New Zealand South Island: What is INCREDIBLEand what is OVERRATED?
Aug 25th, 2006, 11:35 AM
#1
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New Zealand South Island: What is INCREDIBLEand what is OVERRATED?
I am inviting all you amazing fodorites who have been to New Zealand to vote for your 2 favorite INCREDIBLE spots in New Zealand, and the 2 spots you feel are OVERRATED? Please tell us WHY? I love details!
I am planning our 25th anniversary trip to awesome New Zealand for February 2007. We will have 2 weeks to spend on the south island. (13 nights in New Zealand, 1 night on the plane.) Flying out of San Diego or LAX.
When I start planning a trip I get a really good "feel" for a country when I hear what turned other people on and what disappointed them. Then I can figure out what we would love most too.
I am reading my Fodors New Zealand 2006, but it's so fat...and I gotta start booking in October for our February trip!
WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! I am very excited.
I should tell you we had a whirlwind trip through New Zealand, north and south island, over 20 years ago, spending only 1 night in each place as we were young and crazy. This trip will be much slower...I only want to select a few special places to linger...
Thanks for your vote!
I love to hear
I am planning our 25th anniversary trip to awesome New Zealand for February 2007. We will have 2 weeks to spend on the south island. (13 nights in New Zealand, 1 night on the plane.) Flying out of San Diego or LAX.
When I start planning a trip I get a really good "feel" for a country when I hear what turned other people on and what disappointed them. Then I can figure out what we would love most too.
I am reading my Fodors New Zealand 2006, but it's so fat...and I gotta start booking in October for our February trip!
WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! I am very excited.
I should tell you we had a whirlwind trip through New Zealand, north and south island, over 20 years ago, spending only 1 night in each place as we were young and crazy. This trip will be much slower...I only want to select a few special places to linger...
Thanks for your vote!
I love to hear
Aug 25th, 2006, 04:37 PM
#4
At the risk of getting lynched by others on this board, the most overrated spot in NZ for me (and my husband agrees) is Milford Sound. The road to Milford is GORGEOUS but the sound and cruise itself just didn't do much for us (we've been twice now thinking maybe we missed something the first time). Caveat: It rained both times and we couldn't see a thing. And no, waterfalls are no substitute for clear weather.
My favorite spots in NZ are in the north of the SI - Golden Bay, Ruby Bay & Marlborough Sounds (yeah, I know that's three).
The walking tracks in NZ are incredible and walking is our favorite activity in NZ.
My favorite spots in NZ are in the north of the SI - Golden Bay, Ruby Bay & Marlborough Sounds (yeah, I know that's three).
The walking tracks in NZ are incredible and walking is our favorite activity in NZ.
Aug 25th, 2006, 10:15 PM
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i am sitting in Blenheim as we speak. So far Doubtful Sound and Elm Tour in Dunedin are favorites. We had arranged for Milford Sound and the road was closed so switched, we are so thankful the road was closed! Also skiing in Queenstown way better than expected. As for overrated, Kaikoura and the town of Te Anau, don't plan any more time than you need to just to do your tours.
Aug 25th, 2006, 10:34 PM
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On our last trip to the South Island two years ago, we stopped overnight at Endeavour Heights B & B in Kaikoura and it was a real highlight of our trip. The house was lovely with a magnificent view of the Seaward Kaikoura mountains and the ocean. We didn't have time for a whale watching trip but even so I wouldn't have missed that view! From there we drove to Nelson where we stayed at Harbour View apartments - another fantastic view. We drove to Abel Tasman National Park and caught a water taxi from Kaiteriteri to the last beach before Awaroa Lodge and walked to the lodge for lunch. That was such a great day! Back at the apartment we sat in the spa and watched the sun go down over the mountains in the distance.
Aug 25th, 2006, 10:43 PM
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This is interesting. Everybody likes different places. One person's "incredible" is another person's "overrated".
Tim and Liz: You picked the FJ Glacier...did you walk or do the helihike? And is Milford Road the road to Milford Sound?
Melnq8: You picked Golden & Ruby Bay and Marlbarough Sound...Okay you only get 2 so take one off. (Kidding!
) Why do you like the north of the south island? Also, we like scenic hikes, and my husband is a biologist so he likes to see native flora and fauna. Do you recommend any particular hikes which take no longer than 2 or 3 hours round trip?
renforth1 and kaski4: Now because of you 2 I gotta take a closer look at Kaikoura and see what I think of it! I am curious. I haven't heard of the Queen Charlotte Track yet, I will look into that...
