11 Day Nov/Dec trip advice
 

My soon-to-be wife and I will be spending the second part (10 days) of our honeymoon in New Zealand. We've decided to spend the majority of our time on the South Island. We'll be in NZ from 11/22 to 12/2. Based on some other threads, I put together the following itinerary. I'd appreciate comments, thoughts and suggestions.

11/22 -- Fly into Auckland; stay overnight
11/23 -- Fly to Queenstown, rent car, stay overnight
11/24 -- Stay overnight
11/25 -- Drive to Te Anau, see glow worm caves, stay overnight
11/26 -- Cruise Milford Sound overnight
11/27 -- Drive to Dunedin, stay in Dunedin (overnight cruise of Doubtful Sound?)
11/28 -- Stay in Dunedin/Otego Penninsula/
start driving towards Christchurch
11/29 -- Drive to Christchurch; stay in Christchurch
11/30 -- Drive to Marlborough; stay overnight
12/1 -- Drive to Christchurch; fly to Auckland; stay in Auckland
12/2 -- Fly out of Auckland to USA

I've included a trip to Marlborough, but I can cut that out if it makes more sense to stay in the southern part of the South Island for an extra few days. I'm also willing to cut the South Island short by a couple of days and spend it on the North Island, if that makes sens. Thanks for the help.

Keith

Hi Keith,
I have not been to NZ yet. Going there in December. If it helps here is my south island itinerary - decided on it after great advice received on this forum.

Day 1: Fly into Christchurch Drive to Kaikoura
Day 2: Early morning Swim with Dolphins. Drive back to Christchurch.
Day 3: Drive to West Coast through Arthur Pass. Night in Hokitika
Day 4: Heli hike in Franz Josef. Sunset at Lake Matheson. Night in Fox Village
Day 5: Drive to Wanaka.
Day 6: Drive to Te Anau (Stop at Arrowtown on the way)
Day 7: Milford Sound Road. Hike to Key Summit. Overnight Milford Sound cruise
Day 8: Drive to Queenstown. sky dive, jet boating etc.
Day 9: Queenstown. fly out in evening.

You are missing the west coast and glaciers in your trip. which I have heard are a "must see" :)

Hope this helps!
Vandy

Vandy,

This is great. Thanks. How much of your trip are reserving in advance? I thought I was going to catch some glaciers in Milford, but your itinerary looks much more comprehensive.

Keith

Hi Keith,
I have pre-booked the dolphin swim with Dolphin Encounters, the Milford Sound Cruise with Real Journeys and the heli hike with The Guiding company in Franz Josef. I am also reserving the accomodations in most places since December can get busy I have heard.

- Vandy

Are you flying into AKL from the US? What time will you get to AKL?

11/27 - I don't understand the connection between Dunedin and Doubtful sound.


As to the glaciers, they were a highlight of our trip, but that would be a completely different than yours. You can't do everything. ((R))

Since you're spending all your time on the South Island, you might want to consider flying directly into Christchurch or heading there right after you arrive in Auckland.

Lee Ann

Lee Ann,

Is Auckland worth staying in for more than one night? We can't extend our trip, so we will stay is the South Island almost the entire trip.

Keith