Help with Planning 10 Days Trip to NZ in May 2011
Apr 5th, 2011, 04:30 PM
#21
Can't help with the NI.
I assume you're flying into Christchurch? What time does your flight arrive?
Drive Christchurch to Franz Josef via Arthur's Pass and the West Coast - approx 5:45, 395 km - spend two nights
Drive Franz Josef to QT, via Fox Glacier about six hours, 381 km
Queenstown - three nights - from here you can make the long day trip to Milford Sound (very full day), explore QT, Glenorchy and Arrowtown
You can either visit Fox Glacier on the way to QT, or from Franz Josef, or stay in Fox Glacier and visit Franz Josef on the drive from Christchurch...all depends on what you want to do at each glacier.
I assume you're flying into Christchurch? What time does your flight arrive?
Drive Christchurch to Franz Josef via Arthur's Pass and the West Coast - approx 5:45, 395 km - spend two nights
Drive Franz Josef to QT, via Fox Glacier about six hours, 381 km
Queenstown - three nights - from here you can make the long day trip to Milford Sound (very full day), explore QT, Glenorchy and Arrowtown
You can either visit Fox Glacier on the way to QT, or from Franz Josef, or stay in Fox Glacier and visit Franz Josef on the drive from Christchurch...all depends on what you want to do at each glacier.
Apr 6th, 2011, 06:41 AM
#22
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We are taking the first ferry from Wellington to Picton. What can we see on our drive to Franz Joseph from Picton? I should probably modify ur suggestions slightly to fit our trip down from Picton.
Apr 6th, 2011, 06:35 PM
#24
On the NI there isn't a whole lot to see on the way to Wellington. Instead of Taupo, you might consider trying to make it as far as National Park, which is the main sight after Taupo. You can drive up into the visitor center from Hwy 47. The scenery on the Desert Road is nice, but I understand it can be very cold in winter. After that it's rural mostly, you could pass near Mt. Bruce and might have a view of Kapiti Island, depending on what routing you take. I'd try to arrive in Wellington as early as possible as it's more interesting than what is enroute.
For driving distances you can use the Auto Club website that Melnq referenced above.
For driving distances you can use the Auto Club website that Melnq referenced above.
Apr 8th, 2011, 07:48 AM
#25
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Melnq8 we plan to stop at Hokitika and drive to Franz Josef the next day.
What is the best way to experience Franz Josef and the Fox Glaciers? Are the heli hikes worth it? If so, which one should we book?
What is the best way to experience Franz Josef and the Fox Glaciers? Are the heli hikes worth it? If so, which one should we book?
Apr 8th, 2011, 07:05 PM
#26
We used Fox Glacier Guides for our helihike. It was definitely worth it for us, but only because the weather was fantastic. It took us several trips to the SI before the weather was good enough for us to shell out the $$$ for the helihike.
There are beaucoup walks around the glaciers - loads of nice tracks if you like to walk.
There are beaucoup walks around the glaciers - loads of nice tracks if you like to walk.
Apr 10th, 2011, 02:52 AM
#27
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<< What is the best way to experience Franz Josef and the Fox Glaciers? Are the heli hikes worth it? If so, which one should we book? >>
We just got back.
In order to go ON a glacier, you have to book with an approved guide company (which will provide you with the necessary instruction and equipment).
I believe there is only one approved company for each glacier:
(1) Franz Josef Glacier Guides, and
(2) Fox Glacier Guiding.
They both offer different types of tours -- bus or helihike, half day or full day. Be sure to select a tour based on your fitness level.
Woody
We just got back.
In order to go ON a glacier, you have to book with an approved guide company (which will provide you with the necessary instruction and equipment).
I believe there is only one approved company for each glacier:
(1) Franz Josef Glacier Guides, and
(2) Fox Glacier Guiding.
They both offer different types of tours -- bus or helihike, half day or full day. Be sure to select a tour based on your fitness level.
Woody
Apr 11th, 2011, 06:26 AM
#30
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Here's our revised itinerary. Does this sound good and do-able?
May 4 - Arrive at Auckland (6:30 am). Head to Rangitoto. Lunch at Devonport and head back to Auckland. Walk around Auckland.