No lynching allowed! I love hearing everybody's reactions. If it's your favorite, or if you were disappointed, I like to know why. (Really gives me a well-rounded glimpse of a country that way.)
Anybody else have a vote? Thanks!
Tim and Liz: You picked the FJ Glacier...did you walk or do the helihike? And is Milford Road the road to Milford Sound?
Melnq8: You picked Golden & Ruby Bay and Marlbarough Sound...Okay you only get 2 so take one off. (Kidding!
) Why do you like the north of the south island? Also, we like scenic hikes, and my husband is a biologist so he likes to see native flora and fauna. Do you recommend any particular hikes which take no longer than 2 or 3 hours round trip?renforth1 and kaski4: Now because of you 2 I gotta take a closer look at Kaikoura and see what I think of it! I am curious. I haven't heard of the Queen Charlotte Track yet, I will look into that...
No lynching allowed! I love hearing everybody's reactions. If it's your favorite, or if you were disappointed, I like to know why. (Really gives me a well-rounded glimpse of a country that way.)
Anybody else have a vote? Thanks!
Aug 26th, 2006, 12:33 AM
#9
Melissa -
If it's any help, I've never heard anyone say anything bad about Doubtful Sound.
I like the north of the SI because it's less frequented by tourists. No tour buses, yet plenty to see and do and somehow it's easier to commune with the locals. Many tourists never get much further north than Nelson, and even fewer go as far as Collingwood and Farewell Spit, which is literally the end of the road. I suspect the reason is lack of time for most - not enough time to do it all, so they opt for the "must sees" and highlights. That's certainly what we did our first visit, but since then we've found some real gems on the roads less traveled.
I mentioned some hikes on your other threads. Although many tracks in NZ are of the multi-day variety, we like to walk a track in about 2 hours and then turn back. When possible, we do this from both ends (Like Abel Tasman).
One of my favorite walks is the Queen Charlotte Track - it takes 3-4 days to walk the whole track, but you can take a water taxi to several points along the track, walk for a few hours, then take a water taxi back. You have to make bookings, and follow the taxi's timetable, but it's easy enough to do.
Here's an excerpt from my 2005 trip report regarding such a walk:
--------
The following morning we were picked up by the water taxi and taken to Ship Cove, one of the starting points for the Queen Charlotte Track. Once there, we decided to let the other walkers on the boat get a head start, so we detoured to the waterfall, an easy walk that took about 30 minutes. We were accompanied by a friendly fantail, a bird that follows trampers because they stir up insects as they walk.
After checking out the Captain Cook Monument and with no other walkers in sight, we began the Queen Charlotte Track. The first 45 minutes of the walk were uphill, but we were rewarded with some awesome views once we reached the lookout. We continued on to Resolution Bay, which has a small shop offering coffee and muffins to walkers who want to take a break. It was closed, so we didn’t stop.
We both liked this walk; it was really diverse, with meadows, virgin forest and incredible views of Cook Strait and Resolution Bay from the ridgeline.
We’d made arrangements to meet the taxi at Furneaux Lodge at 3. The plan was to stop at Furneaux for lunch before catching the taxi back to The Bay of Many Coves. We thought we’d have plenty of time, but we were wrong. We knew we were in trouble when we saw a sign indicating Furneaux was 25 minutes away at the same time we heard our taxi heading towards the pier.
We made a mad dash to catch our taxi, arriving at Furneaux exactly at 3 o’clock. The taxi arrived early and left five minutes after we boarded. Guess we shouldn’t have taken the waterfall track! The 15 km walk took us 4 hours and 15 minutes including many stops to admire the view.
Our friendly boat captain pointed out areas of interest on the return journey. He also spotted some dolphins and detoured so we could see them.
-------
If it's any help, I've never heard anyone say anything bad about Doubtful Sound.
I like the north of the SI because it's less frequented by tourists. No tour buses, yet plenty to see and do and somehow it's easier to commune with the locals. Many tourists never get much further north than Nelson, and even fewer go as far as Collingwood and Farewell Spit, which is literally the end of the road. I suspect the reason is lack of time for most - not enough time to do it all, so they opt for the "must sees" and highlights. That's certainly what we did our first visit, but since then we've found some real gems on the roads less traveled.
I mentioned some hikes on your other threads. Although many tracks in NZ are of the multi-day variety, we like to walk a track in about 2 hours and then turn back. When possible, we do this from both ends (Like Abel Tasman).
