Any input re. my "new & improved" New Zealand itinerary?
 

Now doing the serious planning for 3 week trip in New Zealand in October. I've been working to make it less of a drive-a-thon, and still see a wide range of sights. Here we go:
Day 1: Sightseeing in Auckland.
Days 2-4: Lake Taupo - fishing, sea kayaking, day trip to Rotorua
Days 5-6: Travel to Wellington, Te Papa
Days 7-9: Ferry to S. Island; Marlborough Sound; stay near Picton - possible day trip to Abel Tasman?
Days 10-11: Christchurch & Akaroa
Days 12-13: Lake Tekapo & Mt. Cook
Days 14-15: Milford Sound, day cruise, sea kayaking
Days 16-17: Te Anau, overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound
Days 18-19: Sightseeing in Queenstown area
Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks!

Hi Natalie -

Picton to Abel Tasman will take over two hours one way, which doesn't leave much time to see the park. Is your heart set on staying near Picton?

Hi,

I agree with Other Mel :) and while Te Papa is a GREAT museum, I wouldn't drive all the way to Wellington to see it; especially if you're short on time - you might want to consider flying to the South Island.

Hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Kiwi Specialist

sea kayaking in Taupo may be a first :)

Yes, I agree, don't stay in Picton. I would continue on to Nelson at a minimum if you want to see Abel Tasman.

Your itinerary isn't too bad, although NZ is a bit different in that using towns as a base station for day trips really doesn't work out much better than moving more often (so I would stay in Rotorua for a night and then move farther south). The exception is Queenstown because of the geography of the SI.

If you want to take the ferry and see the north coast of the South Island then visiting Wellington is quite logical. Te Papa is a fantastic museum and well worth a visit. I could have spent all day there (actually I think I did).

October isn't very busy so I would not get too obsessed with planning out every night. You are still likely to get a late storm or two that will follow Murphy's Law and disrupt any pre-booked activities.

Loved:
Lake Taupo, Rotorua, Tekapo, Mt Cook,Akaroa & Milford.

Unimpressed with Wellington, Te Papa and Queenstown (although Queenstown is great for lots activities and probably a necessary transit point).

I agree with previous posters comments re Picton which is not the most inspiring town in NZ - Nelson is a much nicer town.

Another place worth considering close to Christchurch is Kaikoura, very scenic, great seafood nad a good place for whale watching (depending on season) dolphn watching and wildlife