16 Days NZ Trip
Oct 8th, 2015, 12:48 PM
#22
I prefer to think in terms of nights, so humor me and let me know if I understand correctly -
Three nights Nelson/Abel Tasman
One night Christchurch (after flight from Nelson)
One night Tekapo or Mt Cook after drive from Christchurch
Three nights Queenstown
Two nights Te Anau
One night Queenstown
Regarding your departing flight - the airline could make all the difference. If connecting from Air NZ to Air NZ, I'd not worry a bit. If connecting to a different airline, well, I probably still wouldn't worry as you've plenty of time. Be sure to check your luggage directly to your destination in QT. You won't need to handle it in Auckland and it's only about a 10-15 minute walk between the domestic and international terminal. Piece of cake.
Three nights Nelson/Abel Tasman
One night Christchurch (after flight from Nelson)
One night Tekapo or Mt Cook after drive from Christchurch
Three nights Queenstown
Two nights Te Anau
One night Queenstown
Regarding your departing flight - the airline could make all the difference. If connecting from Air NZ to Air NZ, I'd not worry a bit. If connecting to a different airline, well, I probably still wouldn't worry as you've plenty of time. Be sure to check your luggage directly to your destination in QT. You won't need to handle it in Auckland and it's only about a 10-15 minute walk between the domestic and international terminal. Piece of cake.
Oct 11th, 2015, 02:47 AM
#25
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Hi ,
Avidall, First n foremost, Thanks for your posting. It was very timely since we are in the midst of planning a similar itinerary. I have very generously helped myself to all the feedback and inputs from this thread and the other threads to develop our agenda for this trip
Hope you don't mind me riding on your thread to get some opinions on our itinerary. Just thought it made more sense since the routes were similar.
Melnq8, Annhig, Tasmangirl and deSchenke I have noted all your comments and feedback and have tried to incorporate the to the extent possible.. Appreciate your inputs on this itinerary as well -
Day 1 - Arrive in Queenstown
Day 2 - Explore Queenstown
Day 3 - Leave after breakfast for Milford Sound Cruise. Planning to drive. Pls advise. Overnite on Cruise
Day 4 - Return from Cruise by noon and leave for TeAnau
Day 4 - Explore Te Anau. (not sure if there will be time to do much. Pls advise) Overnite in TeAnau
Day 5 - Explore Te Anau. (Any suggestions - GlowWorm Cave; Manapouri, etc). Overnite in Te Anau
Day 6 - Leave Te Anau for Wanaka after breakfast. Overnite in Wanaka / Haast / Arrowtown?
Day 7 - Continue to Franz Josef Glacier.. Overnite in Franz Glacier
Day 8 - Leave Franz Josef after breakfast and head to Hanmer Springs. Overnite in Hanmer Springs (is there a better option?)
Day 9 - Leave Hanmer Springs n drive to Christchurch via Kaikoura. Reach CC by evening
Day 10 - Spend the day in CC
Day 11 - Leave for Melbourne
We are a couple with a 12 yr old girl. Both of us drive. We need to be in Melbourne for Christmas. We can add a day or two if there is any must do or if we are rushing around too much. A couple of other points to clarify -
1) Shld we do Doubtful Sound since we have MS on the plan?
2) If we were to spend an extra nite, which among the above would you recommend the most?
Eagerly looking forward to hearing from you...
Much Thanks in advance!
PS : Melnq8 - since you prefer to think in nites
here it is - QTWN - 2 nites; MS - 1 nite; Te Anau - 2 nites; FJ - 1 nite; Hanmer Springs - 1 nite(??); CC - 2 nites... Hope that helps !