One of my favorite walks is the Queen Charlotte Track - it takes 3-4 days to walk the whole track, but you can take a water taxi to several points along the track, walk for a few hours, then take a water taxi back. You have to make bookings, and follow the taxi's timetable, but it's easy enough to do.
Here's an excerpt from my 2005 trip report regarding such a walk:
--------
The following morning we were picked up by the water taxi and taken to Ship Cove, one of the starting points for the Queen Charlotte Track. Once there, we decided to let the other walkers on the boat get a head start, so we detoured to the waterfall, an easy walk that took about 30 minutes. We were accompanied by a friendly fantail, a bird that follows trampers because they stir up insects as they walk.
After checking out the Captain Cook Monument and with no other walkers in sight, we began the Queen Charlotte Track. The first 45 minutes of the walk were uphill, but we were rewarded with some awesome views once we reached the lookout. We continued on to Resolution Bay, which has a small shop offering coffee and muffins to walkers who want to take a break. It was closed, so we didn’t stop.
We both liked this walk; it was really diverse, with meadows, virgin forest and incredible views of Cook Strait and Resolution Bay from the ridgeline.
We’d made arrangements to meet the taxi at Furneaux Lodge at 3. The plan was to stop at Furneaux for lunch before catching the taxi back to The Bay of Many Coves. We thought we’d have plenty of time, but we were wrong. We knew we were in trouble when we saw a sign indicating Furneaux was 25 minutes away at the same time we heard our taxi heading towards the pier.
We made a mad dash to catch our taxi, arriving at Furneaux exactly at 3 o’clock. The taxi arrived early and left five minutes after we boarded. Guess we shouldn’t have taken the waterfall track! The 15 km walk took us 4 hours and 15 minutes including many stops to admire the view.
Our friendly boat captain pointed out areas of interest on the return journey. He also spotted some dolphins and detoured so we could see them.
-------
Aug 26th, 2006, 02:56 PM
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Incredibles on the South Island (and places we need to return to so we can spend more time) would be driving the Southern Scenic Highway, especially through the Catlins. Also the Milford Sound Road and the road from Haast to Wanaka. If you want an incredible place to stay in Fox Glacier, we stumbled onto the Te Waheke Inn. VERY comfortable rooms, friendly owner, great lounge with fireplace, etc. Also in Fox Glacier I loved Cafe Neve for dinner.
Our kiwi friend asked us what "didn't work" for us on our trip and we really couldn't think of a thing. The weather was a bit cold and rainy while we were in Te Anau, but that can't be planned for. We enjoyed Milford Sound even if it was a bit drizzly and did get some beautiful pictures.
Hope this helps. You will have a wonderful 25th anniversary there. We plan to return in the summer sometime. Kept running out of daylight
!
Our kiwi friend asked us what "didn't work" for us on our trip and we really couldn't think of a thing. The weather was a bit cold and rainy while we were in Te Anau, but that can't be planned for. We enjoyed Milford Sound even if it was a bit drizzly and did get some beautiful pictures.
Hope this helps. You will have a wonderful 25th anniversary there. We plan to return in the summer sometime. Kept running out of daylight
!
Aug 26th, 2006, 08:45 PM
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Absolutely wonderful; Glenorchy. The beech forest, the native balck robins , the possum shop, the double barrelled walk which only takes about half an hour in the most beautiful forest I have ever seen. Dappled light on long moss. Just wonderful.
Another walk. The Rob Roy Glacier in Wanaka. You dirve for about half an hour up the side of the lake and then walk.
Overrated : Queenstown. It is beautiful but not really like NZ , very touristy. That the only place I can think of that is overrated because I loved all the places above that other people did not.
Another walk. The Rob Roy Glacier in Wanaka. You dirve for about half an hour up the side of the lake and then walk.
Overrated : Queenstown. It is beautiful but not really like NZ , very touristy. That the only place I can think of that is overrated because I loved all the places above that other people did not.
Aug 26th, 2006, 08:49 PM
#12
Incredible: Milford Sound (I had good weather and stayed overnight at the Lodge)..view of Mitre Peak at sunrise.
Lake Tekapo with the sun on it, late afternoon, glowing turquoise color.
Overrated: Queenstown. Too much development along the lakefront and congested downtown.
East Cape. Not sure, just disappointed for the effort and expense required.
Underappreciated: Invercargill. See "World Fastest Indian". Loved the museum, golf, Dee Street shops, friendly people, and whitebait fritters.
