For our upcoming NZ trip, I ask your opinions about:

1- We have the chance to see both Waitomo and Te Anau glowworm caves. Neither would be out of the way. Should we see both, or is one (which) enough?

2- Should we go on the gondolas both in Christchurch and Queenstown, or one (which)?

3- Are the Panakaiki rocks worth the 2 hour side trip? (I suspect yes)

4- We are going on the Doubtful overnight cruise. Should we also take the Earnslaw cruise? (I suspect no)

Thanks for your opinions.

Jed -

1 - Glowworm caves - I think one would be enough, but can't help you with which one as it's been ages since we were in Waitomo.

2 - We've taken the gondola in Queenstown a couple of times and it's nice with great views. Can't help with CH.

3 - Yes, IMO the Pancake Rocks are worth the side trip - I've been there several times and still like to go back.

4 - Can't help with this one.

Have fun!

1. Unless you are really into glowworms, one should be enough. Choose the one that is the most convenient to get to.
2. Well worth doing the Queenstown gondola - the view is spectacular.
3. Haven't done this one.
4. These boat trips are quite different. When we did the Doubtful Sound trip, we went by boat from Manapouri, were met by bus and went through the power station complex, then went on another boat through the sound which is really spectacular. It doesn't seem to be as popular as Milford Sound so less people which added to the atmosphere.
The Earnslaw trip is quite different. It is across the lake to a large sheep station (Walter Peak station) and usually includes a demonstration of rounding up sheep/shearing etc.

We also enjoyed the gondola in Rotorua, good views and really good buffet dinner, plus additional tickets to use the gondola again in daylight. If you are driving, the public gardens in Hamilton (between Rotorua and Auckland) are well worth visiting - good place to stretch your legs and have morning coffee or lunch.
Hope this helps. Have a great holiday.

Hi Jed,
If you are in Waitomo then see those glow-worms which will then free you up to do another activity round Te Anau, etc.
When are you going to be here? We were in Christchurch last weekend, and although we didn't go on the gondola (definitely NOT my scene!) we discussed how dry and hazy it was on the several times we have driven on the Summit road and how you could be disappointed. It could make a difference depending what season you are here.
Definitely YES to Punakaiki (or Pancake Rocks)
Earnlsaw travels across a lake (Lake Wakatipu), the Doubtful cruise is in a Sound / fjord - totally different outlooks. I would certainly do both if I had the time and the opportunity.
Enjoy the planning and the trip.
Dot.

Thanks for your opinions.

We will be going to NZ at the end of March.

When we get off the Doubtful boat, we have an afternoon to do things, then drive to Invercargill. I'm not interested in the sheep farm (we have a farmstay planned), and I think going to Milford would be too much. So I don't know what else there is to do in TA. Suggestions? Anything between TA and Invercargill?

First your questions:
1-Waitomo was a good experience. Went to TA, but didn't do the caves there.
2-The view from gondola in Queenstown is great. Didn't do the one in CC, so no advice. As a rule, if we have time we try to take in as many of these things as we can.
3-The rocks are worth the sidetrip.
4-Loved the Doubtful cruise, no advice on Earnslaw.

As for what to do after Doubtful cruise, may I suggest that you go ahead and see Milford. We did both sounds with overnight on Doubtful and late afternoon on Milford. On Milford we were on the Atlas Peak ship, it was not crowded at all that time of day. Also, the road between TA and Milford is spectacular. You pass many lakes, heavy wooded forests and other off-road trails and paths, plus the tunnel before Milford is worth the adventure. On of our favorite spots was the "Chasm". It is marked by a roadside sign, take the walk back and you'll see some unbelievable rock formations and water features.

I'd choose Milford sound over Invercargill any day. One of the most amazing drives you'll ever do.

Ernslaw was a nice day's trip from Queenstown very relaxing and scenic. I would forget Invercargill if I were you - nothing there. Milford Sound is a magnificent drive.
I loved the gondola at Queenstown because you get a fantastic view. Also a trip through to Glenorchy ( at least I think that is the name of the place which is between the mountain range and along the river from Q'town. Lovely scenery there. Enjoy

Jed was concerned with Waitomo and Te Anau glowworm caves. My question shall be on the Ngarua Caves in Takaka. If I have seen Te Anua glowworm caves, would you say skip Ngarua?

<b>Jed</b>,

I will be in NZ at the end of March/beggining of April. I'm planning on staying in CHC 3/30-4/1 and Queenstown 4/3-4/7. Queenstown dates are not definite. I may stay longer or shorter time, depending on???

If you are around, maybe we could do a mini Fodors get together?

AA - we'll be in CHC and QT earlier in both places.

The reason we are going to Invercargill is to have a place to stay overnight so we can drive to the Catlins easily the next morning. We have 2 days with Catlins Wildlife Trackers Ecotours near Papatowai which was recommended to us by friends.

I would really like to go to Milford even just to see the place. But since we will be just getting off the Doubtful cruise at noon, and we have to drive to TA and have lunch, then at least 5 hours (is that so?) round trip to MS, I think it will be vetoed by my wife and our travelling friends.

The more scenic route from Te Anau goes via Clifden , Colac Bay and Riverton. In Riverton there are two outlets for souveniers (Paua shell, bone, etc) In Invercargill, there is the Southland Museum (Roaring 49's gallery and tuataraium are worth a visit), Queens Park and Anderson Park. Dee Street has the feel on an intact Edwardian Street, and some interesting antique stores. With limited hours, there is a Knight of NZ (sheepskin garments) factory outlet at 23 Leven Street. Invercargill gets a bad rap but I like that it is a real place and not a tourist-trap like Queenstown. Not the best weather in NZ, though.

So this is what happened.

1 - We saw both caves, and were happy we did. They were both good and different.

2- We did not take any gondola. Not enough time.

3- The Panakaiki rocks were well worth the 2 hr side trip.

4- We took the overnight DS trip, but not the Earnslaw. We chose the Dart River trip which was good.

Thaks to all.

We saw the Waitomo Caves but not Te Anau. We did the fly/cruise/fly trip to Milford Sound. It was awesome. The entire trip only takes 4 hours, but was well worth it. We also did the Earnslaw cruise. The highlight was the sheep dog and the sheep shearing. If you won't have another opportunity to see this, then by all means go there.