Avidall, First n foremost, Thanks for your posting. It was very timely since we are in the midst of planning a similar itinerary. I have very generously helped myself to all the feedback and inputs from this thread and the other threads to develop our agenda for this trip
Hope you don't mind me riding on your thread to get some opinions on our itinerary. Just thought it made more sense since the routes were similar. Melnq8, Annhig, Tasmangirl and deSchenke I have noted all your comments and feedback and have tried to incorporate the to the extent possible.. Appreciate your inputs on this itinerary as well -
Day 1 - Arrive in Queenstown
Day 2 - Explore Queenstown
Day 3 - Leave after breakfast for Milford Sound Cruise. Planning to drive. Pls advise. Overnite on Cruise
Day 4 - Return from Cruise by noon and leave for TeAnau
Day 4 - Explore Te Anau. (not sure if there will be time to do much. Pls advise) Overnite in TeAnau
Day 5 - Explore Te Anau. (Any suggestions - GlowWorm Cave; Manapouri, etc). Overnite in Te Anau
Day 6 - Leave Te Anau for Wanaka after breakfast. Overnite in Wanaka / Haast / Arrowtown?
Day 7 - Continue to Franz Josef Glacier.. Overnite in Franz Glacier
Day 8 - Leave Franz Josef after breakfast and head to Hanmer Springs. Overnite in Hanmer Springs (is there a better option?)
Day 9 - Leave Hanmer Springs n drive to Christchurch via Kaikoura. Reach CC by evening
Day 10 - Spend the day in CC
Day 11 - Leave for Melbourne
We are a couple with a 12 yr old girl. Both of us drive. We need to be in Melbourne for Christmas. We can add a day or two if there is any must do or if we are rushing around too much. A couple of other points to clarify -
1) Shld we do Doubtful Sound since we have MS on the plan?
2) If we were to spend an extra nite, which among the above would you recommend the most?
Eagerly looking forward to hearing from you...
Much Thanks in advance!
PS : Melnq8 - since you prefer to think in nites
here it is - QTWN - 2 nites; MS - 1 nite; Te Anau - 2 nites; FJ - 1 nite; Hanmer Springs - 1 nite(??); CC - 2 nites... Hope that helps !
Oct 11th, 2015, 03:23 AM
#26
IMO you have at least one night too many in Te Anau, unless you intend to do the Doubtful sound cruise as well as Milford Sound.
if that is not your plan, it won't take that long to get to Wanaka, so I think that you could easily look round Te Anau in the morning, then drive to Wanaka in the afternoon of Day 4.
This will free up another night in Wanaka, and another in FJ; driving from Te anau to Wanaka, Wanaka to FJ, and then FJ to Hammer on successive days would simply wipe you out. We had planned an itinerary not dissimilar to this but we realised early on in our trip that it was far too aggressive and were able to change it so that we did not have long drives on successive days.
That gives you this:
Day 1 - Arrive in Queenstown
Day 2 - Explore Queenstown [2 nights]
Day 3 - Leave after breakfast for Milford Sound Cruise. Planning to drive. Pls advise. Overnite on Cruise
Day 4 - Return from Cruise by noon and leave for TeAnau [one night]
Day 4 - Explore Te Anau. leave for Wanaka by midday, stay Wanaka
Day 5 - Explore Wanaka [2 nights - you omitted this from your list of nights]
Day 6 - Leave Wanaka and drive to FJ.
Day 7 - Overnight in Franz Glacier [2 nights]
Day 8 - Leave Franz Josef after breakfast and head to Hanmer Springs. Overnight in Hanmer Springs (is there a better option?) [1 night]
Day 9 - Leave Hanmer Springs n drive to Christchurch via Kaikoura. Reach CC by evening
Day 10 - Spend the day in CC [2 nights]
Day 11 - Leave for Melbourne
That gives you 2 nights in QT, 1 in Te Anau [plus the cruise], 2 in Wanaka, 2 in FJ, one in Hanmer Springs, 2 in Christchurch = 11 nights.
if that is not your plan, it won't take that long to get to Wanaka, so I think that you could easily look round Te Anau in the morning, then drive to Wanaka in the afternoon of Day 4.
This will free up another night in Wanaka, and another in FJ; driving from Te anau to Wanaka, Wanaka to FJ, and then FJ to Hammer on successive days would simply wipe you out. We had planned an itinerary not dissimilar to this but we realised early on in our trip that it was far too aggressive and were able to change it so that we did not have long drives on successive days.
