Please help with two weeks in New Zealand
May 31st, 2008, 12:29 PM
#1
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Please help with two weeks in New Zealand
We are planning to visit New Zealand in November for about two weeks. Our main interests for this trip are scenery, day hikes and maybe some gardens (no shopping, crafts, etc.).
Places that look appealing from guide books and posts include Te Anau, Fiordland, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, Caitlin, Dunedin, Tongario and some Christchurch gardens.
We're not sure how much time to spend in each place or what the best way is to get from place to place (drive, fly, train).
From other posts, it seemed possible to do a day hike on the Milford Track. Is this still true? The DOC web site says that bookings are required for November and the Milford Track can only be walked as a four day/three night package.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Places that look appealing from guide books and posts include Te Anau, Fiordland, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, Caitlin, Dunedin, Tongario and some Christchurch gardens.
We're not sure how much time to spend in each place or what the best way is to get from place to place (drive, fly, train).
From other posts, it seemed possible to do a day hike on the Milford Track. Is this still true? The DOC web site says that bookings are required for November and the Milford Track can only be walked as a four day/three night package.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
May 31st, 2008, 02:27 PM
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You seem interested in day hikes, but I'm going to throw out a GREAT 3day/2night guided hike we did on the Hollyford Track. We departed from Te Anau, having spent the day before there sightseeing. There are two full days of hiking and on the 3rd day, you do a short hike in the morning and then fly along the coast to Milford Sound where you can do a cruise (which we did). Then, it's back by bus to Te Anau.
The scenery on this hike, which is known as the hike "from the mountains to the sea" is absolutely stunning! You see mountains, forests, glacial lakes and the ocean. The hike is generally downhill, so it's not overly difficult.
The Hollyford Track company provides all your gear, food and accomodations in basic, but nice lodges. (Trust me, a comfy bed, a hot shower and a glass of wine with a home-cooked meal at the end of the day is mighty nice!) While it is was a guided tour, we were given a map of the route and not required to hike with the group. (We hiked on our own a lot especially on the first day.) However, you will probably want to spend a good portion of your time with the guides because they know so much about the flora, fauna and history of the area.
The Hollyford Track is not as famous at the Milford Track, but that made it all-the-more-appealing to us because we saw only a couple of hikers other than those in our small group.
We did this hike several years ago on our 2-week trip to New Zealand. We were able to incorporate it and still visit Christchurch, Queenstown, and the glaciers.
For more info check out their website: http://www.hollyfordtrack.com
The scenery on this hike, which is known as the hike "from the mountains to the sea" is absolutely stunning! You see mountains, forests, glacial lakes and the ocean. The hike is generally downhill, so it's not overly difficult.
The Hollyford Track company provides all your gear, food and accomodations in basic, but nice lodges. (Trust me, a comfy bed, a hot shower and a glass of wine with a home-cooked meal at the end of the day is mighty nice!) While it is was a guided tour, we were given a map of the route and not required to hike with the group. (We hiked on our own a lot especially on the first day.) However, you will probably want to spend a good portion of your time with the guides because they know so much about the flora, fauna and history of the area.
The Hollyford Track is not as famous at the Milford Track, but that made it all-the-more-appealing to us because we saw only a couple of hikers other than those in our small group.
We did this hike several years ago on our 2-week trip to New Zealand. We were able to incorporate it and still visit Christchurch, Queenstown, and the glaciers.
For more info check out their website: http://www.hollyfordtrack.com
May 31st, 2008, 02:54 PM
#4
Yes, it's possible to walk a portion of the Milford Track as a day hike (we did just that in March). It's not mentioned on the DOC site, which confused the heck out of me too when I was planning our latest trip.
You can only walk the Milford in one direction (day walk excepted as you have to double back the way you came), and the day walk can be done as a guided walk or as a freedom walk - we chose to freedom walk.
To walk the Milford as a day walk:
Call the DOC office before you plan to walk and book the boat Te Anau Downs to Glade Wharf, the beginning of the Milford Track. You can book by phone, the cost of the boat ride was $95 per person when we did it in March, $165 for the guided walk (NZ dollars).
Drive to Te Anau Downs, park and meet the boat, which leaves around 10ish and takes an hour each way.
Once at the beginning of the track, you can walk as far as you're able in the time you have before the boat returns to Te Anau Downs. We managed to walk 18.5 km in our 4.5 hours on the track. We were back at Te Anau Downs by six, in plenty of time for dinner in Te Anau. Take plenty of water, a camera, rain gear and a picic lunch.
