18-20 days on the ground for N. and S. NZ HELP!
Feb 1st, 2019 | 12:07 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
18-20 days on the ground for N. and S. NZ HELP!
Hi fellow Fodorite’s and NZ experts !
have been reading tons of TRs and finally need your help, since Air NZ just has new sale which we need for our San Diego to NZ trip.
Would appreciate critique of itinerary. We didn’t want to go to the FJ nor Fox glaciers for example.
my main question is : They include a Queenstown flight from AKL free which is great... but...
i need to know if I Am sacrificing not seeing Abel Tasman for 2 nights , since the backtracking would be hopeless.? I know it’s unique and I wanted to be there, but can I ”Substitute” another area for similar walking experience? Kayaking isn’t something we have done
Below is my original idea for itinerary, but now we would have to skip Nelson and return from Rotorua -fly AKL to get the free flights to QT from Air NZ
below is what I thought to do, but would really appreciate help with this itinerary before I book the international flights tomorrow:
arrive AKL: stay 2 nights , to see a friend who lives there.
fly to Kerikeri Bay of Islands: 3 nights stay Paihia . See Russell, etc
fly to Rotorua: rent car. 3 or 4 nights . Stay at Taupo so as to be able to day trip for a few hours walk on Tongariro , see geothermal areas near Rotorua Better than changing lodging for 2 nights Rotorua and then 2 Taupo?
fly to Nelson and stay 2 nights for Abel Tasman: no car. Use Wilson’s for AT
fly to QT: stay 4 nights possibly all on Glenorchy like fromDC did... fly-cruise-fly to Milford, Dart river, walk part of Routeburn track
not sure of route, but want to stay Mt. Cook for nights
back to QT to fly to AKL
have been reading tons of TRs and finally need your help, since Air NZ just has new sale which we need for our San Diego to NZ trip.
Would appreciate critique of itinerary. We didn’t want to go to the FJ nor Fox glaciers for example.
my main question is : They include a Queenstown flight from AKL free which is great... but...
i need to know if I Am sacrificing not seeing Abel Tasman for 2 nights , since the backtracking would be hopeless.? I know it’s unique and I wanted to be there, but can I ”Substitute” another area for similar walking experience? Kayaking isn’t something we have done
Below is my original idea for itinerary, but now we would have to skip Nelson and return from Rotorua -fly AKL to get the free flights to QT from Air NZ
below is what I thought to do, but would really appreciate help with this itinerary before I book the international flights tomorrow:
arrive AKL: stay 2 nights , to see a friend who lives there.
fly to Kerikeri Bay of Islands: 3 nights stay Paihia . See Russell, etc
fly to Rotorua: rent car. 3 or 4 nights . Stay at Taupo so as to be able to day trip for a few hours walk on Tongariro , see geothermal areas near Rotorua Better than changing lodging for 2 nights Rotorua and then 2 Taupo?
fly to Nelson and stay 2 nights for Abel Tasman: no car. Use Wilson’s for AT
fly to QT: stay 4 nights possibly all on Glenorchy like fromDC did... fly-cruise-fly to Milford, Dart river, walk part of Routeburn track
not sure of route, but want to stay Mt. Cook for nights
back to QT to fly to AKL
Last edited by SDsunflower; Feb 1st, 2019 at 12:09 PM. Reason: Need to change text
Feb 1st, 2019 | 12:50 PM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,150
Likes: 83
What time of year?
My first knee jerk reaction is that you're giving the South Island serious short shrift. Any way you'd consider just visiting your friend in Auckland and then spending the remainder of your trip on the SI?
You're barely scratching the surface, and IMO kind of all over the place.
With only seven nights for the SI, I highly recommend you concentrate on the south or the north of the SI.
Do you plan to rent a car at all on the SI?
The SI is jam packed with great tracks. They're literally everywhere. Abel Tasman is nice, yes, but throws a spanner in the works if your main focus is QT/Glenorchy and Mt Cook.
If say, you arrive in QT from Auckland, you can work your way up to Christchurch via Mt Cook and depart CHC to Auckland.
Arriving and departing from QT presents some logistical issues. I'd recommend flying into QT and out of CHC or vice versa and working your way between the two with the limited time you have.
My first knee jerk reaction is that you're giving the South Island serious short shrift. Any way you'd consider just visiting your friend in Auckland and then spending the remainder of your trip on the SI?
