chris007

I am travelling from Ontario Canada to Christchurch next week to meet my daughter who will be arriving from Perth. She attends Murdoch University--one year left until she comes home. (Hard to believe, but our flights arrive within 5 minutes of each other!!) I need a little help with planning. We are staying one week in Christchurch. She will be doing a volunteer veterinary placement there. I will be doing some sightseeing on my own while she works. Any advice on things not to miss in the area? After this, we were planning on taking the TransAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, then renting a car and travelling south on the west coast, taking in Milford Sound, Queenstown etc. Here's were I get stuck: we have 8 nights, and travel back to Perth from Christchurch. What would be the best route and how long should we spend in each place? Should we book hotels in advance? Thanks for the help, can't wait to visit New Zealand.

katrinab

My husband and I did a road trip in the South Island area you're planning on a few months ago. It was a great time! From Greymouth we drove to the glaciers and stayed in Haast, through Wanaka and Queenstown, up to Mt Cook, and then back to Christchurch. We only had a week and drove the whole thing (starting in Christchurch) so we didn't have time for Milford Sound but I here it's amazing. We typically spent one night in each place and did not book ahead but that was in low season so not sure what the situation is now. More info and pics in New Zealand post at http://patrinadoestheglobe.blogspot.com/

Have a great trip!

kiwi_rob

Hi, Chris.
I would suggest that you consider picking up the car in Christchurch, stay the first night in Punakaiki and second night at the glaciers, and then do your Wanaka, etc, itinerary from there. The TransAlpine is ok, but the scenery to be enjoyed from the road on the trip over Arthurs Pass is just as good, and travelling in your own car gives much more flexibility for stopping as you want.
At this time of year, some advance bookings would be advisable.
Rob.

jamesexton_1

It of course depends on what you are into,the culture and history of cities and people, or visual sightseeing. A week in Christchurch will give you a great opportunity to achieve the former and to visit Akaroa about 85km.away. I would suggest a full day tour there including a cruise to see or swim with the Hector dolphins.Akaroa is a quaint French village steeped in early N.Z. history. Don't miss Akaroa.Then there are all the typical city things in Christchurch, museum, Antartic Centre,casino, National Marae,great restaurants, and most of all great walks.
Your other 8 nights now become a matter of choice.I would drive the loop from Christchurch over Arthur's Pass.The whole circuit will be a very picturesque drive with lots of short stops to explore local attractions, however don,t miss Fox or Franz Josef glacier,a cruise on either Milford or Doubtful Sounds ( if its in your budget an overnight cruise is a must).When staying in Queenstown I stayed at a quaint village Arrowtown about 20 minutes drive away.Highly recommended. Lots to do in this area and probably needs 2 nights. I haven't been to Mt. Cook or Lake Tekapo so can't comment there but if you get time and can return via Dunedin that city is a must especially if you have Scottish heritage.If you do get to Dunedin the railway tour is a must, Taieri Gorge Railway.It is a 4 hour excursion and one of the great train rides.
You will trully love N.Z. as I do, having skipped over "The Ditch" from Australia 5 times now.

Melnq8

Hi chris007 -

Regarding what to see and do while in Christchurch...

If you'll have a car, I suggest you thoroughly explore Banks Peninsula (in addition to the township of Akaroa as mentioned above). If you enjoy hiking, you'll want to check out Onawe Peninsula, site of an early Maori tribal massacre. This is an excellent walk along a thin section of land protruding into the bay, offering fantastic views. The trail begins in Duvauchelle, about a 10 minute drive from Akaroa township.

The Pohatu Marine Reserve offers good penguin tours, where you can see little blues and white flippered penguins - you can book a tour at the Akaroa visitor's center.

Also on the peninsula, you'll find Otepatatu Scenic Reserve, which has a great trail to the top of Bluff Viewpoint and Laverick’s Peak (short, about 1.1 mile) - spectacular 360 degree views from the top.

Barry’s Bay Cheese and the French Farm Winery are also interesting stops.

The Rakaia Gorge Walking Track located just upstream of the Rakaia Gorge Bridge on SH 72, about 75 km from Christchurch is a gem. Even if you don't want to hike, driving there just to see the gorge is very much worth the time. They offer jet boat rides through the gorge too.

Sumner and the port town of Lyttelton, both very near Christchurch, also make nice day trips and offer loads of views and walks.

If you enjoy wine, you might want to explore the Waipara Wine Region, which is about 40 minutes north of Christchurch.

Details here:

http://www.waiparawine.co.nz/

As you can see, there's loads to do!

As for the rest of the SI, I have several very detailed trip reports posted here on Fodor's. If interested, just click on my screen name and scroll down to my trip reports to take a look.

Incidentially, I live in Perth and have just returned from an ill fated volunteer turtle tagging adventure on Barrow Island where I met a great group from Murdoch.

chris007

Thanks to everyone for all the great info. I will get to work now planning our trip. Will take the advice about driving rather than the train--it makes everything easier. Cheers!