That gives you this:
Day 1 - Arrive in Queenstown
Day 2 - Explore Queenstown [2 nights]
Day 3 - Leave after breakfast for Milford Sound Cruise. Planning to drive. Pls advise. Overnite on Cruise
Day 4 - Return from Cruise by noon and leave for TeAnau [one night]
Day 4 - Explore Te Anau. leave for Wanaka by midday, stay Wanaka
Day 5 - Explore Wanaka [2 nights - you omitted this from your list of nights]
Day 6 - Leave Wanaka and drive to FJ.
Day 7 - Overnight in Franz Glacier [2 nights]
Day 8 - Leave Franz Josef after breakfast and head to Hanmer Springs. Overnight in Hanmer Springs (is there a better option?) [1 night]
Day 9 - Leave Hanmer Springs n drive to Christchurch via Kaikoura. Reach CC by evening
Day 10 - Spend the day in CC [2 nights]
Day 11 - Leave for Melbourne
That gives you 2 nights in QT, 1 in Te Anau [plus the cruise], 2 in Wanaka, 2 in FJ, one in Hanmer Springs, 2 in Christchurch = 11 nights.
Oct 11th, 2015, 07:02 AM
#29
good point, Mel. i hadn't realised that Indiewanderes wasn't the OP.
I've not done the Milford Sound cruise, just the doubtful sound one, but yes, I would think that both in one trip would be overkill.
As I understand from what I have read, mostly from Mel, one great part of the enjoyment of the Milford Sound cruise is the drive to and from the sound. That doesn't apply to Doubtful Sound where you board a boat just outside Te Anau, sail to the end of the lake, then have a coach trip for about an hour, before boarding a boat to explore the sound.
The process is repeated on the way back. so there is little driving to be done, which is what we wanted on the day that we did the trip, hence our choice. according to your itinerary, you will have all day to get to Milford sound, and ½ a day to get back - so you will not have that problem.
I've not done the Milford Sound cruise, just the doubtful sound one, but yes, I would think that both in one trip would be overkill.
As I understand from what I have read, mostly from Mel, one great part of the enjoyment of the Milford Sound cruise is the drive to and from the sound. That doesn't apply to Doubtful Sound where you board a boat just outside Te Anau, sail to the end of the lake, then have a coach trip for about an hour, before boarding a boat to explore the sound.
The process is repeated on the way back. so there is little driving to be done, which is what we wanted on the day that we did the trip, hence our choice. according to your itinerary, you will have all day to get to Milford sound, and ½ a day to get back - so you will not have that problem.
Oct 11th, 2015, 09:12 AM
#31
Very good point, de Schenke - serves me right for copying and pasting.
Day 1 - Arrive in Queenstown [2 nights]
Day 2 - Explore Queenstown
Day 3 - Leave after breakfast for Milford Sound Cruise. Planning to drive. Pls advise. Overnight on Cruise - one night
Day 4 - leave boat and drive to Wakana [2 nights]
Day 5 - Explore Wanaka
Day 6 - Leave Wanaka and drive to FJ.
Day 7 - Overnight in Franz Glacier [2 nights]
Day 8 - Leave Franz Josef after breakfast and head to Hanmer Springs. Overnight in Hanmer Springs (is there a better option?) [1 night]
Day 9 - Leave Hanmer Springs n drive to Christchurch via Kaikoura. Reach CC by evening
Day 10 - Spend the day in CC [2 nights]
Day 11 - Leave for Melbourne
That gives you 2 nights in QT, 1 on the cruise], 2 in Wanaka, 2 in FJ, one in Hanmer Springs, 2 in Christchurch = 10 nights.
Phew.
the drive from M/sound to Wanaka is quite a long one - 5 hours or so, but you then have 2 nights in Wanaka and you will not have had a long drive the day before. And you can break it up in Arrowtown so it won't seem so long.
Day 1 - Arrive in Queenstown [2 nights]
Day 2 - Explore Queenstown
Day 3 - Leave after breakfast for Milford Sound Cruise. Planning to drive. Pls advise. Overnight on Cruise - one night
Day 4 - leave boat and drive to Wakana [2 nights]
Day 5 - Explore Wanaka
Day 6 - Leave Wanaka and drive to FJ.
