Mikem1313

Hi

We are going to be visiting in Feb/Mar. We will be renting a car on Feb 23 and are planning to be driving to Wellington (arriving on there on the 26th). Then crossing to the SI, I want to be back to see the Ironman in Lake Taupo on the 7th. Is this going to be enough time to see Milford Sound, and Dunedin?? Or do I sacrifce my Ironman spectatorship and spend a couple more days in the South??

We can't leave before Feb. 23 as we are running the Cathay Pacific Half-Marathon in Auckland on the 22nd.

We want to do a few tourist things, (my wife says NO bungy jumping!!) but would mostly just like to visit the country.

Any suggestions are most welcome.

Thanks

Melnq8

Seven or eight days isn't much time to visit the SI, especially as you're beginning way up north and want to go way down south.

If it's the south of the SI that interests you most, you might consider these options:

1) Fly to the SI instead of taking the ferry.

2) Take the ferry from Wellington to Picton, drive to Christchurch and then fly to Dunedin or Queenstown from there.

3) Take the ferry to Picton and then fly to Dunedin or Queenstown from one of the smaller airports north of Christchurch (small planes, limited service)

http://www.southisland-nz.worldweb.c...tion/Airports/

I'd also suggest flying back to the NI from Queenstown or Dunedin and not try to drive a loop of the SI, unless you want to spend most of your time in the car.

This drive distance calculator might be of help:

http://www.accommodationz.co.nz/distances2.html

mlgb

I agree you should just fly straight to the South Island. Assuming you're coming from North America you'll probably be on a flight that gets in early in the morning, so you should be able to get a connection onward the same day. Either Dunedin or Queenstown depending on what you can get (Dunedin seems to be easier to get). Then drive back up to Christchurch, either via the west coast glaciers route or Mt. Cook east of the Southern Alps. From Christchurch you can fly back to the north island. Another way to get back to the NI is to take the combination train/ferry to Wellington from Christchurch.

Jed

I agree with Mel and mlgb that flying to SI would be a good idea, more from AKL and less from Wellington. Why do you want to go to Wellington?

If you are going to fly to SI, My feeling is that it would be better to go to CHC, unless there is some particular reason to go to DUD. That way you would save the drive up the East coast, and have more time to enjoy the West coast with your limited time.

When we arrived at AKL at 5 AM, we went right away to CHC on a 7:30 flight. It turned out very well.

Mikem1313

I guess I should explain. We are visiting my father-in-law in Auckland from the 17th to the 23rd, we are flying into Auckland and departing from there on Mar. 12.

He will be touring us around Auckland and some of the NI from the 17th to the 23rd, then we want to do some touring on our own.

I guess we thought we would see more of the country by driving to Wellington, then taking the ferry to the SI and driving around there. From what you're saying I guess I should look into flying from Auckland to Dunedin and driving from there? BTW we will be camping as much as possible, but I see at least a few nights in other accomodation happening.

I have to say I'm a little overwhelmed right now, but I'm sure it will all work out. When we get a more definite itinerary worked out I will post and ask for feedback. Thanks a lot!!

mlgb

However you work it, I would allow at least 2 weeks on the South Island. Three would be better but you can see a fair amount in two.

If you were planning on seeing albatross and penguins around Dunedin, just make sure that they're not out to sea.

Bushranger

I agree with the others re flying across and to do it from AKL to Christchurch and tour/camp from there and if you plan on a loop across to and down westcoast into Queenstown and out to Milford sound,and back via inland route (alpine/lakes) to CC and you'll have just about used 5-6 days minimum.
Then it's time to decide on whether the Iron Man or more touring is more important, and if the latter, then head up to Nelson region and across on ferry to Wellington and drive/fly back to AKL depending on time and if that's where you'll be leaving from.

Bushranger

Should have added that of course you could do such a loop clockwise too and though still March I'd keep an eye on weather for any fronts blowing in from the SW and make your decision accordingly.