Lake Tekapo with the sun on it, late afternoon, glowing turquoise color.
Overrated: Queenstown. Too much development along the lakefront and congested downtown.
East Cape. Not sure, just disappointed for the effort and expense required.
Underappreciated: Invercargill. See "World Fastest Indian". Loved the museum, golf, Dee Street shops, friendly people, and whitebait fritters.
Aug 27th, 2006, 12:03 AM
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I am getting excited reading what you all have shared!>
< Keep it coming if anybody wants to add on!
I'll be back to pester you all for more details. This is helping so much! Besides, it is fun.
I now have 2 travel books...Fodors (fat) and the AAA spiral guidebook (skinny). Now you all are giving me lots of places to dream about and research. I love the fact that I can add both "Must-See" places to my "maybe" list, and also less-visited places are being mentioned.
We love to plan trips where we can get off the beaten track for a bit, as well as see some of those Must-Sees.
I need to figure out if 2 weeks is enough time to see things on the north side of the south island, as well as those places on the south side of the south island...oh gee whiz, the east side of the south island sounds amazing too...not to mention the west side...Okay there aren't any ugly places on the south island I think!
< Keep it coming if anybody wants to add on!I'll be back to pester you all for more details. This is helping so much! Besides, it is fun.
I now have 2 travel books...Fodors (fat) and the AAA spiral guidebook (skinny). Now you all are giving me lots of places to dream about and research. I love the fact that I can add both "Must-See" places to my "maybe" list, and also less-visited places are being mentioned.
We love to plan trips where we can get off the beaten track for a bit, as well as see some of those Must-Sees.
I need to figure out if 2 weeks is enough time to see things on the north side of the south island, as well as those places on the south side of the south island...oh gee whiz, the east side of the south island sounds amazing too...not to mention the west side...Okay there aren't any ugly places on the south island I think!
Aug 27th, 2006, 02:06 AM
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Overrated - Queenstown - but then if you want to bungy jump or jet boat you might love it!!
Milford Sound was so-so.
Loved - day walk Queen Charlotte's Track; Stewart Island; seeing the Haast River in flood; Greymouth to Christchurch by train; and Wai-o-tapu outside Rotorua.
Milford Sound was so-so.
Loved - day walk Queen Charlotte's Track; Stewart Island; seeing the Haast River in flood; Greymouth to Christchurch by train; and Wai-o-tapu outside Rotorua.
Aug 27th, 2006, 12:00 PM
#16
Hi Melissa5, I'm excited for you!
East Cape is the coastal area around the far east end of the North Island, north from Gisborne.
I can't help with the "romantic" accomodation part of your question as well as some other posters, but I have found some nice B&B's using the website bnb.co.nz. Looking at the photos on the site helps, pick the ones with the best views that otherwise meet your needs. Views are romantic, I think!
East Cape is the coastal area around the far east end of the North Island, north from Gisborne.
I can't help with the "romantic" accomodation part of your question as well as some other posters, but I have found some nice B&B's using the website bnb.co.nz. Looking at the photos on the site helps, pick the ones with the best views that otherwise meet your needs. Views are romantic, I think!
Aug 29th, 2006, 04:02 PM
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Incredible on the south island???
The cruise on Doubtful Sound and also the Elmwildlife tour to see the penguins . the tour leaves from Dunedin. Seeing the penguins was a real thrill for me.
Overrated? The town of Queenstown. it's a very touristy town full of booking agents . If you want to book any outdoor thrill seeking activities, I'd only stop long enough to book activities. I'd far rather stay at Wanaka.
Also underrated, the absolutely stunning drive down the west coast. It is all amazing.
NOt too many overrated, many increduble sites.
Now don't get me started on the north?
The cruise on Doubtful Sound and also the Elmwildlife tour to see the penguins . the tour leaves from Dunedin. Seeing the penguins was a real thrill for me.
Overrated? The town of Queenstown. it's a very touristy town full of booking agents . If you want to book any outdoor thrill seeking activities, I'd only stop long enough to book activities. I'd far rather stay at Wanaka.
Also underrated, the absolutely stunning drive down the west coast. It is all amazing.
NOt too many overrated, many increduble sites.
Now don't get me started on the north?
Aug 29th, 2006, 11:48 PM
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I actually did not find anything in the South Island overated. Prague and Dubrovnik yes, but they are not in New Zealand. Thought the drive from Te Anu to Milford and the drive from Queenstown up the west coast was spectacular.