Day 7 - Overnight in Franz Glacier [2 nights]
Day 8 - Leave Franz Josef after breakfast and head to Hanmer Springs. Overnight in Hanmer Springs (is there a better option?) [1 night]
Day 9 - Leave Hanmer Springs n drive to Christchurch via Kaikoura. Reach CC by evening
Day 10 - Spend the day in CC [2 nights]
Day 11 - Leave for Melbourne
That gives you 2 nights in QT, 1 on the cruise], 2 in Wanaka, 2 in FJ, one in Hanmer Springs, 2 in Christchurch = 10 nights.
Phew.
the drive from M/sound to Wanaka is quite a long one - 5 hours or so, but you then have 2 nights in Wanaka and you will not have had a long drive the day before. And you can break it up in Arrowtown so it won't seem so long.
Oct 12th, 2015, 08:52 AM
#33
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You're welcome to help yourself. I have been helped with the excellent advice on this site of Melnq, annhig, Tasmangirl and deschenke-thanks. Hopefully, my schedule is fixed. I will probably start bothering on places to stay, activities, etc.
Oct 17th, 2015, 03:09 AM
#35
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As promised, am back for suggestions on places to visit , activities, etc.
Definitely intend to do. What should i definitely do in NZ?
- Milford Sound Cruise
- Kawaru Gorge Bungee
- Jet Boat (Where?)
- Glenorchy Drive
- Pass through Arrowtown
I specifically wanted advice on what to do (as in what are the best things to do, places to see) in
- Rotorua
- Coromandel
- Abel Tasman
Queenstown seems to have tonnes of things so i dont think will be hard pressed there.
Definitely intend to do. What should i definitely do in NZ?
- Milford Sound Cruise
- Kawaru Gorge Bungee
- Jet Boat (Where?)
- Glenorchy Drive
- Pass through Arrowtown
I specifically wanted advice on what to do (as in what are the best things to do, places to see) in
- Rotorua
- Coromandel
- Abel Tasman
Queenstown seems to have tonnes of things so i dont think will be hard pressed there.
Oct 17th, 2015, 07:10 AM
#36
I highly recommend the Dart River Jet Boat Safari out of Glenorchy. Expensive, yes, but a great combination of fabulous scenery, commentary, photo ops and a few spins for thrills. The jet boats out of QT are more thrill intensive, shorter in duration and not so much about the scenery. I've done both, Dart River twice. Maybe it's an age thing, but I much prefer the Dart River Safari. Pick your day well, you won't be disappointed.
You'll also kill to birds with one stone as you'll experience the drive to Glenorchy and the drive to Paradise during the Dart River Safari tour. Money well spent.
Arrowtown has the Chinese Settlement, a museum, shops and some cute cafes, which is the main draw. By day its very busy, by night it's practically deserted, which is my preference. I don't go to Arrowtown for the shops or settlement though, I go for the tracks. If you want a nice long walk, look into the Sawpit Gully track.
Abel Tasman is all about the track and kayaking. I strongly suggest you take a water taxi into the park and spend several hours walking the track/and or kayaking, then water taxi back out. I also suggest you spend some time at Kaiteriteri Beach and Little Kaiteriteri Beach, maybe walk over to Stephen's Beach from Little Kaiteriteri. Beautiful on a pretty day.
You'll also kill to birds with one stone as you'll experience the drive to Glenorchy and the drive to Paradise during the Dart River Safari tour. Money well spent.
Arrowtown has the Chinese Settlement, a museum, shops and some cute cafes, which is the main draw. By day its very busy, by night it's practically deserted, which is my preference. I don't go to Arrowtown for the shops or settlement though, I go for the tracks. If you want a nice long walk, look into the Sawpit Gully track.
Abel Tasman is all about the track and kayaking. I strongly suggest you take a water taxi into the park and spend several hours walking the track/and or kayaking, then water taxi back out. I also suggest you spend some time at Kaiteriteri Beach and Little Kaiteriteri Beach, maybe walk over to Stephen's Beach from Little Kaiteriteri. Beautiful on a pretty day.
Oct 17th, 2015, 10:32 AM
#37
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Some things we did while staying in Queenstown that would incorporate your wish list were the following...
