4 weeks in New Zealand
#41
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sounds like a wise plan, given the uncertainty.
If SH1 north of Kaikoura re-opens: According to my old HEMA Maps NZ Touring Atlas, prior to the Kaikoura earthquake, the trip from Kaikoura to Blenheim would have been 1 hour, 50 minutes, Kaikoura to Picton 2 hours, 15 minutes.
AA Drive Distance Calculator says it'll take 2 hours 19 minutes from Blenheim to Motueka. From Picton to Motueka, via scenic but curvy Queen Charlotte Drive, would be 2 hours, 41 minutes (a long drive in total, so you have to take a few breaks). Enroute, Havelock is a good stop for dining on green mussels, Mapua Wharf is also a scenic dining spot.
http://www.mapuawharf.co.nz/about-mapua-wharf/
If SH1 north of Kaikoura re-opens: According to my old HEMA Maps NZ Touring Atlas, prior to the Kaikoura earthquake, the trip from Kaikoura to Blenheim would have been 1 hour, 50 minutes, Kaikoura to Picton 2 hours, 15 minutes.
AA Drive Distance Calculator says it'll take 2 hours 19 minutes from Blenheim to Motueka. From Picton to Motueka, via scenic but curvy Queen Charlotte Drive, would be 2 hours, 41 minutes (a long drive in total, so you have to take a few breaks). Enroute, Havelock is a good stop for dining on green mussels, Mapua Wharf is also a scenic dining spot.
http://www.mapuawharf.co.nz/about-mapua-wharf/
#44
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That sounds like a good way of breaking up your drive from Christchurch to Motueka. Please check the NZ Transportation website before setting off on your drive, to check for delays enroute:
https://www.nzta.govt.nz/
Looking back at your itinerary, you then plan traveling down the West Coast, spending a night in Punakaiki and two nights in Fox Glacier village, hoping to see Franz Josef Glacier along the way.
Franz Josef and Fox are about a half hour drive apart, road is scenic but twisty, so you might not want to drive back and forth between the two. I can't recall your specific plans for the glaciers, but, if you won't have much time for Franz Josef, you might be interested in the short, easy walk to Peter's Pool. It has a pretty view of a reflecting pool and glaciers.
According to this recent article, the glacier has advanced:
https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/west-c...begins-advance
https://www.nzta.govt.nz/
Looking back at your itinerary, you then plan traveling down the West Coast, spending a night in Punakaiki and two nights in Fox Glacier village, hoping to see Franz Josef Glacier along the way.
Franz Josef and Fox are about a half hour drive apart, road is scenic but twisty, so you might not want to drive back and forth between the two. I can't recall your specific plans for the glaciers, but, if you won't have much time for Franz Josef, you might be interested in the short, easy walk to Peter's Pool. It has a pretty view of a reflecting pool and glaciers.
According to this recent article, the glacier has advanced:
https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/west-c...begins-advance
#45
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here's a informative link for the Peter's Pool walk:
http://www.doc.govt.nz/peters-pool-walk
Also:
https://www.aa.co.nz/travel/editorial/peters-pool-walk/
http://www.doc.govt.nz/peters-pool-walk
Also:
https://www.aa.co.nz/travel/editorial/peters-pool-walk/
#49
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you're still planning to pass through Kaikoura, check this link for updates:
Plan your journey (P2C) | NZ Transport Agency
The weather has been so hot and sunny, but some summer thunderstorms could cause temporary road problems.
Have a great time!
Plan your journey (P2C) | NZ Transport Agency
The weather has been so hot and sunny, but some summer thunderstorms could cause temporary road problems.
Have a great time!
#51
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Please check this post:
Cyclone Gita
Cyclone Gita
#52
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Guys
Diamantina, annhig, Mlnq8 and everyone else who contributed Thank you, so, so much. We had a wonderful absolutely amazing trip that would not have been possible without your suggestions and recommendations. A million thanks. I will post a trip report soon with more details
Diamantina, annhig, Mlnq8 and everyone else who contributed Thank you, so, so much. We had a wonderful absolutely amazing trip that would not have been possible without your suggestions and recommendations. A million thanks. I will post a trip report soon with more details
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
freediver
Australia & the Pacific
18
Dec 22nd, 2018 03:11 PM
colombept
Australia & the Pacific
4
Oct 25th, 2010 03:18 PM