South Island in Feb.
 

We are traveling to the South Island in February. We prefer to travel without reservations so we can adjust our days according to the weather and unplanned discoveries. I am most concerned about areas between larger cities...like when we drive over Arthur's Pass and down the West Coast. I'm not how far we will get the first day (from Christchurch). We like to trek and may do a day hike near the pass. When we get to Franz Joseph we may or may not fly over the glaciers depending on the weather, so it is difficult to know how long we will be there. How risky is it to go without reservations? If too risky, where would be a good location to stay that would give us time to see the sights along the way, yet not give ourselves too much time if the weather is bad.

Also, how long should we plan to stay in TeAnau? We do plan to have reservations there, but I'm not sure how long to make them for. We want to do the boat trip on Milford Sound, go to Doubtful Sound and do a day trek on the Milford Track. Is there anything else that we shouldn't miss? Is it better to access the Routeburn Track for day treks from TeAnau or Glenorchy? What is the best side of the Routeburn Track for a day trek?

What are the best websites, besides purenz, for accommodations? I like purenz, but wondered if I'm getting the full breadth of what's available.

Thanks for your help!
pandr

For the glaciers in Feb, I'd book ahead. Two nights. It's probably the tightest area for accomodations. I would not assume that I'd make it from Christchurch. I would plan on spending the first night around Hokitika or thereabouts. If you get an early start, that way you can go up to the Pancake Rocks or some of the short trails around Porter's Pass.

AA.Co.nz is good for accomodations.

As I've said elsewhere in these forums; don't even think of traveling round the South Island in February without advance reservations. THis is the absolute peak of our tourist season, and you will spend your whole holiday looking for a bed. It will totally spoil your trip.

If you get in now, or at least before the beginning of December, you will have a reasonable choice of accommodation for February. After that you will be picking up the places no one else wants.

There is quite limited accomodation on the West Coast, particularly in Fox and Franz. Wanaka, Queenstown and Te Anau have more, but they also have more visitors.

If you are intending to do any of the major tracks (Milford, Kepler, Routburn, Hump Ridge) you will have to decide now, and book it. Day walks can be booked at short notice. These go a short way up the track, and return the same day. (The limiting factor on all these tracks is the overnight accommodation)

Just for future reference; the best time to visit NZ if you don't want to pre-book is from now until December 24th. THe weather is fairly good, slightly cooler than later in the year, but still nice. We have just started daylight saving today, so now we have the long evenings. It'll get dark about 8.30 tonight, and by January it will still be light at 11pm. This is the best time of the year, and we wait all year for it.

The drive to Franz Joseph in a day is a big one. You are best to stop in Hokitika and then do a trip up to the pancake rocks. Booking is best as this is still the busy season. But if you like a bit of adventure no need to book. Go to Milford sound and do the boat trip. In Doubtful Sound you can swim with dolphins. You will enjoy.
Cheers, Dougie
www.newzealandatoz.com

Hi,

Totally agree with VBCA; travelling during peak season to areas with limited accommodations is just asking for trouble! The same holds true for top attractions / tours / walks, etc.

I had clients this year try for Milford Track six months in advance and it was booked.

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Kiwi Specialist