We rented bicycles in Arrowtown and biked along the Arrow River. It takes you across several bridges and even through a tunnel. Then you cross the Kawarau Bridge. We watched the bungee jumpers, but of course you could do it! Then we went up to Chard Farm winery, did some tasting, and then called the bike company for pickup. http://www.queenstowntrail.co.nz/map...-ride/?ride=52 We rented from Queenstown Bike Tours, but their site seems to be down right now. http://www.queenstownbiketours.co.nz
We also did the Skipper's Canyon Jetboat. Pickup was in central Queenstown. The road in is part of the thrill, rental cars are not allowed there. Lots of interesting history (we had a great driver, Dion) and a both scenic and thrilling jetboat ride. http://www.skipperscanyonjet.co.nz/e...jet-boat-tour/
We did kayaking from Glenorchy to Kinloch lodge in the evening for dinner. The pickup was from Queenstown. It was a very good meal. The highlight was the view of the area at twilight. I literally gasped! http://www.rippledearth.co.nz/dinner.html
At Abel Tasman we did the Ab Fab Paddle & Walk with Sea Kayak Co. http://www.seakayaknz.co.nz/g6.html This includes kayaking around Tonga Island's seal colony and hiking across the swingbridge at Falls River. Water taxis take you both in and out of the park - away from the crowds going in at Marahau. They picked us up and returned us to our accommodation in Marahau.
I haven't been out on Coromandel Peninsula, but have been to Karangahake Gorge and it is very worthwhile. The Windows Walk is highly recommended and be sure to stop by Owharoa Falls. http://www.newzealand.com/us/feature...toric-walkway/ Of course, there's Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach (low tide).
At Rotorua, we did mostly free stuff. We watched the rafters at Okere Falls, hiked up Rainbow Mountain, went to Kerosene Creek, the mud pools. Closer to Taupo we went to Huka Falls and Spa Park.
http://motorcamps.com/content/okere-...kaituna-rapids
http://motorcamps.com/content/rainbow-mountain
http://motorcamps.com/content/kerosene-creek
http://motorcamps.com/content/mud-pool
http://motorcamps.com/content/huka-falls
http://motorcamps.com/content/spa-park-hot-spring
We rented bicycles in Arrowtown and biked along the Arrow River. It takes you across several bridges and even through a tunnel. Then you cross the Kawarau Bridge. We watched the bungee jumpers, but of course you could do it! Then we went up to Chard Farm winery, did some tasting, and then called the bike company for pickup. http://www.queenstowntrail.co.nz/map...-ride/?ride=52 We rented from Queenstown Bike Tours, but their site seems to be down right now. http://www.queenstownbiketours.co.nz
We also did the Skipper's Canyon Jetboat. Pickup was in central Queenstown. The road in is part of the thrill, rental cars are not allowed there. Lots of interesting history (we had a great driver, Dion) and a both scenic and thrilling jetboat ride. http://www.skipperscanyonjet.co.nz/e...jet-boat-tour/
We did kayaking from Glenorchy to Kinloch lodge in the evening for dinner. The pickup was from Queenstown. It was a very good meal. The highlight was the view of the area at twilight. I literally gasped! http://www.rippledearth.co.nz/dinner.html
At Abel Tasman we did the Ab Fab Paddle & Walk with Sea Kayak Co. http://www.seakayaknz.co.nz/g6.html This includes kayaking around Tonga Island's seal colony and hiking across the swingbridge at Falls River. Water taxis take you both in and out of the park - away from the crowds going in at Marahau. They picked us up and returned us to our accommodation in Marahau.
I haven't been out on Coromandel Peninsula, but have been to Karangahake Gorge and it is very worthwhile. The Windows Walk is highly recommended and be sure to stop by Owharoa Falls. http://www.newzealand.com/us/feature...toric-walkway/ Of course, there's Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach (low tide).
At Rotorua, we did mostly free stuff. We watched the rafters at Okere Falls, hiked up Rainbow Mountain, went to Kerosene Creek, the mud pools. Closer to Taupo we went to Huka Falls and Spa Park.
http://motorcamps.com/content/okere-...kaituna-rapids
http://motorcamps.com/content/rainbow-mountain
http://motorcamps.com/content/kerosene-creek
http://motorcamps.com/content/mud-pool
http://motorcamps.com/content/huka-falls
http://motorcamps.com/content/spa-park-hot-spring
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