You're barely scratching the surface, and IMO kind of all over the place.
With only seven nights for the SI, I highly recommend you concentrate on the south or the north of the SI.
Do you plan to rent a car at all on the SI?
The SI is jam packed with great tracks. They're literally everywhere. Abel Tasman is nice, yes, but throws a spanner in the works if your main focus is QT/Glenorchy and Mt Cook.
If say, you arrive in QT from Auckland, you can work your way up to Christchurch via Mt Cook and depart CHC to Auckland.
Arriving and departing from QT presents some logistical issues. I'd recommend flying into QT and out of CHC or vice versa and working your way between the two with the limited time you have.
Feb 1st, 2019 | 04:50 PM
#3
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Thank you melnq8!
our one and only trip we think due to distance. Plus we are in our 60s, albeit active.
what would you suggest for itinerary?
i thought this was enough time to see both a little. I had to convince my husband not to also take some of the trip,just to see Great Barrier Reef....
actually, we were going to have 10 for S Island and would rent a car once at QT
we could just see our friend, who,had recommended not to miss BOI nor Rotorua area.
8 nights North and 10 for South Island , with rental cars definitely for South Island.
we thought to fly as needed to save time with driving.
we could just not use the free round trip AKL to Queenstown if this complicated things too much.
this was for arrival AKL November 20- and leave from AKL December 9.
we thought a short visit in North island for Tongariro/Rotorua Wai-o-Tapo/possibly glow worms cave too was a good idea?
keep Bay of Islands rather than Abel Tasman or vice versa?
then all South Island.
our one and only trip we think due to distance. Plus we are in our 60s, albeit active.
what would you suggest for itinerary?
i thought this was enough time to see both a little. I had to convince my husband not to also take some of the trip,just to see Great Barrier Reef....
actually, we were going to have 10 for S Island and would rent a car once at QT
we could just see our friend, who,had recommended not to miss BOI nor Rotorua area.
8 nights North and 10 for South Island , with rental cars definitely for South Island.
we thought to fly as needed to save time with driving.
we could just not use the free round trip AKL to Queenstown if this complicated things too much.
this was for arrival AKL November 20- and leave from AKL December 9.
we thought a short visit in North island for Tongariro/Rotorua Wai-o-Tapo/possibly glow worms cave too was a good idea?
keep Bay of Islands rather than Abel Tasman or vice versa?
then all South Island.
Feb 2nd, 2019 | 08:57 AM
#5
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Thank you Mel!
We can stretch to 20 nights on the ground.
i am considering which month to go and forget about the ”sale” for flights: we know weather is fickle, but are hoping for a month with least rain, long daylight and not during holiday times to minimize crowds.
thanks so much!
We can stretch to 20 nights on the ground.
i am considering which month to go and forget about the ”sale” for flights: we know weather is fickle, but are hoping for a month with least rain, long daylight and not during holiday times to minimize crowds.
thanks so much!
Feb 2nd, 2019 | 09:00 AM
#6
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,150
Likes: 83
Well, with 10 nights you could do something like this, depending on what routing you choose.
Arrive Nelson from the NI - rent a car - spend 3-4 nights Nelson area (or if Abel Tasman is your main focus, head closer to the park, such as Kaiteriteri, Motueka, Upper Moutere, Tasman (Tasman is my personal favorite as it's between Nelson and Abel Tasman, and therefore easy to get to both).
Drive from Nelson/Abel Tasman area to Kaikoura - maybe a night there (if it appeals - if not it is possible to drive straight through to Christchurch but it's a haul - 5.5 hours w/o stops, a night in Kaikoura will trim about 2.5 hours off that drive).
From Christchurch, drive to Mt Cook - (4.5 hours) two nights - which only gives you one full day
Drive Mt Cook to Glenorchy (3.5 hours) - 3-4 nights
Drive Glenorchy to QT for departure (about an hour give or take)
Fly QT to Auckland for departure
You could certainly fly between Nelson and QT (although I'm not current with flight options), but driving would give you a better taste of the bits in between and enable you to incorporate Mount Cook without backtracking to/from QT/Glenorchy.
Another option that doesn't include Abel Tasman
Arrive CHC from wherever on the NI
Rent car and (depending on arrival time) drive directly to Mt Cook (about four hours). Stay at least two nights.
