Hubby and I need a no driving lazy day somewhere in the middle of our 10 day South Island adventure. We were initially thinking of spending it near Lake Hawea, but now I am drawn to the Hokitika area on the west coast. So far our itinerary is as follows:

Dec. 2-11, 2009
Day 1 - Queenstown
Day 2 - Te Anau
Day 3 - Milford Sound
Day 4 - Milford Sound
Day 5 - Drive from MS to Hawea, stopping in Queenstown for afternoon of parasailing
Day 6 - Lazy day on Lake Hawea
Day 7 - Drive from Lake Hawea to Hokitika
Day 8 - Hanmer Springs
Day 9 - Akoroa
Day 10 - Christchurch

Should we have our lazy day on day 6 as planned or day 7 instead in Hokitika. We are staying in budget backpackers. Right now we have booked two nights at the Lake Hawea Motor Inn and one night at Birdsong in Hokitika. Any reviews on these two would be helpful. Thanks for your advice.

Rachel

How about Wanaka? On day five, you could drive to Wanaka instead of Lake Hawea, spend the night there and then have the next day to laze about. There's more to in in Wanaka than in Lake Hawea, and they both have a lake.

Milford Sound to Wanaka will take you about 5.5 hours of driving, but its a wee bit closer than Lake Hawea.

Several hostels in Wanaka:

This one is lakeside:

http://www.wanakabakpaka.co.nz/

http://www.yha.co.nz/Hostels/South+I...nakaPurpleCow/

http://www.stayatbase.com/base-backp...wanaka-hostel/

http://www.wanakabackpackers.co.nz/

http://www.accommodation.nz.com/wanaka/backpacker/

Thanks! I'll look into those. I need to make a decision fast though....we are leaving on Monday! Anyone else suggest Wanaka instead of Hawea or Hokitika?

I think Wanaka would definitely be better than Lake Hawea and Hokitika. Even a day at Arrowtown would be nice. Not far frpm Queenstown.

Yes I think that general area of Wanaka-Queenstown-Arrowtown would be better. If you like wine/food I think I might go with the Arrowtown suggestion (no lakeviews but a cute town with some nice easy walks and great restaurants).

I'm a bit lukewarm on Wanaka but it is on a lake...but I think the views from Queenstown are nicer. I might pick that over Wanaka and do something like the TSS Earnslaw cruise.

Thanks for your replies. I'm looking into the backpackers in Wanaka. We aren't really into wine so I don't think staying in Arrowtown would be good for us. We really want to just lay around if it's a nice day....we're really hoping for good weather. It seems a bit chilly there right now huh? We aren't staying in Queenstown simply because we don't want our day of driving to Hokitika to be that much longer. OK back to looking for the perfect place to stay and relax!

Ok so any good Bed and Breakfasts or Home Stays that are a little more cozy than Backpackers? I did book a lakeview double ensuite room at the Purple Cow ($180 NZD for two nights). BUT I'd prefer something more "romantic" or "home-y" if possible for around the same price. Any suggestions there?

I had the perfect place for you Rachel, but it seems they've closed their doors.

I've not stayed here, but The Moorings gets good feedback here on Fodor's. I'm not sure of their rates.

Here's a link to a few other possibilities on Wotif.com, but most are more expensive than the hostels. It's worth a look though.

http://www.wotif.com/hotels/new-zeal...ka-hotels.html

Good luck.

Mel- Thanks again for all your help. I browsed quickly and they do seem to be a bit our of our price range. I guess the Purple Cow will have to do....

Rachel

I would browse bnb.co.nz for homestays in Wanaka, I'll bet there are some with a lake view for less than what you've booked.

The one I've used isn't listed either!

Just spent a month on the SI and stayed at the Lakeview Motel in Wanaka.
http://www.lakeviewmotel.co.nz/lakeview_home.html

Great view overlooking the lake, short walk into town, and very helpful hosts.

Thanks for the suggestions! I can't believe we leave tomorrow!!