Melnq8

Or if you want to stay within the Marlborough Sounds (boat access only):
https://www.bayofmanycoves.co.nz/

Melnq8

Te Anau:
https://www.thecroft.co.nz/
https://www.birchwoodcottages.co.nz/

Manapouri:
https://www.kmv.co.nz/
Manapouri Accommodation - Acheron Cottages

Diamantina

Looks good to me!

Remember, even though you're coming to NZ in summer, bring clothes for cold, windy and wet weather just in case. NZ's weather is largely variable and unpredictable.
This was the weather in Feb. 2019:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/...d-fox-glaciers
This was the weather in Feb. 2018.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/a...ectid=11986592

Akaroa/Banks Peninsula and Wanaka are good "kicking back" destinations. Wanaka generally has lovely weather in February, dry and warm.

If you'll be bringing any items from Sri Lanka into New Zealand, please check NZ's strict biosecurity guidelines beforehand. These procedures can be even stricter than Australia's (for instance, honey is not allowed into NZ). See this link ("types of risk goods) https://www.mpi.govt.nz/travel-and-r...ms-to-declare/

yestravel

Thanks for more good info. Yes, I read about the bad storm in 2018, but didn't know about the road closure in 2019.

If I divide the West coast into 2 places, what do you think about staying in the Cape Foulwind/Carters Beach/Westport area. We could stay 2Ns in that area with a day trip up to Karamea/Opara Arches/Denniston Plateau/Charming Creek walkway. We'd stop at the Pancake Rocks on the drive south. Then we go to Hokitia for the other 2Ns.

Melnq8

That would work. We stayed near Cape Foulwind for two nights last year. I know a great little out-of-the way place if you're interested.

yestravel

Melnq8

Here you go:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2090751...qs1&s=4_nwPM0w

yestravel

Melnq8

Maybe you read about it on my trip report? No matter, it's a lovely place, even when the weather and sandflies are out to get you.

yestravel

Melnq8

Yeah, sandflies are pretty thick along the entire West Coast. Some places worse than others, some days worse than others (if the sun is out, they're usually not bad, but if it's overcast and muggy, watch out), but never far away.

They're slow, so easy to outrun if you keep moving, but the two nights we spent in the cottage at Cape Foulwind, they covered the windows outside and we were very glad to be indoors!

They're pretty beastly in Fiordland too - not on the water, but definitely on land.

We've also experienced them in Mt Cook and Abel Tasman, but not nearly as bad as along the West Coast and Fiordland.

We wear long pants, high socks, and keep our arms covered when possible. Repellent helps too of course but we both hate to wear it.

yestravel

Melnq8

They might be, we've used DEET in the past and while it works well, I hate the stuff.

And FWIW - sandflies like my husband much better than me...and I'm good with that

And IME they're attracted to dark clothing.

yestravel

Yes, I'm the one who is liked and my husband is quite happy about it. I hate deet. Haven't really used it since SEAsia and I was constantly showering to get the crap off me.