Drive from Mount Cook to Queenstown/Glenorchy - 3-4 nights
Drive from Glenorchy to Te Anau - 3-4 nights (I prefer Te Anau as a base for exploring Fiordland and Milford - it cuts down dramatically on the drive time to get to Milford and it gives you easy access to Doubtful Sound too).
Drive Te Anau to QT (two hour drive) - fly from QT to Auckland for final departure (contingent upon flight time of course).
Either option will give you a good taste of the bits of the SI that appeal to you most and still allow time for the NI.
Arrive Nelson from the NI - rent a car - spend 3-4 nights Nelson area (or if Abel Tasman is your main focus, head closer to the park, such as Kaiteriteri, Motueka, Upper Moutere, Tasman (Tasman is my personal favorite as it's between Nelson and Abel Tasman, and therefore easy to get to both).
Drive from Nelson/Abel Tasman area to Kaikoura - maybe a night there (if it appeals - if not it is possible to drive straight through to Christchurch but it's a haul - 5.5 hours w/o stops, a night in Kaikoura will trim about 2.5 hours off that drive).
From Christchurch, drive to Mt Cook - (4.5 hours) two nights - which only gives you one full day
Drive Mt Cook to Glenorchy (3.5 hours) - 3-4 nights
Drive Glenorchy to QT for departure (about an hour give or take)
Fly QT to Auckland for departure
You could certainly fly between Nelson and QT (although I'm not current with flight options), but driving would give you a better taste of the bits in between and enable you to incorporate Mount Cook without backtracking to/from QT/Glenorchy.
Another option that doesn't include Abel Tasman
Arrive CHC from wherever on the NI
Rent car and (depending on arrival time) drive directly to Mt Cook (about four hours). Stay at least two nights.
Drive from Mount Cook to Queenstown/Glenorchy - 3-4 nights
Drive from Glenorchy to Te Anau - 3-4 nights (I prefer Te Anau as a base for exploring Fiordland and Milford - it cuts down dramatically on the drive time to get to Milford and it gives you easy access to Doubtful Sound too).
Drive Te Anau to QT (two hour drive) - fly from QT to Auckland for final departure (contingent upon flight time of course).
Either option will give you a good taste of the bits of the SI that appeal to you most and still allow time for the NI.
Last edited by Melnq8; Feb 2nd, 2019 at 09:02 AM.
Feb 2nd, 2019 | 10:52 AM
#7
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Mel,Thank you again so much!
Do you suggest skipping Bay of Islands and adding those days to S. Island?
reading travel books and online info, I cant tell if scenery is worth going way up there?
i would totally skip North island , but the geothermal areas look unusual ( way different from Yellowstone). And Tongariro portion looked like a great walk.
we will definitely fly between places.
since you do highly recommend Abel Tasman, we will keep it.
also, Mt Cook is a place not to miss, correct? We werent sure about end November weather.
we plan to fly-cruise-fly to Milford Sound from QT or Glenorchy depending on where we stay.
you love Precipice b&B and we thought to stay there. ?
i like your suggestion to drive from Nelson rather than fly to CHC .
if scenic, a great plan.
thank you!
Do you suggest skipping Bay of Islands and adding those days to S. Island?
reading travel books and online info, I cant tell if scenery is worth going way up there?
i would totally skip North island , but the geothermal areas look unusual ( way different from Yellowstone). And Tongariro portion looked like a great walk.
we will definitely fly between places.
since you do highly recommend Abel Tasman, we will keep it.
also, Mt Cook is a place not to miss, correct? We werent sure about end November weather.
we plan to fly-cruise-fly to Milford Sound from QT or Glenorchy depending on where we stay.
you love Precipice b&B and we thought to stay there. ?
i like your suggestion to drive from Nelson rather than fly to CHC .
if scenic, a great plan.
thank you!
Trending Topics
Feb 2nd, 2019 | 11:15 AM
#8
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,150
Likes: 83
Do you suggest skipping Bay of Islands and adding those days to S. Island?
I know what I would do, but I'm not you. It's been years since we last visited the Bay of Islands. If you're interested in the NI, and this may be your only opportunity, Bay of Islands is probably as good an option as any.
We've been to the SI a dozen times, but only to the NI twice. It just doesn't appeal to us the way the SI does, but that's my (and my other half's) wholly subjective and personal opinion.
