NZ Itinerary from Christchurch to Queenstown in 8 days
 

Visiting the south island of NZ in Dec. Try to decide on the best route. Is it better to go the west coast to Franz Joseph Glacier or inland to Mt Cook. I will be with my 20 yr old daughter and we would like to do some hiking/walking.

Hi kim -

Neither is 'better". Both options are good. It just boils down to your particular interests and how much time you have to work with. I personally prefer the West Coast, but many prefer Mt Cook. The SI is chock-a-block with hiking options, you'll find tracks literally everywhere.

Dear Melnq8.... need ur suggestions on my travel palns... can you help me with a 7day iteneary from auckland in Jan2017 . We want to do the Milford soundscruise, TranzAlpine journey,Franz Josef Glacier,Queenstown, and Shotover Jet Ride.
Can you suggest how I go about it... will be really helpful.
Stell

sjm65 - you would get more responses if your asked your question by starting a new post with a specific question. the more additional information you provide e.g. budget, style of travel, whether your are traveling by car, camper van, the better.

As it is, you seem to be travelling into Auckland on the north island yet all the sights you want to see are on the South Island??

Hi Stell -

Fly from Auckland to Christchurch

Take the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, pick up rental car in Greymouth

If you have time, make the detour from Greymouth to Punakaiki to see Pancake Rocks (45 minutes in the opposite direction of the glaciers), then resume your drive to Franz Josef - spent at least two nights in Franz Josef

Drive from Franz Josef to Queenstown via Wanaka - long drive day, about seven hours

Explore Queenstown, Shotover Jet, etc

Visit Milford - Queenstown-Milford Sound-Queenstown if by bus

Fly from Queenstown to Auckland

OR

If you want to drive yourself to Milford...

Do the same, but instead of driving to Queenstown from the glaciers, drive to Wanaka, spend a night or two there and then drive to Te Anau from Wanaka. Spend two nights in Te Anau, drive yourself to Milford - allow the entire day. Return to Te Anau for the night and then drive to Queenstown the next day and spend the remainder of your time exploring QUeenstown.

Fly from Queenstown to Auckland

Dear Melnq8,

Thanks a ton...for your guidance.... at least now I have a rough idea on how to go about my trip instead of wasting time and money. We plan to rent a car and do the travelling...

Is there any thing else I need remember to carry along with during my travel as most of our stays are going to be in B&B or motels which ever suits us.

We are 4 adults ... DO YOU THINK DOUBTFUL SOUND IS BETTER MILDFORD

Thanks again....

Ah yes, the oft asked question, Doubtful vs Milford...

They're both good - they both have merits. It really comes down to personal preference, time, interests, and finances.

The highlight of Milford for me has always been Milford Road - the drive is beautiful, there are many hiking options, etc.

Doubtful is a very full and expensive day involving two boats and a bus... If the weather is less than ideal (as it often is), IMO it's not worth the effort and cost. I'm sure other people will disagree.

As for what to take with you - plan to dress in layers, and always have a waterproof layer (rain)

Back to original question - both are good options. Mt Cook is NZ's highest mountain and great walks in the area. Do you like alpine areas?
The West Coast has a rugged beauty and the glacier/rainforest combo there at Fox and Franz is very unique. Patagonia has the only other such combination.
Driving wise Mt Cook is easier and quicker. Because of the West Coast terrain there is one route in and out.

The original post is from 2014! sjm65 topped it to ask his/her question.

Lol..why can't people start their own thread then? Gets confusing..