April in NZ - 16 days
 

Visiting NZ April 13-29. Staying weekend 13-16 with friends in Auckland. Then flying to QT 16th am. Have car rented from 16th in QT and return to Auckland on 27th. So, we have 16th to 27th to drive QT to Auckland. Not much time - too much to do.

Ideas:
- QT (side trips Wanaka, Arrowtown). Thinking of 3 nites here (less?)
- Te Anau (Doubtful and/or Milford sound)
- head north up the west coast, but don't know - where to stop, and what is possible. Obviously would like to hit the glaciers. Friend (in Auckland) suggested Hokitka.
- Abel Tasman
FERRY to NI
- Napier
- Taupo
- Rotorua
- Waitomo
Back to Auckland by 27th for 2 days with friends before return to US.

Would love some suggestions on how much time; where (what towns) we should think of staying and for how long. Would love to not have to change hotels (B&B) every day, but know that may be necessary.

thanks
doug

Hi Doug,

It doesn't look like you're planning to spend any time in Wellington; Te Papa Museum is a must-see, IMO, and it's a beautiful little city.

You can see how we spent 10 days on the North Island in April 2004 at http://community.webshots.com/user/ElendilPickle

Lee Ann

LeeAnn,
Thanks for the great pictures. Now I really wish that we had more time!
doug

Sorry to bump this. Was sort of hoping for some help here. But I realize that I posted this while most people are away.

doug

Doug -

Suggest you concentrate on the SI, and perhaps take a day trip or two from Auckland while on the NI.

Three nights in QT is a good start - there's plenty to keep you busy. If you don't mind a long day trip, you can do Milford from QT, but it will take the entire day.

How about something like this:

Arrive QT - 3 nights
Explore QT, Arrowtown, maybe drive to Glenorchy to hike or take the Dart River Safari, visit wineries in the area, Shotover jet, bungy jump, Skyline Gondola, lake cruise, etc.

Drive QT to Manapouri/Te Anau (about 2 hours from QT) overnight on Doubtful Sound, or visit Milford Sound (about 90 minutes from Te Anau). Night in Te Anau or on Doubtful Sound boat.

Drive Manapouri/Te Anau to Wanaka (about three hours 30 minutes) - spend 1 night in Wanaka

Drive Wanaka to Fox Glacier or Franz Josef (about 3 hours and 30 minutes, longer with stops) - spend 1-2 nights, depending on what you want to do.

Drive Fox/Franz via Hokitiki to Nelson (via SH 6 - at least six hours without stops) - 3 nights Abel Tasman area (Nelson is a possibility, but it's over an hour from the park - suggest you consider Marahau, Kaiteriteri or Motueka, as they're closer)

Drive Nelson to Picton (about 90 minute drive) to catch ferry to Wellington.

That's 10 nights, which leaves you one to spare, assuming you can get from Wellington to Auckland the same day you take the ferry. I believe the ferry takes about three hours.

This site will help you with travel times and distances:

http://www.accommodationz.co.nz/distances2.html

Forgot to mention that if you're not set on taking the ferry, you can fly from Nelson to Wellington and Auckland - this will free up time to use elsewhere.

http://www.nelsonnz.com/transport/

So much to do, so little time...

Melnq8
thanks very much.
doug

NEW QUESTION
How cold might it be in mid April in the south island? Might be too cold for Shotover jet and bungy jump?

doug

The year we visited in April, the owner of a cottage we rented told us April is the SI's most stable month weather-wise. We had the best weather we've ever had in our six visits to the SI.

We did the Dart River Safari in September one year and also did the Shotover Jet off season. Bungy jumping is done year round in all weather conditions (this according to their website). You might not want to get dunked in the river though - they give you the option before you jump.

I've been trolling around this board for a few months and even have posted question ("wing it or reserve ahead"). Given the timing that I'm going to be in south island, I'm more inclined to plan ahead. Here is my latest attempt at an itinerary. I'd appreciate any and all suggestions.

Monday 16th Fly to Queenstown (already reserved). arrive early afternoon and get a car (already reserved)

- Stay in queenstown 4 nights.

- One full day trip to Milford sound

- day trip(s) Arrowtown, Glenaorchy, Wanaka

Essentially 3 days Queenstown plus 1/2 day that we arrive.



Friday 20 Drive to Fox Glacier (5 hrs drive?)



Saturday 21 Visit Glacier then Drive to Hokitika (2 hrs drive)



Sunday 22 Drive to Nelson (area? - 4 hr drive) - stay 2 nights (or maybe move 2nd night to Picton for early start next day)

visit Abel Tasman area etc.





Tuesday 24 Most of day drive - Ferry to Wellington and then Drive to Napier. LONG DAY

- Spend night in Napier



Wednesday 25 - Spend day in Napier then Drive to Taupo

- Stay 2 nights

- Caves, Lake Taupo, Rotarua





Friday 27 - Drive to Auckland - meet up with friends for weekend before flying back to States on Sunday.

A day trip to Milford Sound from Queenstown makes for a very very long day!! I would stay in Te Anau -preferably 2 nights-and drive to the Sound from there

there are couple of trip reports you may find useful one is mine and the other by melissa5