Thanks, Mel! Those all seem like great options! I was also looking at Waiorau Homestead in Wanaka, do you know that place? I was originally considering Glenorchy instead, but since we have to drive to Fox next, it seems like staying in Wanaka makes more sense. Do you agree with that?

The homestead looks very nice and gets excellent reviews, but the location concerns me a bit - it's in Cardrona Valley, off Crown Range Road, 40 minutes from QT and 20 minutes from Wanaka. If your intent is to explore Wanaka and Mt Aspiring, it's not the most convenient location. It'll add 20 minutes to the hour long drive to Matukituki Valley (Mt Aspiring Nat'l Park).

If your intent is to stay somewhere between Queenstown and Wanaka, it makes sense, but just be aware of the additional travel time. Also be aware that it's in an isolated area, away from shops, restaurants, petrol stations (which might be the whole idea!).

Yes, Wanaka makes more sense than Glenorchy if you plan to drive to the West Coast the following day.

NZ2014 - in Wanaka, we are staying here:

http://www.criffelpeakview.co.nz/

i picked it because it was fairly central and looked very pleasant with nice views and what look like friendly people. another fodorite who lives in Wanaka knows the owners - no surprises there given the size of the place. I appreciate that we haven't stayed there yet! if you can wait until late december when we get back from our trip, you can have a review.

My criteria [different from Mel's and possibly different from yours] are that there should be parking, a view, a full breakfast, a location which will allow us to walk to a restaurant and bar, and that it's no more than the equivalent of £100 per night. [about 200NZ$]

You're in luck annhig, parking at one's accommodation in NZ is pretty standard (although it can be an issue in Queenstown).

Oh, thanks that's helpful about the location! I don't mind being isolated; in fact, I kind of like the idea. But, I do want to be able to explore Mt. Aspiring National Park so I'm not sure I want to be put further away. I will look into a bit more.

Thanks Annhig for that info as well. I'd say my main criteria is a great view and overall cozy feeling, but full breakfast and walking distance to restaurants is good too. I will check out criffelpeak!

Hi we have just spent 9 days on the south island and after a lot of research and advise it went like this. By the way we have done it twice the second time taking friends and at different times of the year
Day 1 Arrive Christchurch at 1 am so went and stayed night
Day 2 Pick up car near airport drive to Lake Tekapo.
Day 3 Must go to st john obseravatory before you leave
Drive to Mount Cook do Hooker Track Walk
Day4,5 and 6 Drive & Stay Queenstown
Do Shotover Jetboat
Drive to Glenorchy then to Paradise
Do Milford by bus trip
Day 7 Drive to Fox or Franz Joseph Glacier This is the longest drive

thanks, fittle.

where did you go after the Glaciers?

Hi again,

We have moved a long with planning, and are now going to spend 6 nights split between Te Anau and Wanaka. Would you suggest 3 nights in each place or 2 in Te Anau and 4 in Wanaka? Thanks!

I'd go for three in each place.

Thanks Mel! That's what we've decided on though of course I am second guessing already. Ha. Since we're getting closer to our trip, I'm starting to think also about activities. What are some of your favorite hikes (or other activities) near Te Anau and Wanaka? Besides Milford Sound, we're thinking of doing the Routeburn/key summit day hike while in Te Anau and going paddleboarding on Lake Wanaka. Thanks so much!

We leave in less than 2 weeks and have our final itinerary. I took almost all of your advice Mel, except for we have only 1 night at Fox Glacier. I know, I have only myself to blame when we feel rushed. But I decided I'd rather have 3 nights in Te Anau. Anyway, here is our final itinerary in case it is helpful to anyone else:

Day 1 Christchurch
Day 2 Drive to Mt. Cook, stay Mt. Cook
Day 3 Mt. Cook
Day 4 Drive to Te Anau, stay Te Anau
Day 5 Te Anau
Day 6 Te Anau
Day 7 Wanaka
Day 8 Wanaka
Day 9 Wanaka
Day 10 Drive to Fox Glacier, stay Fox Glacier
Day 11 Do Fox glacier hike, stay Hokitika
Day 12 Drive to Bronte (near Abel Tasman)
Day 13 Bronte
Day 14 Bronte
Day 15 Kaikoura
Day 16 drive to Christchurch and fly out

I will do a report when we're back. Thanks again for all your advice and previous trip reports!!

Mt Cook to Te Anau will be a very long day, give yourself plenty of time for the drive.

Bronte? As in Bronte Country Estate? Looks nice!

Enjoy your trip nz2014, I know how hard you've worked on your itinerary. I've got my fingers crossed for nothing but spectacular weather.

Safe travels.

like melnq8 says, that drive from mount Cook to Te Anau is going to be pretty long. Google estimates 4 hours 40 mins but i think that that is probably an under-estimate. We were warned [thanks, melnq8] about how long it takes to get from one place to another in NZ but it wasn't until we'd spent a couple of days experiencing it for ourselves that we got what she meant.

At the very least i would reckon on having a lazy not driving very much day, the day after you get to Te Anau.

Yes, we're planning to allow the whole day for driving from Mt. Cook to Te Anau, and now that we have 3 nights in Te Anau, I'm not as concerned about it.

We're actually staying at Atholwood in Bronte, not Bronte Country Estate, though that place does look spectacular!

Thanks again for all your advice and good weather wishes! It looks like it can be all 4 seasons in one day so I guess I'll pack everything I own.

Thanks again for all your advice and good weather wishes! It looks like it can be all 4 seasons in one day so I guess I'll pack everything I own.>>

nz, we found that most places had very good laundry facilities, so we didn't in fact need that many clothes. but a good range of clothing is a good idea - as you say, something for every season.

<I'll pack everything I own.>>


No, no, no!

The less luggage the better, especially in NZ with moving around so much. Think layers and Laundromats!

Ha thanks! I know-I won't really pack everything. I figured layers is key so I'll be strategic about it, I promise!

bmk!