Hyjacking this thread! We are planning a trip in Jan-Feb 2008. Seems like the weather should be ok for my husband who gets sick at times. Is that correct? The ferry trip sounds beautiful. Is it better to take your rental car on board or rerent on the other side? I am just starting to plan our trip and I am not sure which direction we will go- NI to SI most likely.

Melnq8:

At Haast we stopped at the Heritage Park Lodge. The pub was a very short walk from our accommodations. I do not have a name for that pub but we found it to be very good.

When we booked for Haast, not much was available and according to the i site information [web advertising] it was the best available. Small room, not much in the way of "extra comforts" but adequate and quiet.

Hope this helps.

Woodie

Melanq8
Are you staying at the Rocks Homestay in Punakaki? We were there a few weeks ago. Owner told me that she has it on the market to sell. Can't remember where she wants to move.

doug

to zinfastic.
We just returned (see trip report). Taking the car on board is definitely not necessary. We rented with Apex. You can drop car off at the dock. Check your bags (so you don't even have to carry them), and pick up a new car at the other end. Saves a lot of money. Of course it does mean that you have to pack up everything just like you were going to the airport (but without the security hassles) rather than using the car as mobile storage.

Thanks Woodie - read good reviews about McGuire's Lodge in Hasst so booked it - also read it has a good pub/restaurant.

dktenor - We've booked Te Puna Bush Haven, which is a privately owned house, but it's managed by the Rocks Homestay, who also manage Flax Haven.