Perhaps someone with more current NI info will chime in.
I love the Abel Tasman area - so much to see and do in the area.
Weather in NZ is hit and miss regardless of time of year. Mount Cook is usually on the itineraries of most first time visitors. The weather can be glorious or miserable.
Yes, I love Precipice B&B. Not cheap, but Vladka and Richard will take very good care of you. Tell them Bill and Mel from Colorado said hello if you stay there.
Glenorchy is about a 40 minute drive to QT give or take. You can easily get to QT from there for your fly-cruise-fly departure.
I know what I would do, but I'm not you. It's been years since we last visited the Bay of Islands. If you're interested in the NI, and this may be your only opportunity, Bay of Islands is probably as good an option as any.
We've been to the SI a dozen times, but only to the NI twice. It just doesn't appeal to us the way the SI does, but that's my (and my other half's) wholly subjective and personal opinion.
Perhaps someone with more current NI info will chime in.
I love the Abel Tasman area - so much to see and do in the area.
Weather in NZ is hit and miss regardless of time of year. Mount Cook is usually on the itineraries of most first time visitors. The weather can be glorious or miserable.
Yes, I love Precipice B&B. Not cheap, but Vladka and Richard will take very good care of you. Tell them Bill and Mel from Colorado said hello if you stay there.
Glenorchy is about a 40 minute drive to QT give or take. You can easily get to QT from there for your fly-cruise-fly departure.
Feb 4th, 2019 | 06:01 AM
#9
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Thank you Mel!
just booked for 11/20,arrival,AKL,- depart 12/10. Very excited!
i am posting here , hoping for solution as Precipice B&B will not be open the next season according to owners who are traveling Europe.
where would you base for QT or Wanaka as a base for a few days seeing Glenorchy, Dart River boat/walk, fly -cruise-fly Milford?
we will skip Bay of Islands and Abel Tasman if too hard to include in itinerary.
if West coast drive is gorgeous, even though we arent heli-hiking, we would do it.
we think we can just do NI in 4 nights: 2 for AKL as we arrive early evening, then 2 for Rotorua to see Wai-O-Tapu and the other bits.
then Fly to SI for 16 nights: we have free flight from QT back to AKL in the afternoon of 12/10 and then evening flight out to US.
how would you organize a first trip?
are Wilderness Ldoges worthwhile for unusual location at Lake Moeraki and Arthurs Pass? Very expensive but sounded unusual.
We would either skip Abel Tasman if needed ? We just can read online,look at photos, but would appreciate Experts letting us know.
melnq8 And others please: advice for best varied route 😜
and fly from NI to CHC and hit Mt Cook for scenery 2 nights: possible Tasman boat, see Lake Tekapo, Possible flight over Mt Cook, walks
and then go over Arthurs Pass and stay at wilderness Lodge 2 nights
hotikita 1 night ?
drive through Fox/FJG just for short stop,to,break up drive and get to Lake Moeraki Wilderness lodge for 2 nights: if Penguin encounter still there, glow worm cave, kayak Lake, eels
then to either Wanaka and/or QT to stay several days , now that Glenorchy lodging not available.
fly QT to AKL on 12/10
really appreciate some guidance !
just booked for 11/20,arrival,AKL,- depart 12/10. Very excited!
i am posting here , hoping for solution as Precipice B&B will not be open the next season according to owners who are traveling Europe.
where would you base for QT or Wanaka as a base for a few days seeing Glenorchy, Dart River boat/walk, fly -cruise-fly Milford?
we will skip Bay of Islands and Abel Tasman if too hard to include in itinerary.
if West coast drive is gorgeous, even though we arent heli-hiking, we would do it.
we think we can just do NI in 4 nights: 2 for AKL as we arrive early evening, then 2 for Rotorua to see Wai-O-Tapu and the other bits.
then Fly to SI for 16 nights: we have free flight from QT back to AKL in the afternoon of 12/10 and then evening flight out to US.
how would you organize a first trip?
are Wilderness Ldoges worthwhile for unusual location at Lake Moeraki and Arthurs Pass? Very expensive but sounded unusual.