May 5 - Rent car. Head to Coromandel - visit Hahei beach, Cathedral Cove, Whangamata and halt at Tauranga.
May 6 - Visit Wai-o-Tapu. Lunch at Lake Taupo and drive straight to Wellington.
May 7 - Ferry to Picton. Drive to Punakaki and halt at Hokitika.
May 8 - Half day hike at Franz Josef glacier. Visit Lake Matheson and stay near Fox Glacier.
May 9 - Hike Fox Glacier. After lunch head to Wanaka and halt at Wanaka.
May 10 - Drive to and spend time at Lake Tekapo. Head to Queenstown in the evening and stay there.
May 11 - Drive to Milford Sound. Spend some time there and head back to Te Anau and halt there for the night.
May 12 - Spend time in Te Anau and head back to Queenstown in the evening.
May 13 - Spend the day in Queenstown and fly back to Auckland in the evening.
May 14 - Visit Piha beach and then drive to the airport.
Does the plan look good? Any changes Melnq8 & mlgb? I would appreciate your input too Woody since you just returned from the trip
Can you also suggest a place where we can see the haka dance? Can you also suggest good souvenir shops? I'd like to get some Maori craft work.
May 4 - Arrive at Auckland (6:30 am). Head to Rangitoto. Lunch at Devonport and head back to Auckland. Walk around Auckland.
May 5 - Rent car. Head to Coromandel - visit Hahei beach, Cathedral Cove, Whangamata and halt at Tauranga.
May 6 - Visit Wai-o-Tapu. Lunch at Lake Taupo and drive straight to Wellington.
May 7 - Ferry to Picton. Drive to Punakaki and halt at Hokitika.
May 8 - Half day hike at Franz Josef glacier. Visit Lake Matheson and stay near Fox Glacier.
May 9 - Hike Fox Glacier. After lunch head to Wanaka and halt at Wanaka.
May 10 - Drive to and spend time at Lake Tekapo. Head to Queenstown in the evening and stay there.
May 11 - Drive to Milford Sound. Spend some time there and head back to Te Anau and halt there for the night.
May 12 - Spend time in Te Anau and head back to Queenstown in the evening.
May 13 - Spend the day in Queenstown and fly back to Auckland in the evening.
May 14 - Visit Piha beach and then drive to the airport.
Does the plan look good? Any changes Melnq8 & mlgb? I would appreciate your input too Woody since you just returned from the trip
Can you also suggest a place where we can see the haka dance? Can you also suggest good souvenir shops? I'd like to get some Maori craft work.
Apr 11th, 2011, 03:20 PM
#31
<May 7 - Ferry to Picton. Drive to Punakaki and halt at Hokitika.>
The drive from Picton to Hoki is 5:35, about 392 km. This will make for a long day after the three hour ferry ride from Wellie to Picton.
<May 8 - Half day hike at Franz Josef glacier. Visit Lake Matheson and stay near Fox Glacier.>
The drive from Hoki to Franz Josef is about two hours. You've not given yourself any wiggle room if the weather is bad for a half day hike and there are cancellations (assume you mean guided hike?).
<May 10 - Drive to and spend time at Lake Tekapo. Head to Queenstown in the evening and stay there>
First of all it's a three hour drive from Wanaka to Lake Tekapo, then a 3:40 minute drive from Lake Tekapo to Queenstown. From Tekapo it's only 99 km more to Mt Cook (each way)...normally I'd say if you're going that far you might as well see Mt Cook, but this whole day doesn't make sense to me. You've got 6.5 hours of DRIVING in the opposite direction - and for what? To see a lake? You'll see some very nice lakes in Wanaka and QT as it is.
The drive from Picton to Hoki is 5:35, about 392 km. This will make for a long day after the three hour ferry ride from Wellie to Picton.
<May 8 - Half day hike at Franz Josef glacier. Visit Lake Matheson and stay near Fox Glacier.>
The drive from Hoki to Franz Josef is about two hours. You've not given yourself any wiggle room if the weather is bad for a half day hike and there are cancellations (assume you mean guided hike?).
