to Mt.Cook(where 22 out of 27 of the highest peaks with glaciers are in New Zealand) from Christchurch or even doing Kaikoura with all the natural beauty of that area along with the marine life.
I know that everyone thinks that Queenstown is the only place to go on the South Island but there are quite a few beautiful places that don't require going that far.
I'm the last person in the world to think QT is the only place to go. It makes a good base for such a short trip though, as you can fit alot into your time - QT, Arrowtown, Glenorchy (fantastic scenery and walks, Mt Aspiring National Park) maybe even a short trip to Wanaka.
Mt Cook is a five hour drive from Christchurch and a five hour drive from Queenstown.
You can fly into Queentown.
Thank you both Melng8 and dutyfree! I see lots of tour company offer trips from Queenstown to Milford Sound, or to Fox Glacier. Also Queenstown to Christ Church via Mt. Cook. Was wondering if you have recommend any specific companies/websites? I truly appreciate your input!
Can't help there gpnanns, we always rent a car and travel independently. You might post this over on Trip Advisor too, their NZ forums are much more active than this one.
Christchurch to Mt. Cook is not a 5 hour drive-it took us about 3 1/ 2hours.
Well, I don't know how fast you were driving dutyfree, but Christchurch to Mt Cook is 332 km, 206 miles. Based on average driving speed, it takes about three hours to reach Lake Tekapo from Christchurch and another 1:25 from there to reach Mt Cook.
So what's average? Who knows. The speed limit is generally 100 km on NZ highways, but roads are quite winding and the scenery tends to slow tourists down, as well it should.
Just take care gpnanns, whatever you do.
http://www.newzealand.com/travel/getting-to-around-nz/travel-times-and-distances/travel-times-and-distances-home.cfm
http://www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealand/about-new-zealand/driving-routes/christchurch/christchurch-queenstown-christchurch/day-1.html