Booked Kiwi Explorer Pass, now our itinerary must change! Need advice.
 

Hello,

We just booked the Kiwi Explorer Pass on the Air New Zealand site and got a great deal on airfare for March. We got 2 internal flights that we hadn't been expecting to take and now this changes our itinerary. We fly into Auckland and will spend 3 nights in the Bay of Islands. Then we fly to Wellington on the 11th. and our next flight isn't until the 23rd when we fly to Queenstown from Christchurch. How should we spend the 12 days in between? We'd like at least 3 (maybe 4?) days at Abel Tasman. Maybe a few days in Blenheim or Picton (which is a better base), one in Kaikoura, 3 in CC? Or maybe take the TranzAlpine to Arthur's Pass and spend a day there? Would it be too much to spend an entire week in Abel and Queen Charlotte areas?

Also, we had been planning to go in February and had made reservations quite awhile ago. I cancelled all of them and one of the hostels is saying they are going to keep $50 for an "administration fee." I had paid for 2 nights in advance in a private room. Can they do that? I cancelled 3 months early.

Thanks for any advice!

P.S. Also, when we were booking the airfare, we had to include airfare from Auckland to CC--it wouldn't let us price the itinerary without including this airfare. However, we don't intend on taking this flight. Should I call Air NZ and tell them we don't need that flight? I can't imagine they would charge us a fee for this, would they? We don't want the seats to go to waste though. Or, could we change it to another internal flight?

Sorry, that should be Wellington to CC in the P.S.

I know some airlines are really b$%^ards about people not using one of the legs on a sale fare. They will drop you from the balance of your itinerary if you don't show up! So yes do call them and see what they say.

Worse comes to worse you can probably find an inexpensive return flight CC to Auckland to get back on the itinerary you planned.

Once you are in Wellington do you want to see any of the south end of the NI? There is the Kapiti Coast and Kapiti Island in one direction and the Martinborough area the other way for winetasting.

I am not a big fan of either Picton or Blenheim, I like Nelson better. After Abel Tasman I think I would skip the Sounds since you're taking the ferry (?) do the west coast by Buller Gorge (rt 6)to Paparoa/Punakaiki. Then the Glaciers-Wanaka-Queenstown-Milford-Te Anau, back to Queenstown (you could walk the key). Depending on your pace you could go up and back to Mt Cook with an overnight, or spend more time around Queenstown, ie Glenorchy, Arrowtown, a loop to Dunedin via Central Otago.

"I know some airlines are really b$%^ards about people not using one of the legs on a sale fare. They will drop you from the balance of your itinerary if you don't show up! So yes do call them and see what they say."

Crap. I had no idea. I'll call them tomorrow.

Just called Air New Zealand and we were able to cancel that flight with no penalty. Phew! We are open to seeing So. NI. If we made our way back to CC via the west coast of the SI, how many days would be good for each spot? Also we're interested in a semi-leisurely pace... :) Fitting in Dunedin somewhere would be great. Yes, we plan on taking the ferry from Well to Picton.

<Would it be too much to spend an entire week in Abel and Queen Charlotte areas?>

It's certainly not too much time in my book, but I'm partial to the north end of the SI. I'm not a huge fan of Picton either, but I really enjoy staying within the Marlborough Sounds - there's some very nice accommodation with boat only access back there.

Golden Bay (Takaka side of Abel Tasman) is a good place to spend a few days too, it's often overlooked by visitors, many of which never make it across Takaka Hill. From this side you can easily visit Collingwood and Farewell Spit, as well as access the Abel Tasman track from the opposite end.

We've been known to spend several nights in the Marlborough Sounds, Golden Bay and the area between Motueka and Nelson (near Marahau, the gateway to Abel Tasman) all in the same trip.

<If we made our way back to CC via the west coast of the SI, how many days would be good for each spot?>

Assuming you're coming from Wanaka or QT, I'd allow at least two nights at the glaciers.

britomart, thats good they let you fix your flights.

The choice of what to see is so personal, and there just isn't enough time for everything, eg, I am less of a beach/water lover (as a kid there was nothing to do BUT beaches as an activity (poor me!)

One of the big attractions to me of NZ is that you can really mix up the scenery in a short time. So I like to combine coast/forest/mountain and the tussocklands in one trip. So I really think it depends on what kind of traveling you've already done..I know I ran into some kids from west Canada and they though the Southern Alps were boring. And if you've been to Alask or Norway you won't be as wowed by Milford Sound.