As far as how long to spend in each place in NZ, we've been to NZ 8-9 times now and we've found that a three night minimum in each area works very well for us. That allows us at least two full days in each spot, plus some time here and there on arrival and departure days, depending on how much we've driven or will have to drive on a given "travel day".
You can only walk the Milford in one direction (day walk excepted as you have to double back the way you came), and the day walk can be done as a guided walk or as a freedom walk - we chose to freedom walk.
To walk the Milford as a day walk:
Call the DOC office before you plan to walk and book the boat Te Anau Downs to Glade Wharf, the beginning of the Milford Track. You can book by phone, the cost of the boat ride was $95 per person when we did it in March, $165 for the guided walk (NZ dollars).
Drive to Te Anau Downs, park and meet the boat, which leaves around 10ish and takes an hour each way.
Once at the beginning of the track, you can walk as far as you're able in the time you have before the boat returns to Te Anau Downs. We managed to walk 18.5 km in our 4.5 hours on the track. We were back at Te Anau Downs by six, in plenty of time for dinner in Te Anau. Take plenty of water, a camera, rain gear and a picic lunch.
As far as how long to spend in each place in NZ, we've been to NZ 8-9 times now and we've found that a three night minimum in each area works very well for us. That allows us at least two full days in each spot, plus some time here and there on arrival and departure days, depending on how much we've driven or will have to drive on a given "travel day".
Jun 1st, 2008, 04:19 PM
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Guided Milford Track - We did the full guided Milford Track last year starting on November 7. We had spectacular weather (no rain for 4 days and warm temps) and the Mt. Cook lilies were in full bloom coming down from the pass. Perfect hiking weather. Because it was early in their season the guided trip was not full. However the guide mentioned that 2 weeks previous the pass had been snow covered and the week after we were hiking the Routeburn Track in sleet and snow. (If the pass on the Milford Track is closed by snow the guided hikers are helicoptered over it free of charge.)
Even though its termed "guided" you are not walking with a guide unless you really want to. You are given a map (you really don't need it since the track is pretty obvious) and start each day when you're ready. One guide goes with the first hikers and one at the end. There can easily be a couple hours between the first and last hikers by the end of the day. We hiked many a mile without any other hikers visible.
Because the Milford Track is so regulated it is actually extremely pleasant and not as crowded as some would make it out to be. It's a one-way track (except for day-hikers of which we saw none) and the non-guided hikers' huts are about 2-3 miles further along the track each night and everyone moves in synch from hut to hut. So except for the day we crossed the pass, we never even saw the non-guided hikers.
The company that runs the guided hikes have homed the details and overall it was a top-notch hiking experience. You will not regret doing the Milford Track no matter what the weather. It is a life-time experience for hikers.
Having said that, this was our second trip to New Zealand and the first time we took two weeks to tour the South Island. The full guided Milford Track will take about 6 days since there's a "check-in" in Queenstown the day before you start the 5 day/4 night guided trip. That will take up a good bit of your 2 weeks.
If you decide to do the full guided Milford Track, I would recommend you book the hike first and then plan your trip around it.
Even though its termed "guided" you are not walking with a guide unless you really want to. You are given a map (you really don't need it since the track is pretty obvious) and start each day when you're ready. One guide goes with the first hikers and one at the end. There can easily be a couple hours between the first and last hikers by the end of the day. We hiked many a mile without any other hikers visible.
Because the Milford Track is so regulated it is actually extremely pleasant and not as crowded as some would make it out to be. It's a one-way track (except for day-hikers of which we saw none) and the non-guided hikers' huts are about 2-3 miles further along the track each night and everyone moves in synch from hut to hut. So except for the day we crossed the pass, we never even saw the non-guided hikers.
The company that runs the guided hikes have homed the details and overall it was a top-notch hiking experience. You will not regret doing the Milford Track no matter what the weather. It is a life-time experience for hikers.
Having said that, this was our second trip to New Zealand and the first time we took two weeks to tour the South Island. The full guided Milford Track will take about 6 days since there's a "check-in" in Queenstown the day before you start the 5 day/4 night guided trip. That will take up a good bit of your 2 weeks.
If you decide to do the full guided Milford Track, I would recommend you book the hike first and then plan your trip around it.
Jun 1st, 2008, 04:48 PM
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Tongariro Alpine Crossing - This is a one-day hike in Tongariro National Park sometimes referred to as the finest day-hike in New Zealand.
We did this hike in late November last year. There were patches of snow but generally the trail was snow-free. It is a spectacular hike however it is extremely popular. There could easily have been a couple hundred other hikers on the trail with us. Most hikers start within 2-3 hours of each other and hike the same direction since the busses drop off at one end and pick up at the end of the day at the other end.
