Help me with my 10 days in New Zealand!!!
 

I'm ready to buy our tickets! We've decided we want to do 10 days (beginning of Dec) on the South Island of NZ, but we don't know where to fly in and out of. Should we fly into Queensland and out of Christchurch? Would we be missing out on too much if we skipped some of the south east coast of the island or would driving around Fiordland then up the west coast and onto Christchurch be sufficient? I just started digging around the forum for ideas, but want a preliminary itinerary before making the big ticket purchase. We like to hike, swim, kayak, whale watch, and relax. Should I do camper van for the two of us? We're in our mid 20s.

Thanks!
GillsinEurope (or should I now say GillsinNZ) ;-)

Hi Gills -

I think you'll find that with only two people, staying in motels/cottages/B&Bs and renting a car is more convenient than a campervan, but others might disagree.

The east cost of the SI between Christchurch and Dunedin isn't particularly scenic, so you'll certainly not miss much if you bypass it. You might consider flying into Christchurch, then drive over Arthur's Pass and work your way down the West Coast to the glaciers, on to Wanaka or Queenstown, and then over to Te Anau and Milford Sound. You could then head back to Queenstown and fly from there to Christchurch for your departing international flight, or work your way back to Christchurch via car through the inland route, which would enable you to see Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo.

As you delve into this a bit further, you're going to find that time is the biggest factor, so you'll need to determine what you're most interested in and go from there.

I would fly in/out of Christchurch. With only 10 days I would hit Queenstown/Wanaka, Milford Sound and drive back to Christchurch through Mt Cook area, and if you want to whale watch/dolphin swim drive up and spend 1 night in Kiakora on the east coast. I would skip Dunedin if you only have 10 days. Abel Tasman north part of the south island is great for kayaking: http://www.poweredbytofu.com/2008/04...t-abel-tasman/ but with the time, maybe just go to Milford.

Cheers!

Thanks for the advice guys! I did buy the tickets yesterday (SO EXCITED) and we fly into Queenstown and out of Christchurch. Now on to the actual planning! What are the must sees?!

Gills -

There's loads of info here on NZ (just search), but the typical first timer's wish list usually includes Queenstown, Milford and or/ Doubtful Sound, the West Coast, Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo. That's not to say there isn't a whole lot more, but those seem to be the highlights for some. Kaikoura ia also a popular spot (whale watching) and many people like Dunedin for the penguins and albatross, but personally, I've never considered Dunedin a 'must see'. Punakakai and Arthur's Pass are other popular areas.

I strongly suggest that you don't try to cram in too much, because while it's certainly tempting, I think you'll enjoy your trip much more if you actually take the time to enjoy it.

Hello, Gills.
Like Mel, I think that you would be better off getting a car and using motels and B&Bs, rather than a campervan.
I am looking at how you might best utilize your time here in NZ. Are your days one and ten usable, or are they just arrival and departure days -- i.e will you have enough time on arrival in Q'town to drive somewhere else for the night and will your departure time from Christchurch allow you any time in the city on day ten?
Rob.

Hi Gills -

So exciting! I'll always remember NZ as one of my favorite trips of all-time. I wanted to share this guide with you, written by a local tour operator, chock full of unique, adventurous activities in and around Queenstown. There's tons of options in here, hopefully you'll find something that sounds really fun to you!

http://www.ruba.com/guide/SwainTours...wn_New_Zealand

Have a great trip!!

Best,
Erin
Community Manager, Ruba