See, I've had this dilemma with every version of our itinerary... I feel like if we just did what we wanted, we'd stick almost entirely to coastal areas since both my hubby and I LOVE the water. But we feel compelled to include some variations, hence we're considering including the Southern Alps. We haven't been to Norway or Alaska and Milford Sound is what I am most looking forward to. Looks like we have some big decisions to make!

I think you can go kayaking at Milford Sound, can't you?

There is some surprisingly beautiful coastal scenery between Dunedin and Invercargill along the Catlins coast around around Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. You'll often see dolphins off shore (and the water is warmer than you'd think, although not tropical).

I think we're leaning towards either going down the west coast of the S.I. or straight down the middle, towards Nelson Lakes from Nelson and down to Arthur's Pass. What are some recommended stays based on driving distances and attractions? We'd rather not drive more than 4-5 hours per day and like to stay at least 2 nights in one spot.

Also is the Martinborough area comparable to Marlborough for wine-tasting?

If you want to see the glaciers it really is best to book into Franz or Fox, which are short on lodgings so I'd do that in advance. I also have done Hokitika and it has the bonus of glow worm dell.

I have no experience with Nelson Lakes.

In Arthur's Pass look for "Mountain House" it used to be associated with the YHA there.

Another spot that always seems to be convenient for me is Methven. Since it is a ski resort town in winter, it's easy to find something on short notice (once I had an entire house to myself with a living room, kitchen and laundry for $15...that will never happen again!).

Of course Mt. Cook is a favored spot, the private rooms in the YHA aren't bad since they are on the second floor so you don't have the typical overhead stomping sounds (they do share bathrooms but the backpackers don't seem to know about the upstairs ones). This newish lodge is probably the best choice but it's really hard to find an opening.

If you want to stay flexible there is always Twizel.

Forgot to post the link for the recommend lodge in Mt Cook.

http://www.aorakialpinelodge.co.nz/

(I really should be packing for my own trip to Costa Rica tonight!!)

Hi britomart -

<I think we're leaning towards either going down the west coast of the S.I. or straight down the middle, towards Nelson Lakes from Nelson and down to Arthur's Pass.>

I think you mean the east coast right, via Blenheim and Kaikoura?

The route 'straight down the middle' incorporates more of the West Coast, including Punakaiki, assuming you cross over at Westport.

If you travel south via the east coast and cross over at Arthurs Pass, you'll still see the best of the West Coast and you can still make the 45 minute detour to Punakaiki from Greymouth, thereby only missing the section between Punakaiki and Westport (and of course up to Karamea, but not many visitors make it as far as Karamea anyway).

So it really boils down to whether you want to see Arthur's Pass or not.

We took the route via Nelson Lakes in 2007 - you'll find the trip report here if you want details on the drive, including drive times/distances:

http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...rip-report.cfm

Hi Melnq8: I read your trip report, thanks. I did not realize it's possible to drive from Picton to the Paparoa area in 1 day... I think I have been thinking the SI distances are longer than they actually are.

So, in addition to the 3 days in Motueka, you would recommend 2 more days in Golden Bay?

And then about 3 days in the Paparoa area? And then drive from there to Christchurch via Arthur's Pass? We are not interested in the glaciers.

Here's another thought: Could we day trip from CC to Arthur's Pass?

My head is telling me to go to the west coast. My heart is saying go to the east coast. I dunno, Blenheim and Marlborough and Kaikoura and Hanmer are all calling to me.

<So, in addition to the 3 days in Motueka, you would recommend 2 more days in Golden Bay?>

It really depends on the amount of time you have and your personal interests. I like the area alot, but that's just me.

<I think I have been thinking the SI distances are longer than they actually are.>

It's not the actual distance so much as the narrow winding roads (one lane each direction), the one lane bridges, and the desire to get out and take photos every few minutes....these are the things that slow you down.

<And then about 3 days in the Paparoa area? And then drive from there to Christchurch via Arthur's Pass? We are not interested in the glaciers.>

Three days is a long time in Punakaiki. Most visitors just pass through. We chose to spend a few days to explore the hikes. We really enjoyed our stay there, but it's certainly not a place most people spend much time. It's tiny - I mean tiny. It really depends on you and your interests.

Yes, you can day trip from CC to Arthur's Pass. In fact, we did this ourselves once (via car). Wasn't terrribly exciting, but we did it. You could also opt for the Tranz Apline from CC to Greymouth and return, but it's a long day.