<May 10 - Drive to and spend time at Lake Tekapo. Head to Queenstown in the evening and stay there>
First of all it's a three hour drive from Wanaka to Lake Tekapo, then a 3:40 minute drive from Lake Tekapo to Queenstown. From Tekapo it's only 99 km more to Mt Cook (each way)...normally I'd say if you're going that far you might as well see Mt Cook, but this whole day doesn't make sense to me. You've got 6.5 hours of DRIVING in the opposite direction - and for what? To see a lake? You'll see some very nice lakes in Wanaka and QT as it is.
Apr 11th, 2011, 08:35 PM
#32
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Thanks for your feedback.
We were also doubtful about the trip to Lake Tekapo. As you suggested, we should probably spend more time at Wanaka and skip Tekapo.
We have also allocated 2 days for Fox & Franz so we can do half day guided hike atleast on 1.
We were also doubtful about the trip to Lake Tekapo. As you suggested, we should probably spend more time at Wanaka and skip Tekapo.
We have also allocated 2 days for Fox & Franz so we can do half day guided hike atleast on 1.
Apr 12th, 2011, 11:11 AM
#35
Consider flying between the two islands as I suggested above.
Although, I'm not sure at this point that you can find any discounted airfares.
If you must drive on the North Island, you might skip Rangitoto and Auckland all together, and head to Rotorua on Day 1. Then you can take two days/3 nights to sightsee around Rotorua/Taupo and Tongariro. The last night at Tongariro. The following day it should take about 5 hours to reach Wellington by the shortest route (Hwy 1). In Wellington, Te Papa Museum closes at 6 pm, Thursdays at 9pm. Zealandia (Karori Sanctuary) by night pickup is approx 5 pm. I think you have to reserve the evening visit ahead of time.
Will you be needing to return your car in Wellington or can you take it across? Be sure you know what time the car rental closes if you need to return.
Although, I'm not sure at this point that you can find any discounted airfares.
If you must drive on the North Island, you might skip Rangitoto and Auckland all together, and head to Rotorua on Day 1. Then you can take two days/3 nights to sightsee around Rotorua/Taupo and Tongariro. The last night at Tongariro. The following day it should take about 5 hours to reach Wellington by the shortest route (Hwy 1). In Wellington, Te Papa Museum closes at 6 pm, Thursdays at 9pm. Zealandia (Karori Sanctuary) by night pickup is approx 5 pm. I think you have to reserve the evening visit ahead of time.
Will you be needing to return your car in Wellington or can you take it across? Be sure you know what time the car rental closes if you need to return.
Apr 13th, 2011, 09:05 AM
#37
May 7 is terrible, I think you will find it far longer than suggested by Mel. Check the weather forecast that night. If it is bad for the west coast, do not go that way. I just want to reiterate all of Mel's concerns about having no leeway for weather. If it is okay, I wouldn't plan getting any farther than Westport. May 8 It will take about 3 to 4 hours the next day to get to Franz Josef. So you will have half a day May 8 and then half a day May 9. Do they do glacier excursions in the afternoon? If so you may want to book it PM May 8 and allow am May 9 in case of cancellation. I think I would add a second night on May 9 at the glaciers. On May 10 drive to Queenstown. Scratch Tekapo, you won't make it.
May 12, Spend half a day in Te Anau (to do what?) and head back to Queenstown mid day. I don't suggest night driving at all.
I would put together another itinerary which leaves out the west coast, IE Kaikoura, Akaroa, Mt. Cook/Tekapo, Queenstown.
May 12, Spend half a day in Te Anau (to do what?) and head back to Queenstown mid day. I don't suggest night driving at all.
I would put together another itinerary which leaves out the west coast, IE Kaikoura, Akaroa, Mt. Cook/Tekapo, Queenstown.
Apr 14th, 2011, 02:02 PM
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hei Melnq8
i have been following this thread closely for last couple of days as i too have a Honeymoon Plan in making for NZ in June.
Could you please help me with the Indian Couple's report on the NI & SI that you are mentioning in this thread, coz i am not able to find it. Would like to see and have a understanding about how i can make a start of the itenary.
i have been following this thread closely for last couple of days as i too have a Honeymoon Plan in making for NZ in June.
Could you please help me with the Indian Couple's report on the NI & SI that you are mentioning in this thread, coz i am not able to find it. Would like to see and have a understanding about how i can make a start of the itenary.