We would either skip Abel Tasman if needed ? We just can read online,look at photos, but would appreciate Experts letting us know.
melnq8 And others please: advice for best varied route 😜
and fly from NI to CHC and hit Mt Cook for scenery 2 nights: possible Tasman boat, see Lake Tekapo, Possible flight over Mt Cook, walks
and then go over Arthurs Pass and stay at wilderness Lodge 2 nights
hotikita 1 night ?
drive through Fox/FJG just for short stop,to,break up drive and get to Lake Moeraki Wilderness lodge for 2 nights: if Penguin encounter still there, glow worm cave, kayak Lake, eels
then to either Wanaka and/or QT to stay several days , now that Glenorchy lodging not available.
fly QT to AKL on 12/10
really appreciate some guidance !
Feb 4th, 2019 | 06:21 AM
#10
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,150
Likes: 83
Personally, I'd choose a place in Arrowtown - close to QT without being in the bustle of things, easy to get to Glenorchy, Wanaka and Milford.
I'll post specific accommodation options once I look up where we've stayed in Arrowtown in the past.
West Coast drive is gorgeous, but longer than Mount Cook route. You will need a night or two somewhere in route, depending on where you're coming from.
We stayed at Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge on our first visit many moons ago - it was indeed a unique experience, but quite expensive. We've looked into staying at Arthur's Pass Wilderness Lodge, but just can't justify the cost.
I'll try get back with more details later, off to the gym.
I'll post specific accommodation options once I look up where we've stayed in Arrowtown in the past.
West Coast drive is gorgeous, but longer than Mount Cook route. You will need a night or two somewhere in route, depending on where you're coming from.
We stayed at Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge on our first visit many moons ago - it was indeed a unique experience, but quite expensive. We've looked into staying at Arthur's Pass Wilderness Lodge, but just can't justify the cost.
I'll try get back with more details later, off to the gym.
Last edited by Melnq8; Feb 4th, 2019 at 06:29 AM.
Feb 4th, 2019 | 06:28 AM
#11
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,150
Likes: 83
Arrowtown accommodation:
Where to Stay Arrowtown
https://www.holidayhouses.co.nz/new/...naka/Arrowtown
We've stayed at Orchard Cottage (twice) and a place I can't find the listing for. Lots of options as you can see.
Where to Stay Arrowtown
https://www.holidayhouses.co.nz/new/...naka/Arrowtown
We've stayed at Orchard Cottage (twice) and a place I can't find the listing for. Lots of options as you can see.
Feb 4th, 2019 | 07:14 AM
#12
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Thanks Mel!
i posted online, in case others also struggle with itinerary
starting fresh...
16 nights for SI road trip, ending QT for,flight out to AKL...
how would you suggest we go? We would splurge on Wilderness Lodge(s) if experience “worth” it... spending kids’ inheritance��.. and this helps route.
we can keep/skip places... don’t want no top driving just to tick off places... just variety of scenery . We have beaches in San Diego, so that isn’t a priority.... just hiking not strenuous uphills/ perhaps a try at kayak if special ( never done).
How,would you recommend a best friend see SI?
thanks so much !
i posted online, in case others also struggle with itinerary
starting fresh...
16 nights for SI road trip, ending QT for,flight out to AKL...
how would you suggest we go? We would splurge on Wilderness Lodge(s) if experience “worth” it... spending kids’ inheritance��.. and this helps route.
we can keep/skip places... don’t want no top driving just to tick off places... just variety of scenery . We have beaches in San Diego, so that isn’t a priority.... just hiking not strenuous uphills/ perhaps a try at kayak if special ( never done).
How,would you recommend a best friend see SI?
thanks so much !
Feb 4th, 2019 | 02:03 PM
#13
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,150
Likes: 83
In order to incorporate both the West Coast and Mount Cook (which are separated by a mountain range), it's best to fly into and out of Christchurch, because you can make a quasi figure 8 without backtracking.
Departing from QT throws a spanner in the works; to cover both the West Coast and Mount Cook from Queenstown will involve backtracking.
But here are some options that include the items on your wish list - it's a lot of driving, and not an itinerary I'd choose for myself, but it might work for you if you're energetic, plan well and get an early start on your drive days.
