We are planning on 14 nights in AUS-Cairns-Sydney and 7 nights in New Zealand - both North and South.

I know all we will see are highlights, but here is the tentative itinerary

Day 1 Arr AKL 7.30am,

Day 2 Rotorua

Day 3 Napier

Day 4 Wellington to Queenstown Flight

Day 5 Doubtful Sound area

Day 6 Greymouth area-Scenic Alpine Train-afternoon

Day 7 Chistchurch area

Day 8: Fly out to Cairns

Is this doable? The NZ Tourism site says yes, but then they are pushing NZ...

I'm assuming that you are going to drive between places so I've just had a look at our map of NZ - been there several times and love it.

My map shows the times to travel the distances you mention -

Auckland to Rotorua - about 4 hours

Rotorua to Napier - almost 9 hours

Napier to Wellington - about 6 hours

From Queenstown to Te Anau (Doubtful Sound area) is about 3 hours. If you want to do a tour on Doubtful Sound you really need to allow a full day. On the other hand, if you want to drive to Milford Sound, that is about another 2 hours each way, plus whatever time you need to go on a boat on the sound.

From Te Anua to Greymouth, takes about 16 hours by road by my reckoning.

I can't see how the NZ tourism site can say it's possible if you are driving- it sounds a nightmare to me - when would you have any time to really look at anything. On the other hand, if you are going to fly between each place, you are going to be spending a lot of time in airports. Perhaps better to confine your trip to one small area and really enjoy that.

I'm with marg. You won't remember anything but a blur if you try to see both islands in a week. I'd focus on one or the other, and even then that's minimal exposure to the country.

I don't think your plan is realistic.

You will be driving most of the time.

I would skip Napier-Wellington. If you want to see Rotorua, you can fly from there to Queenstown. Then add the extra days to the South Island. Add another day around Queenstown, and an overnight at the Glaciers. Then on to Greymouth for the train.

My suggestion would be to start in Rotorua (which will probably mean landing in Auckland and taking an additional flight). Spend two nights in Rotorua -- then fly to Queenstown. From Queenstown go to Doubtful Sound.

IMHO you'll see the best -- if it's scenery you're interested in.

Agree with the others - but I would skip the North Island altogether with so little time. Per square mile, the South Island has to be one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

Hey all, thanks for the advice. Seems like the travel agent also come up with the similar plan:

Day 1) Sat,4 Jul 09 -- Arrive Auckland
Rental: Thrifty Car Rental: Hotel:

Day 2) Sun,5 Jul 09 -- Drive Auckland to Taupo (driving time approx 4 hours 10 minutes)
Accommodation: Hotel:

Day 3) Mon,6 Jul 09 – Drive Taupo to Rotorua (driving time approx 1 hour)
Accommodation: Hotel:

Day 4) Tue,7 Jul 09 -- Fly Rotorua to Queenstown

Pick up new Car
Accommodation: Hotel:

Day 5) Wed,8 Jul 09 -- Free day in Queenstown (time to do Doubtful Sound today)

Accommodation: Hotel:

Day 6) Thu,9 Jul 09 -- Drive Queenstown to Hokitika (driving time approx 7 hours 10 minutes)
Accommodation: Hotel:

Day 7) Fri,10 Jul 09 -- Drive Hokitika to Greymouth (driving time approx 40 minutes)

Drop off rental vehicle at Greymouth Railway Station

Travel: Greymouth - Christchurch Train

Accommodation: Hotel:

Day 8) Sat,11 Jul 09 -- Depart Christchurch for Aussie land

Day five won't be a free day in Queentown if you're going to Doubtful Sound. Cruises of Doubtful Sound leave from Lake Manapouri which is almost a two hour drive from QT, each way.

Hello Melnq8, yes I think the TA meant free day as in leave early from the room to get to Lake Manapouri.

appreciate your help

Whilst I agree with most comments that your original itinerary is way too hectic I also have to disagree with Marg and some of the distances quoted. You should bin your map

Auckland to Rotorua -230km - approx 3hours

Rotorua to Napier - 225km - approx 3 hours (where did u get 9 hours)

Napier to Wellington - 315km - approx 3.45 (not 6 hours)

also marg te Anau to Greymouth 690km about 9 hours not 16 as per your reckoning

Mad - all you are doing is seeing all the tourist traps (Rotorua yawn, Queenstown -over done) - think outside the square, grab a car and drive around exploring! And as for missing out the lower North Island / top of South Island - that is where some of the most interesting places in the entire country are (and Im origonally from Christchurch!).
Suggestion : Classic NZ Wine Trail from Napier to Blenheim.
Cheers, Alex

I have to disagree with the above. I think tourists are drawn to these areas because they are FANTASTIC. It amazes me how many people write off Rotorua when we felt the scenery outside of the town (i.e. at Waimangu Volcanic Park) and the lake walk (in town) provided some of the most spectacular and unearthly views I've ever seen. The town itself is nothing (except for the interesting geothermal activity around the lake) -- but it's the gateway to incredible, and fascinating, scenery. The sheep show at the Agrodome and the Maori Hangi were definitely "touristy" -- but they were really fun. I highly recommend it -- as long as you don't simply stay in the town and shop!

We thought Queenstown was INCREDIBLE. Walking along the lake with the snow-capped mountains as a backdrop was amazing; the views from the top of the gondola; the drive to Mirror Lakes (en route to Milford Sound); and Skipper's Canyon are not to be missed.

I just wrote on another thread that I had 7 days in NZ and had a great trip, even with two days eaten up in Napier for a conference. (Had one more day as a travel day.)

However, I did not drive at all--I flew from Auckland to South Island to see Queenstown, Milford Sound, then Christchurch, and then flew to Napier for the conference and some Hawkes Bay wineries before flying back to Auckland and then back to San Francisco.

I'm glad I did it--had a great time, saw lots of beautiful scenery, met some lovely people.