I had my wonderful "deep south" New Zealand itinerary all planned out, and I have now found that I can not fly into (or out of) the cities that I had hoped to. This sort of changes everything, and I would love some suggestions on how I can work something as follows:

Arrive Wellington Nov 16 10:00pm
Depart Christchurch Nov 21 8:30pm

I have decided that I do not want to rent a car. So we will be travelling by train and/or bus. I had my eye on the train from Picton to Christchurch (we like train rides) . . . how should I balance my time between these cities, any side trips I might consider?

I want to see the scenery, wildlife and get a "sample taste" of New Zealand, we are not interested in night life. I realise it isn't long, so I don't want to cram in too much - eg. I don't expect to make it to Queenstown.

Thank you in advance!

As you effectively only have 4 days at your disposal it is probably better that you don't try to do too much.

There are a few options open to you, you may want to explore Wellington for a day before heading over to Picton on the ferry.


(http://www.wellingtonnz.com/)



Picton has a few intersting boat tours that you may be interested in.

(www.picton.co.nz)

Kaikoura is another stopover option. You can do a whale watching trip from here.

(www.kaikoura.co.nz , www.whalewatch.co.nz)

Even doing the ferry / train between Wellington and Christchurch without any stopover along the way would afford great scenery.

There is a fun train trip you can take from Christchurch. This is very popular and goes to the West Coast via Arthurs Pass. This would probably suit you down to the ground as it affords fantastic scenery and gives you the opportunity to see quite a bit of the country.

(www.tranzscenic.co.nz/services/alpine.aspx)

More about Christchurch

(http://www.christchurch.org.nz/Visiting/#Attractions)

hope this helps ...

thanks so much, the websites are very useful!

Well, plans have changed again! I still have to fly into Wellington, but now on the 11th of November arrving late in the evening, and flying out of Christchurch on the 19th at 1:00pm. (7 full days).

Any other day trip suggestions along the way? Would we have time to make it to Queenstown?

hi, sockboy,
great to see you have an extra 3 days in NZ. Christa is on the ball with the websites and her recommendations, and I would certainly endorse these. With your extra time you should be able to make Queenstown for an overnight stay. While in that area may I suggest a trip to Milford Sound? There are several tour companies that go through there, and the scenery, even to a born-and-bred NZer, is just awesome. It will be springtime so even better for this.
I do hope you are going to have time to spend a full day in Wellington - our city is so often bypassed and yet there is so much to see around here. If you want more info I'd be happy to provide. Have you organised accommodation in Wellington yet?

Dotty,

We plan to spend at least one full day in Wellington. (maybe two, depending on how much there is to see). I have been considering two hotels and would love your comments on them. I can get a rate of approx $120NZD/night at either the kingsgate Oriental Bay, or the Chancellor on Cuba St. Which would you recommend for a stay without a car? Or somewhere else in the same price range??

Hi Sockboy

I'll beat Dotty to the answer to your last question.

Cuba Street is in the middle of downtown so you would have the least distance to walk to anywhere from there.

However in saying that, your Oriental Bay choice is very close to town too. Well within walking distance and also on a bus route.

I would stay in Oriental Bay because if you get a harbour facing room you will have a great view out of the window.

If it is a nice day, Oriental Bay is a great place for a stroll - go round the waterfront to the city down to Queens wharf and you will find a couple of nice eateries down there. On the way through you will pass Te Papa museum - a must see for any visitor to Wellington.

Hope this helps

Steve