<My head is telling me to go to the west coast. My heart is saying go to the east coast. I dunno, Blenheim and Marlborough and Kaikoura and Hanmer are all calling to me>

Then answer the call. It's your trip, you need to do what YOU want to do!

<Yes, you can day trip from CC to Arthur's Pass. In fact, we did this ourselves once (via car). Wasn't terrribly exciting, but we did it. You could also opt for the Tranz Apline from CC to Greymouth and return, but it's a long day.>

So, the truly spectacular scenery is via the west coast drive?

I have another question for you about the Queen Charlotte Track area. Is there a particular area that's better to stay in for people who don't want to walk the entire thing and who would like to stay in the islands for 2-3 days without going to the mainland? So, somewhere where it's possible to do day treks? And get food? Our accommodation budget is max $100 per night.

Arthur's Pass is a pass. I'm a CO girl, so passes in and of themselves don't excite me much. However, Arthur's Pass leads to the West Coast, an area I personally love. It's diverse and incredibly green (it gets lots of rain). The West Coast offers temperate rainforest, snow capped mountains, glaciers, and of course the wild coastline. It's untamed and rugged, the weather is often uncooperative and the sandflies can be fierce.

Regarding the Queen Charlotte Track...we love the Bay of Many Coves resort, but it's $$$$. From there you can take a water taxi to different points along the track for day walks, then water taxi back, also $$.

Here's a list of accommodation within the sounds.

http://www.qctrack.co.nz/operators/accomsearch.asp

It's important to note that not all accommodation is actually ON the track, meaning you may not be able to access the track on foot from some accommodation (such as Bay of Many Coves).

Please also note that some Marlborough Sound accommodation can only be reached by boat. Access by road to some accommdation is possible, but it can be a long, rough road trip, so be sure you know what getting yourself into.

For what it's worth, we had an awful experience at Punga Cove Resort a few years back and I suggest you read the reivews carefully before opting to stay there.

I'd suggest picking up food in Picton and taking it with you. The accommodation in the sounds is either resort type with resturants or self-catering, sometimes a combo of the two.

Thank you so much for all the info, I really appreciate it. Hubby and I finally had a chance to talk things over tonight and decided that the more leisurely east coast itinerary is what we need on this trip. Here is our final itinerary, version 4 or 5??

Bay of Islands - 3 days
Wellington - 2 days
Blenheim area (not sure where we'll base) - 2 days
Abel Tasman - 4 days
Kaikoura - 1 day
Christchurch - 3 days
Queenstown/Milford - 4 days

I was re-reading your trip report and was checking out the cottage you stayed in, Ashlea Downs? We are looking at another cottage that is north of Motueka. Which is a better base for Abel, Takaka/Golden Bay area or Motueka area? We want to spend most of our Abel time kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach.

Depends on you and your interests.

Abel Tasman can be accessed from two sides - Marahau or Totaranui. Marahau is on the Motueka side of Takaka Hill. It's not far from beautiful Kaiteriteri Beach and the town of Motueka which offers an assortment of lodging and restaurant options, and it's only about an hour's drive from Nelson.

An added perk to the Marahau side is the wine regions of Upper Moutere and Richmond (located between Motueka and Nelson) and the waterfront area near Mapua (nice little bakery, a couple of good restaurants). Nelson is known for it's wineries, arts and crafts, the WOW museum and it's lovely waterfront location.

Totaranui is on the opposite side of Takaka Hill (Golden Bay). To reach Totaranui, you must cross the very squiggly Takaka Hill, continue on to the small town of Takaka and keep going....access to the park is another 28 km via unsealed road and services at Totaranui are very limited.

Takaka is sort of a hippy town. It's small, it's funky and it's entirely different from Motueka and Nelson. From Takaka you can easily get to Collingwood (Farewell Spit), Waikoropupu Springs, Wharekai Beach (seals), Pohara (penguins), Kahurangi National Park and several nice walking tracks.

Not many tourists seem to make it to the Golden Bay side. It's not as easily accessible (which can be a good thing).

If you plan to spend the bulk of your time IN Abel Tasman, you'd probably do best staying near Marahau, at the cottage north of Motueka.

If you want to get away from the tourists, visit some areas outside of the park and don't mind making a bit more of an effort to get into Abel Tasman, Golden Bay might work for you.

They both have their perks, which is why we usually stay in both!