South New Zealand Driving itinerary=please comment
 

Arrive Christchurch p.m.-1 nt
CHristchurch-Oamaru 1nt
Oamaru-Dunedin 1 nt
Dunedin-Te Anau 2 or 3 nights?
Te Anau to Queenstown 2 or 3 nights?
Queentown to Twizel/Lake Tekapo 1 night-which one?
Twizel to Christchurch to connec to AUK

should we spend an extra night in Christchurch or Auckland?
Coming from San Diego-thanks!!!!

Now I'm wondering-should we skip the EAst Coast and start in QT and do more of the WEst Coast and then Arthur's pass back to Christchurch?

Hi daisee -

I like your second idea better than your first. The drive along the east coast from Christchurch to Oamaru is the least scenic drive on the entire SI as far as I'm concerned.

What specifically are you interested in? Knowing this will help contributors give you more ideas.

It's also difficult to tell how many nights you have to work with - 8 or 10?

got my flights booked-so actually 11. I think we should do Arthur's pass from Christchurch, into QT area/Te Anau and then back through Mt. Cook area? thanks!

The route you're suggesting is pretty standard for first time visitors, making a loop of sorts.

Christchurch-Arthur's Pass-West Coast (glaciers)-QT-Te Anau--Wanaka-Mt Cook-Christchurch.

The issue of course is driving distance and time.

I've found this travel distance/time calculator pretty accurate, but it doesn't take into account all the potential stops. It should give you an idea of what to expect anyway:

http://www.aatravel.co.nz/main/td-calculator.php