Assuming you want to incorporate Abel Tasman, maybe something like this:
Arrive Christchurch, drive to Kaikoura (~2.5 hour drive) - overnight
Drive Kaikoura to Nelson/Motueka/Tasman - 3-4 nights (3.5-four hour drive)
Drive Nelson/Motueka/Tasman to Arthur's Pass (this is a 360 km drive, very long day, five hours from Nelson, not including stops, a little less from Moteuka/Tasman) - stay two nights Wilderness Lodge
Drive Arthur's Pass to Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge - 5.5 hours - two nights (this will involve a wee bit of backtracking, but not a huge amount)
Drive from Lake Moeraki to Queenstown/Arrowtown/Glenorchy - 3.5 hours - stay 3-4 nights
Drive from Queenstown to Mount Cook, stopping at Lake Tekapo en route - about 3.5 hours - stay 2-3 nights
Drive Mount Cook to Christchurch for departure - one night (or you could backtrack to Queenstown if flying out from there)
Departing from QT throws a spanner in the works; to cover both the West Coast and Mount Cook from Queenstown will involve backtracking.
But here are some options that include the items on your wish list - it's a lot of driving, and not an itinerary I'd choose for myself, but it might work for you if you're energetic, plan well and get an early start on your drive days.
Assuming you want to incorporate Abel Tasman, maybe something like this:
Arrive Christchurch, drive to Kaikoura (~2.5 hour drive) - overnight
Drive Kaikoura to Nelson/Motueka/Tasman - 3-4 nights (3.5-four hour drive)
Drive Nelson/Motueka/Tasman to Arthur's Pass (this is a 360 km drive, very long day, five hours from Nelson, not including stops, a little less from Moteuka/Tasman) - stay two nights Wilderness Lodge
Drive Arthur's Pass to Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge - 5.5 hours - two nights (this will involve a wee bit of backtracking, but not a huge amount)
Drive from Lake Moeraki to Queenstown/Arrowtown/Glenorchy - 3.5 hours - stay 3-4 nights
Drive from Queenstown to Mount Cook, stopping at Lake Tekapo en route - about 3.5 hours - stay 2-3 nights
Drive Mount Cook to Christchurch for departure - one night (or you could backtrack to Queenstown if flying out from there)
Last edited by Melnq8; Feb 4th, 2019 at 02:06 PM.
Feb 5th, 2019 | 05:45 AM
#14
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Mel, you are the Expert who is so kind to
help me ( and all the NZ travelers).... I feel
very fortunate to have your guidance....
your last idea I am not keen on as its mot one you yourself would do....
I didnt realize flying out of QT is an issue for this trip.
should I eliminate Abel Tasman or Mt Cook?
we arent beach people for travel, as we have that where we live .
Mt cook , if we have enough mountain scenery/ hikes elsewhere, we could skip
i had read you dont personally love Kaikoura
The wilderness lodged arent a must do, especially the cost. But I know you enjoyed the one ages ago and other travelers here recommended.
i dont want to base our route just on these
So.... should I start a new post and ask for 16dat suggestions for SI , or continue here until itinerary is finalized and more logical ?
Hope others can also help! But Melnq8, I appreciate all your boundless energy and enthusiasm to help me with this special trip!
it seems adding
help me ( and all the NZ travelers).... I feel
very fortunate to have your guidance....
your last idea I am not keen on as its mot one you yourself would do....
I didnt realize flying out of QT is an issue for this trip.
should I eliminate Abel Tasman or Mt Cook?
we arent beach people for travel, as we have that where we live .
Mt cook , if we have enough mountain scenery/ hikes elsewhere, we could skip
i had read you dont personally love Kaikoura
The wilderness lodged arent a must do, especially the cost. But I know you enjoyed the one ages ago and other travelers here recommended.
i dont want to base our route just on these
So.... should I start a new post and ask for 16dat suggestions for SI , or continue here until itinerary is finalized and more logical ?
Hope others can also help! But Melnq8, I appreciate all your boundless energy and enthusiasm to help me with this special trip!
it seems adding
Feb 5th, 2019 | 12:52 PM
#15
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,150
Likes: 83
I don't love Kaikoura, but many first time visitors to NZ feel it's a must see. Most go for whale, dolphin and seal watching - and the coastline of course, which is spectacular. I just don't care for the town or the way it's laid out. It's not beachy in the usual sense - here the mountains meet the sea - the coastline is rugged, and rocky.
The reason I wouldn't personally undertake the itinerary I suggested is that I find stays less than two nights a PITA. Unfortunately, you only have so much time, so you need to either try to fit in your must sees, or pare back. I came up with the itinerary to fit within the parameters you've outlined.