I'd still highly recommend it as long as you're there for the scenery and not the solitude.
We did this hike in late November last year. There were patches of snow but generally the trail was snow-free. It is a spectacular hike however it is extremely popular. There could easily have been a couple hundred other hikers on the trail with us. Most hikers start within 2-3 hours of each other and hike the same direction since the busses drop off at one end and pick up at the end of the day at the other end.
I'd still highly recommend it as long as you're there for the scenery and not the solitude.
Jun 2nd, 2008, 04:34 PM
#11
Some of my favorite walks/hikes on the SI include:
The Rakaia Gorge Walking Track located just upstream of the Rakaia Gorge Bridge on SH 72, about 75 km from Christchurch.
The Sawpit Gully Trail, which begins near Arrowtown.
The *Mt Crichton/Sam Summers track, located in the Mt Crichton Scenic Reserve just off Glenorchy Road between Wilson Bay and Bob’s Cove.
The Routeburn Track, specifically the portion from The Divide (on the road to Milford) to the top of Key Summit. Awesome views from up there.
The Abel Tasman track from Totaranui towards Whariwharangi Hut (we went as far as Mutton Cove).
The Queen Charlotte Track, specifically the section from Punga Cove to Bay of Many Coves.
The Pororari River Track near Punakaiki.
The Greenstone Track, 12 kms past Kinloch Lodge, near Glenorchy.
The Chalet Lookout Walk near Fox Glacier.
So many walks, so little time...
The Rakaia Gorge Walking Track located just upstream of the Rakaia Gorge Bridge on SH 72, about 75 km from Christchurch.
The Sawpit Gully Trail, which begins near Arrowtown.
The *Mt Crichton/Sam Summers track, located in the Mt Crichton Scenic Reserve just off Glenorchy Road between Wilson Bay and Bob’s Cove.
The Routeburn Track, specifically the portion from The Divide (on the road to Milford) to the top of Key Summit. Awesome views from up there.
The Abel Tasman track from Totaranui towards Whariwharangi Hut (we went as far as Mutton Cove).
The Queen Charlotte Track, specifically the section from Punga Cove to Bay of Many Coves.
The Pororari River Track near Punakaiki.
The Greenstone Track, 12 kms past Kinloch Lodge, near Glenorchy.
The Chalet Lookout Walk near Fox Glacier.
So many walks, so little time...
Jun 3rd, 2008, 11:03 AM
#12
I think I might skip Tongariro (with two weeks, it's better to focus on one Island). It's definitely off the beaten path, and there is a fairly good chance that you won't ever see the peak.
In Christchurch, both Mona Vale and the main Botanic Gardens would be worthwhile, Mona Vale especially if the azaleas and rhodies are in bloom. If you are going in early November you'll be closer to the season. The dates for the Dunedin Rhododendron Festival this year are 30 October to 2 November. I enjoyed going to the private gardens that are part of the event.
I'm sure you are aware than November weather can be VERY changeable and quite windy.
In Christchurch, both Mona Vale and the main Botanic Gardens would be worthwhile, Mona Vale especially if the azaleas and rhodies are in bloom. If you are going in early November you'll be closer to the season. The dates for the Dunedin Rhododendron Festival this year are 30 October to 2 November. I enjoyed going to the private gardens that are part of the event.
I'm sure you are aware than November weather can be VERY changeable and quite windy.
Jun 21st, 2008, 02:54 AM
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If your itinerary includes a stopover in Wellington, then take advantage of the easy but scenically fulfilling walk along the Southern Walkway up Mt. Victoria. On a fine day you will experience fantastic views of New Zealand's Capital city.
I took a photo whilst climbing up this track from the start point at Oriental Bay. See this picture at
http://www.flixya.com/photo/360538/P...on_New_Zealand
It's a very civilised walk, but will give you some marvellous opportunities for photos. If you have energy left by the time you have ascended Mt. Victoria, then continue along the walkway right through to Island Bay on the South coast of Wellington.
From here, you can catch a public bus back to downtown - a memorable day's outing to this wonderful city.
I took a photo whilst climbing up this track from the start point at Oriental Bay. See this picture at
http://www.flixya.com/photo/360538/P...on_New_Zealand
It's a very civilised walk, but will give you some marvellous opportunities for photos. If you have energy left by the time you have ascended Mt. Victoria, then continue along the walkway right through to Island Bay on the South coast of Wellington.
From here, you can catch a public bus back to downtown - a memorable day's outing to this wonderful city.
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