QT is only an issue when it comes to making a circuit of the island. It's just harder to do from QT without some backtracking. Backtracking with limited time is not ideal IMO.
should I eliminate Abel Tasman or Mt Cook?
I can't answer that, but Mount Cook fits into your itinerary a bit better - it's NZ's highest peak. I live in the Rocky Mountains, but never tire of mountains. The coastline of Abel Tasman is pretty stunning too, so it just comes down to your particular interests and what you want to see.
Rest assured, you really can't go wrong. It's NZ!
The reason I wouldn't personally undertake the itinerary I suggested is that I find stays less than two nights a PITA. Unfortunately, you only have so much time, so you need to either try to fit in your must sees, or pare back. I came up with the itinerary to fit within the parameters you've outlined.
QT is only an issue when it comes to making a circuit of the island. It's just harder to do from QT without some backtracking. Backtracking with limited time is not ideal IMO.
should I eliminate Abel Tasman or Mt Cook?
I can't answer that, but Mount Cook fits into your itinerary a bit better - it's NZ's highest peak. I live in the Rocky Mountains, but never tire of mountains. The coastline of Abel Tasman is pretty stunning too, so it just comes down to your particular interests and what you want to see.
Rest assured, you really can't go wrong. It's NZ!
Feb 5th, 2019 | 01:23 PM
#16
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
I was so happy I havent turned into a PITA for you!
So hard to choose as...
its NZ. I agree!
when we went to CO, I read your posts nonstop: mountains speak to me too. I try to find special lodging , apartments even, for unusual lodging... too bad about Glenorchy!
looked at Vladkas alternate but its at other side of lake and drive is 1 1/2 hr from QT!
we considered moving half the year to Canadian Rockies or CO.... hard to travel with 3 dogs though.
Mt Cook is a definite and the other areas.. sacrifice AT if needed.... its all good.
do you recommend we do the Doubtful Sound overnight or Milford Sound one?
Better than Wilderness Lodges perhaps!
if so,
16 night route would then be?
fly into where from NI?
So hard to choose as...
its NZ. I agree!
when we went to CO, I read your posts nonstop: mountains speak to me too. I try to find special lodging , apartments even, for unusual lodging... too bad about Glenorchy!
looked at Vladkas alternate but its at other side of lake and drive is 1 1/2 hr from QT!
we considered moving half the year to Canadian Rockies or CO.... hard to travel with 3 dogs though.
Mt Cook is a definite and the other areas.. sacrifice AT if needed.... its all good.
do you recommend we do the Doubtful Sound overnight or Milford Sound one?
Better than Wilderness Lodges perhaps!
if so,
16 night route would then be?
fly into where from NI?
Feb 5th, 2019 | 01:44 PM
#17
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,150
Likes: 83
I've not done either the Doubtful Sound or Milford Sound overnight trips. I've taken many day cruises on Milford and took the Doubtful Sound cruise once. They both have their good points.
To me, the drive to Milford is the highlight, not the cruise itself.
The place Vladka is recommending is probably Kinloch Lodge. Yes, across the lake, rustic, but going upscale, beautiful spot. Secluded, lots of sandflies, not where I'd personally choose. There's not a lot of accommodation in Glenorchy - options here:
https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/plan/...accommodation/
I'd be more help if I knew what your flight plans are - flying in/out of QT? Christchurch?
To me, the drive to Milford is the highlight, not the cruise itself.
The place Vladka is recommending is probably Kinloch Lodge. Yes, across the lake, rustic, but going upscale, beautiful spot. Secluded, lots of sandflies, not where I'd personally choose. There's not a lot of accommodation in Glenorchy - options here:
https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/plan/...accommodation/
I'd be more help if I knew what your flight plans are - flying in/out of QT? Christchurch?
Last edited by Melnq8; Feb 5th, 2019 at 01:47 PM.
Feb 5th, 2019 | 01:48 PM
#18
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Fly into SI from NI: probably Rotorua if we overnight there. Debated just a day trip from AKL to see wai-o-tapu ( Mark said he forgets Yellowstone as we were there 1997 or so)... but probably best to either drive or fly there from Auckland.
fly out from QT is already booked: free flight as Air NZ deal package.
fly out from QT is already booked: free flight as Air NZ deal package.
